TOP 5 best exercise machines for the home that really work
Sports prolong your life and energize you with cheerfulness and positivity. To maintain good shape, it is not necessary to constantly visit the gym. Why not buy a personal exercise machine for self-study? Let's take a look at the most popular options: an exercise bike, an ellipsoid, a treadmill, and a rowing machine.
A little bit about everything, from general to specific
To begin with, a few general rules. All of these types belong to cardio machines; that is, they not only train different muscle groups and help you lose weight, they also strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Each of these groups of simulators has mechanical, magnetic (inertial), and electromagnetic models. The first ones are manually regulated; the second ones can be manually controlled and electric; and the third ones work only from the mains. Manual mechanical models are easy to operate and low-cost, but they do not give you a choice in the load, require effort, and work too noisily. Magnetic simulators are more comfortable to use, but they wear out quickly and cannot offer invariance in training. The most convenient, advanced, and quiet devices in operation are magnetic or electric ones. There are no limits to perfection here.
So, let's talk more about each of them.
Exercise bikes
A classic choice for home fitness is an imitation of a bicycle. There are compact models without a steering wheel that fold. By type, they are divided into vertical and horizontal models, as well as reclining classes. But it is worth knowing that the latter take up too much space and have a lower load. The beauty of exercise bikes, especially electric ones, is that they are suitable for people with even the weakest physical fitness and a lot of weight.
Of the mechanical ones, the most budget-friendly and simple are belt simulators. Their display is powered by finger batteries. Pedals rotate the flywheel with a strong belt. As an adjustment, the switch on the hand rest is used. The higher the load, the closer the belt contacts the flywheel.
Exercise bikes with a magnetic load are powered by a flywheel that rotates between two magnets. By the way, they provide the desired level of training by approaching or moving away from it. Such simulators have several modes of operation and are able to control the pulse rate. However, you should not expect them to be particularly accurate in their measurements.
The most advanced ones relate to the electromagnetic loading system. They are distinguished by their accuracy in calculating cardio load, the ability to measure heart rate, calories burned, and other indicators. In addition to the price, there are practically no disadvantages to exercise bikes from this series. The most intelligent bike simulator in this series is the veloergometer. It is able to control the speed, calculate an accurate cardio load, create its own programs, and analyze the state of the body. However, such a miracle takes up too much space and is very expensive.
When buying any model, please check whether there is a seat adjustment not only in height but also in distance from the steering wheel. If not, check in practice how comfortable you are sitting. Well, focus on the weight of the heaviest user when choosing.
Average prices for exercise bikes: belt ones — from $80 and above; magnetic ones — from $170 and above; electromagnetic ones—from $420 and up to infinity.
Elliptical trainer
An elliptical trainer is a hybrid of a treadmill, exercise bike, and stepper. It is safe and does not put a shock load on the joints and spine. It engages all the main muscles, helps you quickly get in shape, and it is much easier to practice on it than on a treadmill. This is especially valuable for older and physically challenged users, including heavyweights.
However, at the first stage, the movements will be unusual because the legs describe the trajectory of an ellipse. But such gentle movements gently load the back and joints. The ellipse is powered by a heavy flywheel. By the way, the optimal weight for a home simulator is 10–20 kg. The larger the metal disc, the smoother the pitch.
On rear-wheel-drive models, the flywheel is positioned behind the user. Such ellipsoids are stable and compact. A great option for people of short and slightly above-average height. When practicing, you will have to lean slightly forward. For tall athletes, front-wheel-drive simulators are preferable. They have a more natural pedal stroke and no additional stress on the joints. There are also folding ellipses, but you shouldn't expect much from them.
Mechanical belt simulators are cheap, they usually have a program controller located on the front rack or not, and the choice of loads is minimal. They don't need a network. You should not expect a smooth and quiet ride from them, either. Magnetic ellipsoids on manual control are equipped with a softer ride and an improved braking system but can not offer more than 6–10 base loads. Often equipped with a battery-powered display.
Electronic ellipses need to be connected to electricity; they are equipped with a control panel where you can select training programs and track body parameters. The more expensive the model, the more powerful the computer attached to it. They work quietly, delight with the smoothness of the step, and allow you to train with minimal and advanced loads, simulating calm walking, uphill climbing, or cross-country running.
To install an ellipsoid, you need a flat surface or a special mat. When choosing, you should focus on the user's height and take into account the step length of the simulator (or choose a model with an adjustable step). Another indicator is the weight of the trainee. To make the device last longer, you should choose a model with a margin of +20–30 kg from the available data.
Average prices for ellipsoids: belt ones —from $200 and above; magnetic ones — from $220 and above; electromagnetic ones—from $400 and up to infinity.
