Fitness Cadet

So many workout machines can get your head spinning, and many of their names may possibly even slip your mind entirely! 

The below is a list of common workout machines names, their costs, benefits, and cons to aid in remembering their key details and add a refresher course of their specs!

Leg Curl Machine

The Leg curl, or hamstring curl, is a workout machine named such as they are designed to work and strengthen the hamstring and leg muscles independent of other areas and muscles of the body.

While limited in function, they do provide serious toning and strengthening of the hamstrings or legs for those who desired something highly specialized, such as those recovering from an injury or needing rehab for those muscles in particular.

Pros

1. Effective and safe for those in rehab or needing to isolate and specifically strengthen the legs and hamstrings in particular.
2. Burns a fair amount of calories per session.
3. Tones the muscles well and fairly effectively.

Cons

1. Injuries are a risk of using the machine due to the upper muscles which also control the movement of the legs, such as the hips, and upper thighs, not getting the activation and toning needed to keep pace with the lower body, thus putting undue strain on them.
2. Best to use the machine as an occasional workout tool and not overdo it and overtax the muscles in the legs.

Cost

Generally anywhere from 300 to up to 3,000 dollars, depending on the specifics of the machine and its individual traits.

Squat Machine

The above workout machine’s name is the squat machine, however, there are several variations, but they all exist to serve a similar function, which is to simulate the effects of proper barbell and weightlifting form. 

This allows you to get the benefits of the muscle toning and activation, but without the injury risks or bad form habits that can be picked up by using a barbell incorrectly.

Pros

1. Effectively builds and tones muscles of the lower body, such as the legs, thighs, hips, and calves.
2. Enforces correct form because the machine has the user in a fixed position when in use.
3. Lower injury risk than barbells.
4. Safe for those who are in rehab or recovering from injuries.
5. Lower strain on the back, knees, and shoulders than traditional barbell lifting.

Cons

1. Slight injury risk with misuse such as improper form, as even with the fail-safes of the way the machine is set up, you can still incorporate your existing bad habits when using it.
2. Many don’t have very well designed instruction and assembly pamphlets if any at all, unfortunately, which could lead to you needing to pay a costly professional fee to have your workout machine put together for you.

Costs

Anywhere from the range of 200 to 2,000 dollars, depending on the kind of squat machine, its features, and additions.

Ab Crunch

This workout machine is rather aptly named considering it’s meant to aid in training and strengthening the abdominal muscles, which is often something the vast majority of people aspire to do because of all the media images and ads with famous people who have perfectly flat and toned stomachs with six-pack abs. 

But how do they stack up? Let’s take a look!

Pros

1. Great for conditioning and strengthening the abdominal muscles effectively.
2. These machines are often very easy to use, so little room for error or complications that can arise from general misuse and other typical mishaps associated with workout equipment.
3. Many offer a variety of resistance settings for a tailored workout scaling and adjustment to what you desire and are most comfortable with.

Cons

1. Often very pricey and cost-prohibitive for the average person.
2. Limited range of muscles that get worked, which is generally considered unnatural to the body, as the muscles connected to the abdominals get left behind, making them more vulnerable to injury while overtaxing the abs.
3. Difficult assembly and complicated to put together the machine by yourself if you don’t have anyone else around to help, which is a real headache at times.

Costs

400 dollars on the lower end, and up to 3,000 on the upper range! See what I was saying about expensive? It’s a unique and interesting machine to add to one’s fitness repertoire, but the price barres many from entry.

Cross Trainer

One of the more familiar pieces of equipment in this workout machine names list is the cross trainer, aka the elliptical trainer, which resembles an exercise bike without a saddle or seat on top.

These machines are highly popular, and for good reason, so let’s get into the specs!

Pros

Like the elliptical and the exercise bike, the cross trainer is very effective at burning calories easily and quickly, making it a great tool for those who want to improve their weight loss efforts and step it up a notch.

1. The machine is low impact, meaning it adds very minimal strain on the joints, and so it’s safe for practically anyone to use without issue, including those with new and old injuries, arthritis, and other chronic pain and joint issues.
2. Cross trainers are very easy to use due to the nature of the machine itself, as all it requires are peddling and moving the arms with the handles, so when it comes to workout equipment, it doesn’t get that much simpler.
3. The elliptical cross trainer provides a full-body workout, which enables you to tone and strengthen most of the major muscle groups of the body, such as the core, arms, shoulders, back, and legs, making it a great choice if looking for versatility.
4. Many elliptical cross trainers come in smaller and or folding size options now, making them better accessible for those with limited floor space in their homes or apartments.

Cons

1. The movement pattern and pedals can be awkward and require some getting used to with the associated learning curve.
2. Some may find using the machine consistently to be difficult because of its somewhat repetitive nature, especially if used to outside stimulation via jogging or running.

Cost

Mainly 200 to 500 dollars, with some models going up to 2k, however, there are plenty of perfectly serviceable ones in the aforementioned lower ranges. 

It just depends on what features and add-ons you may desire and feel are beneficial.

Vertical Climber

Some workout machine names are self-explanatory, the vertical climber is pretty much one of those things, as it’s meant to simulate the motions of climbing.

Vertically, of course, though many levels of resistance and ways to use the machine are possible. 

So, let’s get into the specifics!

Pros

1. Amazing for both cardio and strength training, as it works most major muscle groups and tones them effectively and efficiently.
2. Many models are foldable or are small and lightweight, making storage as well as finding a place for them a breeze.
3. Easy to use, no real learning curve to speak of once acclimated, and it’s the type of machine that lets you go at your own pace, which is always helpful.
4. Burns calories like crazy, so those who purchase a vertical climber for weight loss definitely won’t be disappointed in the results if used consistently.
5. Vertical climbers are very low impact, making them safe and suitable for the vast majority of people to use, even those who have knee or joint issues.
6. Vertical climber workout times range from an average of 20 to 40 minutes, making it easy to squeeze in an effective workout if you have little time on your hands.

Cons

1. Some have low weight limits, making them unsafe to use for more heavy set people, however, more durable and stronger models exist.
2. Can cause injuries if one falls off since most of the common machines on the market are often around 6.5 to 7 feet tall.

Cost

Many of the common brands are around 150 dollars to 300 or so, but the prices can definitely go into the thousands range depending on their size, durability, and extra features.

Stair Machine

This is another one in this list of workout machine names that leave little to the imagination and tell you upfront what they’re about.

The stair machine is, of course, a machine meant to simulate walking up stairs, with many resembling staircases or escalators themselves.

Walking up stairs is considered one of the more taxing tasks that are commonly done in everyday life, so these machines provide a great workout if used well and consistently.

Let’s move on to the stats!

Pros

1. The stair machine is a very versatile piece of equipment because it can be used for both muscle building and cardio, as well as aerobic benefits.
2. Is low impact, so puts minimal strain on the joints and muscles, very helpful for those who have issues with soreness when using other machines.
3. Stair machines burn a ton of calories due to their ability to push the user in the same way climbing stairs do regularly, so it’s a highly effective workout and great for losing weight.
4. Very easy to use because the workout involves walking up the stairs at an adjustable pace and the length of time you desire; can’t get much easier!

Cons

1. Works primarily the muscles of the lower body, so not the best if you’re looking for something closer to a full-body workout.
2. Can create back pain for those dealing with issues in the back, as many have a slight incline which will aggravate injuries and put pressure on them.
3. Can be exhausting at first to use when you’re just starting out, so many people tend to give up and not use their stair machine consistently.

Cost

One of the major downsides of the stair machine is their cost, often no less than 1k, going up to 4,000 easily, so it’s very important to keep that in mind if you wish to consider them for your next purchase in the near future.

Stepper machines are smaller and more like a cross trainer, and cheaper, so they can serve as an alternative if you want to get a gauge on if stair machine is right for you.

Skillmill

One of the newer pieces of equipment on this workout machine name list is the skillmill, aka, the curved treadmill, which is exactly as it sounds. It’s essentially a concave treadmill that has a perpetual incline and tilt to it.

A curved treadmill provides a newer and more unique workout experience in comparison to a regular treadmill, but that is not without its pros and cons though.

So let’s take a look!

Pros 

A new and interesting variation in the typical treadmill workout experience, so those who easily tire of them might find this type more enjoyable and enticing to use.

1. Running on a curved and concave treadmill allows the user to have a more natural running experience, lessening the chances for stress fractures, soreness, and other types of injuries that can come from the flat and fixed running pattern of the usual treadmill.
2. Not running on a flat surface increases the intensity of your workout, which means it tones muscles in the lower body more effectively and burns more calories than a regular treadmill.
3. These treadmills require no electricity and are entirely powered by the user, making them more eco friendly, and better on your wallet if your electric bills are causing you issues.
4. The curved belt and tread of the skillmill make it easier to grip and run on, lessening the chances of injuries from falling or sliding off the machine.

Cons

1. Doesn’t completely replace running given its limited scope of motions, so if you’re training for a marathon, this may not be the tool for you.
2. Very expensive, not affordable for those who are on a tight budget.

Cost

As mentioned above, the major sticking point of the curved treadmill is its high price tag, since you won’t be able to get one for less than 1,500 dollars, many recommended and preferred models going up to 4k easily.

They’re a great tool for those who have the funds to spare on such an expensive piece of equipment, however, and can easily outpace a regular traditional treadmill.

Wrapping up, this is only a sample of a few workout machine names, and a proper summary of their benefits and drawbacks, which I hope helps you in your decision when considering to purchase exercise equipment in the future.

Best wishes in health and fitness!

Thanks for reading!

Rope climbing machines are referred to by several names, some call them rope trainers, endless rope machines, and a few others, but they all reference the same type of machine; one that lets the user simulate the benefits of climbing without the strain on the muscles and body!