Treadmill
Another classic simulator. Mechanical tracks work at the expense of the runner, which pushes the canvas itself, which is located at an inclination. They allow you to develop muscles and joints well, but they do not imitate running on the street, only brisk walking. In addition, they put too much load on the legs. You should not expect much adjustment from them.
Magnetic tracks run smoother, do not rattle, and are inexpensive. However, they quickly fail and only have a few programs.
Electric simulators are accelerated by an electric motor. They can work with different angles of inclination and simulate calm walking, fast walking, and running, including on hilly terrain. Such tracks are characterized by good shock absorption and dampen shock energy. They are accompanied by computers with various functions, from the simplest to the most complex. These can include sensors, including an analyzer of fat, water, calories burned, and medical indicators such as pulse and blood pressure. There are dozens of on-board programs with individual load calculations, plus the ability to sync with mobile devices so that you can enjoy music and watch videos during classes.
When buying a treadmill, you need to choose the size of the canvas, taking into account the height, weight, and step width, so that the classes are held comfortably. The engine power should be at least 1.7 horsepower, which promises acceleration to 16 km/h. Lower scores are only allowed if the runner weighs less than 80 kg. The incline angle that simulates an uphill climb improves the quality of cardio training. It is standard for home fitness centers to choose models with the ability to change the slope by at least 10°.
If the room for installing the simulator is not too spacious, you can choose a track with a folding mechanism.
Average prices for treadmills: economy-class belt treadmills, from $150 and above; magnetic treadmills, from $250 and above; electromagnetic treadmills, from $300 and up to infinity.
Rowing machine
An excellent sports option because it provides an excellent cardio load and makes almost all the muscles work. At the same time, it is versatile, suitable for everyone, and does not put too much stress on the back and knees. The main difference between such simulators is the type of deadlift.
Mechanical with hydraulic load — the simplest and most economical version of the simulator. Resistance is created by springs, but the load in them varies minimally, and movements require a greater application of force. The Scandinavian deadlift is found in simulators with two separate paddles. It actively engages the back muscles, simulating rowing. Without basic knowledge, you will not be able to work on such a device.
For beginners, simulators with central traction are more suitable. The user holds on to the handle attached to the cable with both hands and pulls back into the seat. As a result, the muscles work symmetrically, and the movements are smooth. There are also models with air traction (aerodynamic). They are powered by a fan, designed for advanced athletes, and take up a lot of space.
And yet, the most popular versions are magnetic and electromagnetic. They are quite quiet and more comfortable in terms of home training. Moreover, the presence of a computer and an Internet connection in the second case promises exciting workouts.
Another professional option is a simulator with water resistance. They even imitate the sound of oars hitting the water. The most expensive options are distinguished by a chic design; their bodies can be made of wood. But the size and complexity of maintenance make them unsuitable for installation in ordinary apartments. And the water must be changed at least once a year.
As with other simulators, the choice should take into account the number of users and the quality of the settings. Is there a convenient height adjustment for the foot rest, rowing levers, and seat height? Folding models are also available for sale.
Average prices for rowing simulators: Scandinavian traction — from $130 and above; hydraulic traction and magnetic — from $250; aerodynamic — from $400 and above; water — from $420; and electromagnetic—from $650 and up to infinity.
TRX
And finally, the fifth option is the bonus option. About such people, they say "small but good". The author of this invention is former Marine Corps commander Randy Hetrick, who in the mid-1990s came up with a very compact and effective device from improvised materials.
TRX (total body resistance exercise): just adjustable straps made of durable nylon with handles for the palms and loops for the feet. They allow you to train anywhere—on the street, at home, or in the gym. If only there was something to attach the simulator to.
This device allows you to perform a whole range of exercises: pull-ups, push-ups, squats, twists on the press, and much more. Moreover, any movement requires additional effort to maintain balance. This adds mindfulness to your activities, boosts your vestibular system, and burns a lot of calories.
When buying a TRX, you need to check the length of the slings (it is best to take adjustable ones) and the quality of the carabiner and fasteners — they must be made of durable material. Well, it is recommended for home classes to look for models with door fasteners. Unless, of course, there is a horizontal bar or a Swedish wall at home. The handles must also be reliable and have an anti-slip function. And, of course, do not forget about the weight of the athlete.
For home fitness, you can choose a simplified model that costs about $100. It differs from the more expensive ones in that it can withstand no more than 180 kg, and the simpler material of the handles is foamed polyurethane instead of special rubber. By the way, simplified analogs of TRX can be found in online stores and for 2000. And the average price for a TRX simulator is $200 or more.