They’re an amazing tool to gain upper body strength and get a great core workout while also building muscles in the arms all at the same time. 

There are two main varieties of rope climbing machines, one is a large crane-like device that has a rope feeding and looping into the chamber, and you use it by grasping the rope in a climbing motion.

The crane is adjustable, allowing you to angle the rope in the direction, height, and length that you desire, enabling the user to tailor the type of workout session they wish to perform.

The other is smaller and has a similar shape to the crane device, except with a pulley system type of tool that is attached to the base which feeds the rope through it. 

Some are even just the pulley, which you then attach to a base yourself.

These tend to not take up as much floor space and be cheaper, which is very helpful if you’ve been considering purchasing a rope climbing machine but lack the budget and or floor space for one. 

Some also have seats that can be detached from the machine itself for those who wish to perform exercises while standing, hunching, or even those in a wheelchair so they can exercise their upper body unobstructed by the seat.

Now that you have an idea of what rope climbing machines are, let’s get into some pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if they might be a good fit for you! 

Pros 

Rope Climbing machines are very effective at building muscle in several different areas

Rope machines build muscle in many different areas of the body depending on how you stand, angle the rope, or even the way you grasp it.

Many manufacturers and purchasers tout the benefits of the machine for the upper body, as they’re amazing at packing on and toning muscle for the arms and biceps.

As a whole, they’re great at working and strengthening the upper arms, shoulders, hands, and even the back, which can also involve working the core muscles as well if the user stands, bringing me to my next point. 

Can be used while sitting or standing 

The endless rope machine can be used in either a sitting or standing position, though technically, any way you like considering the versatility of the machine, as some even squat while working their arms with the ropes or incorporate wearing weight vests while using the machine. 

Wrist and ankle weights are also an option while standing and working the ropes.

Safe for most people to use

The rope climbing machine is a low impact form of exercise, and therefore, is very safe for the vast majority of people to use, and so is a great option for those recovering from injury and are in rehab, those with chronic pain, arthritis, or other joint-related issues.

As the equipment produces minimal strain and considering you can sit while using it, no stress is added on the knees or legs if that isn’t something desired.

Adjustable height and resistance settings offer a tailored session

Either variety of rope climbing machine has adjustable resistance and height settings, enabling the workout to be done in the exact way you wish each time, which helps keep things fresh and lower the chances of becoming bored with your exercise routine.

This also enables one to strengthen the muscles more by choosing a higher intensity workout over time with the adjustment of resistance and angles of the rope.

Many machines enable the rope to be pulled down or grasped upwards in the reverse direction, which works different muscles and offers more variation in the training sessions.

Very low injury risk, especially compared to traditional rope climbing

Rope climbing machines can provide an intense workout if the user pulls or pushes the rope at a greater intensity, incorporates additions such as a weight belt, and uses them for longer sessions.

This provides a great cardiovascular workout, as well as the usual benefits of strengthening the arms and upper body all while being very low impact and minimally straining to the muscles and joints.

This means the machines are safe for those recovering from injuries, while still getting you a great upper body and arm workout that rope climbing could give, without the stress from being suspended from the rope, or even the risk of hurting yourself in a fall!

Functional training

How the rope machines are used to exercise with are mirrored by everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, carrying, and gripping, and this offers the benefit of functional training, which strengthens the most commonly used muscles and joints, lowering the risks of injuries from regular activities, and making them easier than before.

There are seven main functional movements the body uses and performs regularly, which are described to be squatting, pushing, pulling, lunging, hinging, twisting, and walking, all of which can be trained and done while using the machine!

Cons

Large and can take up significant floor space

An issue with rope climbing machines that should be considered by any future purchaser is that the equipment is very large and bulky, this means it can take up a lot of space and isn’t easily stored if you need to put them away.

It’s important to bear this in mind and figure out if one has the space for the machine, and where it would go, and potentially redecorate and organize the room where the climbing machine will go accordingly.

Often fairly expensive

Many of the larger models can be prohibitively expensive for the average consumer, many topping out at 5,000 dollars! Though some of the smaller varieties are about 1,300 dollars, and while still fairly steep, it’s definitely a doable price for a piece of exercise equipment.

Needless to say, an important aspect to consider and be certain of is that you will make consistent use of the rope climbing machine, especially with that price tag.

This is made even cheaper by purchasing just the pulley, which can sometimes be found for 500 dollars or so.

Can be monotonous 

Rope trainers, even with all the bells and whistles, still have a fairly limited range of exercises that can be done with them, considering all of them are roughly the same as they involve manipulating the rope in some form or another.

This can potentially become repetitive over time and may lead to boredom with your machine, so it’s very important to consider if this is a flaw that might bother you or eventually cut into the time you feel like using the equipment.

The machine is somewhat specialized with all it’s large and connecting parts

This means that if your rope climbing equipment breaks down in some way and is in need of repair, you will need to locate a specialist to fix it, as the project is likely not to be a DIY type of procedure.

This can be potentially pricey as well, so definitely another important point to consider for the future in regards to the long term costs of buying the machine.

The same isn’t necessarily the case for the smaller pulley system based machine, but the repair would definitely take some technical know-how.

In summary and conclusion, the rope climbing machine is a highly effective form of equipment for toning and building muscle on the upper body, and potentially the lower if other forms of positioning are used while operating the machine, while still being low impact and easy to use for the average person.

 But it does have it’s cons, mainly in regards to being very costly and price prohibitive, so it’s important to weigh what traits are important and you feel what may be the most beneficial, and decide if the machine is the correct and proper fit for you and your individual lifestyle and circumstances.

I hope this article has aided in giving some perspective and information to consider, and wish you well on your fitness goals and journey ahead!

Thanks for reading!

Losing weight is always a struggle, even more so if you have to leave the house to exercise, so a solution is purchasing your own equipment to use at your leisure. No excuses needed and no driving to start you on your path to weight loss! Here are some of the best home exercise equipment for weight loss!

Treadmill

The treadmill is one of the most effective ways to burn calories and some of the best home exercise equipment for weight loss, given its ease of use, being readily available for purchase at any major fitness store, and many are good quality while still being affordable for the average person.

Treadmills these days have many additional features and add-ons that make them easier and more convenient to use, and also more efficient, which is where one necessary feature comes into play: the incline.

Treadmills that come with an incline adjustment setting are essential to maximizing your workload during sessions, and that creates a higher intensity workout, which then leads to more calories burned and more weight loss!

The incline makes up for the easy to walk surface and motor of the treadmill, making the walk and your gait less natural and balanced, requiring more of your muscles to engage to stay stable while running or jogging on the machine.

Many modern treadmills are also equipped with a calorie display monitor, making it easy to track your progress during sessions, just be sure to input your weight accurately, including factoring in your shoes and clothing, and remember, the machine can’t judge you!

Important tips to maximize calorie burn and weight loss when using a treadmill are summarised below.

Make liberal use of the incline setting to create a more difficult and less uniform surface to jog or walk on.

Higher speed makes for higher exercise intensity, which heightens calorie burn, so don’t shy away from those speed settings, but remember not to push yourself.

Here’s where your weight offers some benefits, as the more you weigh, coupled with the above factors, such as the intensity of your workout, makes you burn far more calories per minute and session than someone who weighs less than you.

Split the speed settings up during sessions, such as going at a faster pace for 15, 30, or even 60 seconds before resuming the pace you were going prior, as intermittent intensity changes can also increase calorie burn while not completely wearing you out.

Using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap and syncing it to your treadmill can make the heart rate, intensity, and calories burned estimates far more accurate than relying on either individually, so I recommend it as a helpful tool to ensure you are tracking your progress accurately and efficiently.

Shorter strides while running on your treadmill, aka, how often you pick up your feet during use, can also increase and maximize calorie burn by putting your body through more strain and intensity.

Try to avoid holding onto the handrails if your treadmill has them, as it makes it more difficult for the machine to accurately calculate calories, heart rate, and other factors, plus lowers your exercise intensity.

As you practice and become more familiar and efficient with running on your treadmill, you will develop a more effective stride and run naturally, which can lessen the strain and effort your body is pushed through, thus lowering the number of calories burned.

Best to keep yourself pushing by changing your sessions up every so often and keeping them variable, especially using the incline.

Final tip, calculating your maximum heart rate can help keep you in the ideal calorie and fat burning range during sessions, allowing you to maximize your calorie burn. You do this by inputting your age, for example, let’s say you’re 30 years old(I know, math, right?!) and subtracting that from 220, so you have 220-30=190.

Now, with a maximum heart rate calculated, you must divide this by 70 percent to find your ideal calorie and fat burning zone, which would look like this.
70% × 190 = 133

So in this specific scenario, your ideal range would be having your heart rate at 133 beats per minute. That wasn’t so bad, right?
Now, how do treadmills stack up in general? Here are some general pros and cons to be aware of.

Pros

• Easy and effective calorie burn
• Very affordable for the average person
• Many modern ones come with helpful monitors and additions, such as a heart rate monitor and step counter
• Easy control of settings makes tailoring your workout simple
• Can be used while multitasking, such as when watching TV

Cons

• Treadmills can be somewhat boring given their limited range of exercise uses, but this can be mitigated by experimenting and toying with settings to add variety.
• Some models can have a loud motor, which can be distracting to some
• Using the treadmill the same way every time can cause too much stress on the same joints, which results in overuse injury
• Treadmills are often large and take up a lot of floor space, though, folding options and smaller varieties are available
• If your treadmill breaks down or runs into any issues, you likely need a professional to perform fixes or maintenance, due to its complexity

Cost

Anywhere from 300 to 3,000 dollars, depending on features, materials, and general build.

Stair machine

Stair machines, or stair climbers, are some of the most effective home exercise equipment for weight loss due to their simulation of walking up stairs, which is one of the most physically demanding activities out there.

It engages most of your major muscle groupings, such as the glutes, quads, calves, and hamstrings, and with so many activated at once, this increases calorie burn exponentially.

Some important things to remember and ways to maximize calorie burn when using a stair climber are below.

Keep the back upright and do not hunch over, this enables your core to also engage, which burns more calories and does not put too much pressure on your back, as this will create unneeded soreness after each use.

High intensity interval training is again your friend here, and for most machines when trying to maximize calorie burn, as mentioned in the previous passage, to elaborate, it’s mixing short bursts of higher intensity exercise during sessions along with your regular pace and speed.

For example, having the settings and speed changed to a faster pace for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, which you can gradually change and adjust as you find the rhythm that’s most comfortable for you.

This helps to burn more calories and tones muscle, while not wearing you out like going full steam ahead the entire time would, and also a lower risk of injuring or straining the muscles.

Focus more on your core by not leaning on the handrails, as this can lower exercise intensity and put you in bad form, straining your back.

A 10-minute warmup before advancing to a higher intensity during your exercise sessions is essential for preventing injuries and increasing calorie burn, so remember to take it slow!

Avoid the pre-programmed settings on the machine when you’re just starting out and new to using a stair climber, so you can tailor your workouts to your specific requirements and what feels most comfortable to your body.

Again, using the method discussed earlier, calculating your maximum heart rate and keeping it at 70 percent of that is a great range for burning calories and fat more effectively.

Do not hold onto the handrails unless needed, as this is just as bad as leaning on them, and like the treadmill, decreases your calorie burn and intensity.
Moving on, general pros and cons outlined below!

Pros

• Strengthens and tones muscles
• A highly effective calorie burning machine
• Low impact, so low strain on joints
• Great cardiovascular workout
• Aerobic conditioning
• Increases bone mass, which lessens the chance for conditions such as osteoporosis
• Variety of settings makes mixing up workouts easy and prevents them from becoming stale
• Can be used indoors to keep you out of inclement weather
• Smaller and compact varieties make choosing one easier for those with limited floor space

Cons

• Not a great choice for those with knee issues, as using a stair machine may aggravate existing problems and cause pain
• Doesn’t work muscles such as the arms and biceps
• Can cause back pain and related issues if bad posture is used
• Has somewhat of a learning curve and an adjustment period

Cost

Anywhere from 290 dollars up to over 4,000, depending on features and build.

Stationary bike

Stationary bikes also called exercise bikes, are one of the best home exercise equipment for weight loss given that they’re easy to use, affordable, and lower cost for many models, and are readily available.

They burn calories very well and are a highly effective workout that is also low impact and tones several muscle groups at once, and best of all is a type of equipment anyone can use considering its just as easy as riding a traditional bike!

Some helpful tips to maximize your stationary bike workout and calories burned are below!

Eat before and after your exercise sessions, but nothing too heavy, think snacks such as granola bars, a banana or a bit of trail mix, as eating anything too heavy will lead to a feeling of fullness and slugginess, which can make your workout feel like it drags on and is a slog to get through.

This gives you fuel for the workout, and actually can increase the number of calories burned during!

Make liberal use of the resistance settings to create a workout with higher intensity and difficulty to push your muscles, however, do so gradually, and stop if there is any pain or soreness created.

Make sure to have proper form when working out on your stationary bike, as this helps calorie and fat burn, but also aids in preventing added soreness and strain to your muscles.

Change the type of workout you do each day, such as adjusting resistance settings, the speed in which you peddle, for how long, etc, as this will aid in continual progress towards shedding fat and calories, but also helps you not plateau as your body adjusts to the routine.

Slowly build your endurance by increasing your sessions by a few minutes every so often, such as adding 2 to 5 minutes onto your workout every week, as this will gradually help stamina gain for even longer sessions.

General pros and cons of stationary bikes are summarised here, below!

Pros

• Low impact
• Fun and comfortable to use
• Burns calories effectively
• Very easy to use and master
• Many affordable options
• Buil for inside use, so you can ride no matter the weather
• Pre-set programs on the bike enable you to switch up your settings and keep things from getting stale
• A comfortable and private activity you can do in the safety of your own home
• Fewer distractions and excuses can be made when the exercise equipment for your weight loss is right inside your home

Cons

• Doesn’t build real-world skills for outdoor cycling
• Can be monotonous to peddle in place for several minutes at a time for days off and on, even with variation
• Doesn’t work many muscles of the upper body

Costs

Ranging from 200 dollars to 2,000, though plenty of good quality bikes exist in the 400 to 500 dollar range.

Rowing Machine

Rowing machines are well known for their full body and high-intensity workouts they can provide, and with that comes a large calorie and fat burning benefit, so this earns them a spot on this list of best home exercise equipment for weight loss.

Rowing builds muscle in many areas of the body and can shed pounds with ease over time, even at a lower intensity.

Important things to note and ways to maximize your benefits are as follows.

As mentioned previously, the heavier you are, the more calories you burn during exercise, adding intensity increases this considerably, but be safe and gradual about upping the duration and strain on your body to reduce the risks of injuries.

Just like the above exercise equipment, weight loss is made faster and easier by using high intensity interval training, which is adding in spurts of higher effort and intensity during your regular pace in your sessions, such as rowing as hard as possible for 20 to 30 seconds before gradually resuming your original pace.

Doing this throughout your sessions and over time can easily build stamina, which can make longer and higher intensity workouts possible.

The rules of not letting yourself get into a rut are the same here with the rowing machine, so try to mix up your sessions of intensity, duration, and any extra settings on the machine, so you don’t get into a fixed groove of doing the same thing over and over again.

Rowing at a gradual and regular pace can help build endurance for longer sessions, and general stamina, which can help you continue to build off this progress and snowball your weight loss.

Rowing machines, like all equipment, have their pros and cons, however, which are outlined below.

Pros

• Am effective full body workout
• Burns calories like crazy
• Is easy to learn and perform for the average person
• Is low impact and minimally straining on the joints
• Great cardiovascular workout
• Builds muscle effectively
• Easier on the body than other machines, such as the treadmill
• Increase energy, endurance, and stamina

Cons

• Machines can take up a lot of floor space, however, folding options exist to make this easier
• Rowing machines can be very noisy
• Improper form and use can result in back pain and other issues
• Some find rowing can be tedious over time

Costs

Rowing machines are often very affordable and can range from 300 to 900 dollars depending on their specific builds and additional features, as some models can be, for example, designed to be quieter, which can increase the price range. Scope out features and shop around for those benefits you think will add to your machine.

This list, while not exhaustive, conditions more than enough materials and equipment to get anyone started on their weight loss journey, as the machines here are considered among the best home exercise equipment for weight loss because of being readily available, easy to use, affordable, and not to mention are safe and effective time tested solutions to shedding unwanted pounds!

I hope this article has helped you with some ideas and things to consider, and that you can begin and make further progress on your weight loss journey!

Best wishes, and thank you for reading!

Sandbags are a time tested solution to flooding problems, but they have another use that is gradually gaining traction in the fitness community; providing safe, effective, and simple workouts. This article explores all the ins and outs of gym sandbags and how to make the best of them for your individual workout routines and gains!

Gym sandbags are a fresh and unique alternative or swap in for dumbbells, as they work different parts of your body than similar equipment, and are easy to find, make, or purchase.

Gym sandbags are unstable and constantly shifting due to their sand makeup, and so they’re a great tool for also training grip strength.

But that’s not all, they also can give you a moderate or high-intensity cardiovascular workout if pushing yourself, especially using heavier weighted bags, which is also beneficial for upper and lower body muscle and strength building.

Choosing a sandbag is not very difficult or a drawn-out process, however, it is best to shop around and make sure you purchase a lighter weight and easier to use gym sandbag if you are new and just starting out.

It reduces the risk of injury and joint strain, as well as overworking yourself and becoming burned out before you even get fully started.

Gym sandbags are a wonderfully effective calorie burner as well, given their difficulty to lift and carry pushing your body into a higher intensity workout, so below are some common sandbags exercises and their functions.

The Sandbag Clean

This exercise, like most using gym sandbags, is easy to perform and offers many strength and muscle toning benefits, in particular, this one builds muscle and power in the glutes, quadriceps, back, and arms.

How to perform The Sandbag Clean

Begin by standing over the sandbag and squatting, flip your wrists so they are in a forwards position, and quickly pull the sandbag upwards towards your shoulders with an abrupt flexing motion lifting you slightly off the ground, in a similar way to a small jump or hop.

Reposition your body neutrally and stand normally, then begin shifting the sandbag down towards your lower legs and thighs before changing into a squat position and resuming the above steps once again.

Another step in between holding the bag can also be included in bracing it against the chest when swinging it upwards.

Muscles worked:

Mainly upper body, especially the shoulders, back, biceps, and core, but also has benefits for the glutes and hamstrings.

Difficulty Level: Medium

How to perform The Sandbag Deadlift

Position the sandbag directly in front of your body, bend over with proper form, leaning with your back in the correct position and bending your knees, as to lift more with your legs, then grasp the bag by both its handles on either side and pop back in the upright pose with your back properly aligned, standing firmly with the bag below the navel and touching the thighs.

Repeat the above steps to do more reps and improve speed and technique, finding which one feels best for you.

Muscles worked:

Lower back muscles and thighs

Difficulty Level: Medium

How to perform The Sandbag Snatch

Standing shoulder-wide, and with your upper body bent frontwards, taking care to have your back completely straight, grasp the sandbag with your arms extended straight forward, then swing the bag towards your chest, and finally, slowly lowering the sandbag down to the floor and resuming your original position.

Repeat as often as desired.

Muscles worked:

Legs, thighs, back, shoulders, and upper arms

Difficulty Level: Easy

How to perform The Sandbag Rotational Lunge And Swing

Standing upright, with the bag on the shoulder, lung forwards, and shift the sandbag to the other side of your body in a quick and fluid motion, then, bring the bag back onto your shoulder just as fast.

Muscles worked:

Legs, shoulders, arms, back, and core

Difficulty Level: Medium

How to perform The Around The Head Sandbag Exercise

Hold and position the sandbag behind your head, standing with your back straight, then swing the sandbag in a circular motion around your head, aiming to position it back where it started.

Can be done in the same or inverse direction to provide variance and train both sides of the body.

Muscles worked:

Shoulders, arms, hips, and chest

Difficulty Level: Easy

Another important thing to note about gym sandbags is that they are very versatile, and can be filled with more than only sand, creating a different weight distribution and large varieties of textures and experiences, tailoring your workout sessions to suit your preferences.

Filling the sandbag with other materials such as blankets, towels, small gravel, mulch, and lighter wood pellets offer a different workout experience and allow easier and less straining repetitions of any of the more difficult sandbag training techniques or exercises.

As long as the fillers you are using won’t damage the bag, leak, or weigh too much and risk injury to yourself, pretty much anything goes!

Choosing a gym sandbag with handles and straps is essential if you’re going for ease of use and versatility, as various training techniques require the grabbing and abrupt shifting of the bag, which is something not easily done if it’s lacking handles or something firm to grab onto.

Though some bags can come with more than a handle or two, even 4 or up to ten, which provides a wide range of movements and capabilities in your routine that you otherwise could not do easily.

It’s best to consider the use of your bag, such as what sort of routines and exercise regimens you hope to perform and accomplish with it, before settling on one and purchasing.

Another important detail to note is the size and general weight of the bag, as they can fit anywhere from 10 to 90 pounds of sand in them, or other filler materials, so best to start small when thinking of purchasing your first one, and then work your way up the ladder.

Sandbags can be purchased already filled with a preferred material, or come empty with the necessary pockets ready to use and fill yourself at your leisure, though generally, purchasing an already empty bag is often cheaper, and it’s not as if filling it is too complicated a procedure.

Gym sandbag accessories can also be helpful, though not fully necessary, but are an option worth considering before finalizing your purchase.

Tools such as proper and well-fitting knee and wrist pads will help to lessen the risk of injury or strain on your body, and a firm but soft exercise mat to train on while using your bag is also a good choice.

There are a wider variety of techniques and exercises that can be done with sandbags than discussed in this article, so what you hope to accomplish should help shape your purchase, and taking care to vary your routine and strengthen different muscles in other workout sessions aids in not overextending the same ones and causing painful soreness or even potentially tears in the muscles.

Safety, caution, and starting small are the key aspects to keep in mind as you attempt to take on any new fitness endeavor, as bad experiences can color your perceptions and make you less likely to try new things or practice ones that gave you the bad experience.

How much will my Gym Sandbag cost?

Finally, the main aspect to consider is cost, which can, of course, vary depending on materials used, size, and weight that the bag is capable of holding, and in general, by who manufactured it.

But, on average, they can range from 20 to 200 dollars depending on the above traits and other aspects, so shopping around to find one that has the necessary accessories and design you desire, along with none of the things you don’t need can save you money in the long run.

In summary, Gym Sandbags are an easy, affordable, and often overlooked training and fitness multitool that can be used by everyone, beginner or novice, and tailored to suit the individual needs of the purchaser.

It’s up there in the essentials that everyone into fitness should try to have on hand and make good use out of, as the benefits are plentiful, and without the drawbacks that are often present in other gym equipment and fitness tools and gear.

Thank you for reading, and well wishes in health and fitness!

Looking for a piece of all in one gym equipment that can truly do it all? Look no further than the elliptical, one of the greatest tools and best full body cardio workout machines!

The elliptical makes it’s appearance one again in another article, and for good reason, it’s a tried and trusted piece of equipment that enables you to use it perfectly as a full body workout machine, essentially an all in one tool

We will get into the specifics below as to why the elliptical is the best full body cardio workout machine, especially for the price and ease of use.

Ellipticals are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can buy, thus saving money in the long run, all things considered, even if purchasing a costlier one with additional add-ons and options. 

The focus here is on ellipticals that come with handlebars for grip and working your arms, thus giving your biceps, shoulders, and more of your upper body a serious workout, as well as the additional tool of adjusting the incline, which is the part that can make them cost more than the average elliptical, but it’s worth it to get the gym equivalent of a multi-tool.

When compared to typical exercises, such as running or walking, there is no contest between the enhanced benefits of using an elliptical over them; For one, they can be kept inside, that keeps you out of the elements and inclement weather, which can severely hinder in finding the motivation to continue your workout routine, as it’s harder when the weather is bad, and you force yourself to get out of the comfort of the bed just to go into the cold.

All this is avoided by having your exercise equipment inside your home, in a convenient place, adjusted to the temperature and comfort levels you desire. 

Owning your own elliptical also means that you can clean, maintain and keep it set the way you please, without anyone interfering or changing the settings, along with the contentment that comes from being able to work at your own pace, away from potential judgmental eyes of those in the public gym, and the general annoyances and inconveniences that can come with working out in a public space involving other people.

One of my favorite things about elliptical is their ability to be used backward and forward, as walking on them can be done in the reverse, which can enhance their training benefits by targeting those underused calves and lower leg and glute muscles, in a way that other machines often fail to do.

It also offers a variation in your routine if you’re starting to feel bored and zone out a little during your workout, which is always a plus, and that brings me to another beneficial add-on to consider. 

The heart rate, timer, and calorie burned monitor is a very wise feature to consider when buying your elliptical, as it allows you to glance back and track your progress, which is helpful when timing your workouts, such as doing 15, 30, or even 60-minute intervals.

The accuracy can vary on the caloric burn estimation, however, if your settings are input correctly, they will be as accurate as possible, and it’s best not to sweat the small details, and focus on the bigger picture; getting the best full body cardio workout machine.

Another key thing to remember is that proper form is essential to getting the most out of your machine, as proper use is not only the best way to be safe and lessen the risk of injury, but also for effectiveness and productivity.

Keeping an upright and straight stance enables a more stable feeling experience, but also a workout centered towards your core muscles.

Which brings me to another major benefit of the elliptical as one of the best full body cardio workout machines; the cardiovascular benefits.

When using an elliptical, many of your major muscle groups are engaged and in use, which not only helps to burn fat and calories, but also strengthen your cardiovascular endurance in a safer way than other machines, due to its low impact and less straining effect on the joints.

It’s even considered fully safe to use during pregnancy, a year within post delivery, and if you are trying to get back into the swing of things after an injury, but as always, discuss this with your doctor first to ensure its safety for the individual circumstance you are in. 

Increasing the resistance setting and adding an incline enables you to get an even harder workout, thus engaging your muscles more and burning more calories, and further strengthen your endurance, though taking it slow and starting out with a warm up and gradually increasing the speed and intensity is generally the best, and safest practice.

Which is why I would look for a machine with a large variety of settings, so the best bang for your buck can be had in the long run, even with a higher upfront cost, as this means your elliptical will last you many years and enable you to essentially grow with it as you continue your exercise regime, giving you many years of use of your fully body workout machine.

Another main pro is that the elliptical helps you build muscle very effectively, especially when varying up your routine and engaging in the right form and positions.

For example, pedaling while putting the body in a half squat enables you to target your quad and glute muscles better, and removing your hands from the handlebars and resting them on your hips or swinging them, you can target your core more effectively, because the abdominal muscles are engaged to help you balance while peddling.

Ellipticals, especially the newer models, often come with ‘trainer’ programs that are pre-set and installed modes, meant to assist you in being able to adjust the resistance and intensity, allowing them to simulate different exercises and let you work with other muscle groups.

Such as steeper inclines for training the leg and thigh muscles, in a not dissimilar way to weight lifting and squatting.  

Pushing and pulling the handles can also offer different benefits in working other muscle groupings, such as the pushing motion lets you work your chest muscles and target them more thoroughly, while pulling the handles while stepping enables you to target your back muscles.

Although there are several varieties of elliptical, such as the traditional standard variation, as well as the recumbent and cross trainer, to name a few, they can pretty much do all the aspects mentioned above, leaving it basically all down to your personal preferences and general budget, along with other factors such as space and design based desires. 

Overall, in summary, the elliptical is one of the best full body cardio workout machines, for the below reasons:

• More pronounced effects than running or walking
• Working with a wide variety of muscle groups
• Building muscle effectively
• Less strain on your joints than other machines
• Heighten and trains cardiovascular endurance
• Enables higher and more effective calorie burn than many other forms of exercise, aiding in a proper full body cardio workout

However, no machine is without its cons, and neither is the elliptical:

• No incline, unlike treadmills
• Has a learning curve due to its unsteady feeling when using, especially for beginners
• Can be costly to buy at an average of 900-2000 dollars

I hope that this article, with all the details and information provided has helped you understand why and how ellipticals are a mainstay and true gym staple, as well as the some of the best full body cardio workout machines, able to do it all, and used by beginners and professionals alike.

Since it’s a piece of equipment anyone can use comfortably, with a bit of a learning curve, but nothing too complicated or complex, as any initial awkwardness or feelings of instability while using the machine generally go away when one ‘gets the hang of it’.

It’s one of those few things that basically have very few drawbacks to purchasing, so I can confidently recommend them broadly for everyone interested in fitness, and to casuals aiming to get healthier, considering its sheer versatility.

Even if you are unable to purchase one in the near future, gym memberships can enable one to try them out and get a feel for how the machine works, as even if you can only squeeze in a day a week, any and all progress is good progress, especially when it comes towards your goals of fitness and improving your health and habits for the long term.

Thank you for reading, and best wishes in your health and fitness journey!