Which cardio machine is best to buy for home use?

Article provided by the store Wellness Mir.
2013-09-12

How to combine taking care of your health, the desire to be beautiful, constant lack of time, insufficient movement, and a strict budget? Let's not reinvent the wheel: many have long solved this problem by purchasing their own cardio equipment. This type of equipment is primarily designed for training the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (hence the general name for this type of equipment). It improves health, helps lose excess weight, or simply keeps you in shape without wasting time on trips to the gym.

Naturally, buying a cardio machine requires a serious approach. Below, we will consider various types of cardio machines based on several parameters that are particularly important when choosing one for home use:

• The effect of workouts. Information on which muscle groups the machine develops and how much load it provides. All cardio machines, by definition, strengthen the body and train the cardiovascular system and breathing. Therefore, muscle development is secondary for them. However, it does exist, and each type of machine offers its unique external effect.

• Contraindications. Can you train with this model, and what precautions need to be taken? Without consulting a doctor, one should not begin training with cardiovascular diseases, asthma, diabetes, spine and joint problems, various injuries, or high blood pressure. During illness (even a mild cold) or exacerbation of chronic diseases, it is also not advisable to train. These are general contraindications for all equipment, but each type has its specifics.

• Price-to-quality ratio. Almost any type of cardio machine can be purchased for under 20,000 rubles, but in most cases (excluding steppers), that price hides a poor-quality, uncomfortable, and low-functional device. Good options can be found, but for this, one must be very attentive, demanding, and even finicky, inspecting every joint and detail, and literally trying out the purchase right in the store. Really good, reliable, and functional machines are available in a wide price range of 20,000 to 300,000 rubles, depending on the type. We'll skip discussing outrageous prices ranging from 500,000 to 800,000 rubles, as such mega-machines are not found in every gym, and we are looking for a "home" option.

Treadmill

• Effect. Load on the leg, abdominal, and back muscles. Running is the perfect exercise for training the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

• Contraindications. It is worth discussing with a doctor whether you can engage in running on a treadmill, even if your conditions do not seem serious (a special mode may be necessary). Running is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from bronchial asthma with frequent attacks, mitral stenosis, angina, pulmonary-heart failure, or high blood pressure, as well as various heart defects. Many forms of osteochondrosis and joint function disorders also fall on the list of contraindications.

• Price. Treadmills are not considered cheap equipment. You might find offers for around 20,000 rubles only in Chinese stores (and stores selling cheap Chinese products), but the quality of such models leaves much to be desired. Service after a breakdown is typically available only for residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and such a purchase fails fairly quickly. In the range of 20,000 to 40,000 rubles, you will get a fairly simple model with just two or three incline levels (athletes need much more), relatively narrow (not suitable for tall individuals), and less stable than more expensive models. It is best to get an electric model (on a mechanical one, without a coach's guidance, you can sustain unpleasant knee injuries). Only for 40,000 rubles and more can you truly get a good treadmill, with the opportunity to choose from several models.

• Buy. This site has a large selection of treadmills (including affordable options).

Stationary Bike

• Effect. Endurance is increased, and the leg and abdominal muscles are strengthened. The vertical stationary bike provides a greater load. The horizontal model is easier on the back and joints.

• Contraindications. Exercise on a stationary bike is not suitable for those with acute heart diseases, angina, asthma, tachycardia, diabetes, or thrombophlebitis. Individuals with hypertension should consult a doctor before starting workouts. The vertical bike is not suitable for overweight individuals or those with diseases of the spine, joints, or cardiovascular system. The load placed on the spine and joints when using this type of bike is excessive and even dangerous. However, lying down or semi-reclining on a horizontal bike allows such individuals to train (provided they have a doctor's approval). Overall, the horizontal bike becomes an ideal option for most individuals who are forbidden from high-intensity workouts.

• Price. Spending less than 20,000 rubles can get you a basic mechanical vertical stationary bike. But it’s better to invest a little more for a magnetic bike that offers several programs and good functionality. Remember that a very cheap model can have issues, such as an offset axis during fast riding or a quick breakdown. So, don't rush to find the cheapest stationary bike, and be sure to be critical of its quality.

Prices for horizontal stationary bikes start at around 50,000 rubles. On such a bike, you can rest and train simultaneously, although the external effect may not be as noticeable, the focus will be on strengthening the heart and breathing. If you are serious and ready to invest more, confidently purchase a vertical cycling model that allows you to exercise sitting or standing. This way, you can work on different muscle groups with various programs.

• Buy. Here you will find a good selection of stationary bikes.

Stepper

• Effect. While working on the stepper, it feels like you're stepping up an endless set of stairs. Consequently, the leg and glute muscles are worked very actively. Thus, muscle "pumping" adds to the overall strengthening effect. The stepper has earned the nickname of the "women's" trainer due to the slim legs of those who primarily use it (mostly women), and it also engages the abdominal muscles.

• Contraindications. Diseases of the spine and joints, chronic lung diseases. People with cardiovascular diseases require a doctor's consultation.

• Price. The stepper is the cheapest and very compact machine, which is why it is increasingly appearing in apartments. Most models cost less than 20,000 rubles. It is quite likely that you will find them in your nearest sporting goods store. The most important thing when choosing is to ensure the reliability of the mechanism and the comfort of the pedals personally for you. However, if you want more comfort (arm rests) and flexibility in settings and programs, consider steppers starting from 20,000 rubles. Look for a model with good shock absorption to protect your joints.

• Buy. And of course, here is a large selection of steppers.

Elliptical Trainer (Orbitrek)

• Effect. A new type of equipment. Treadmill + stationary bike + stepper, all combined. When using such a machine, almost all muscles of the legs, buttocks, and thighs are engaged. A bit less work is done by the arms, chest, and back (thanks to the movable handles).

• Contraindications. Heart pathologies, thrombophlebitis, severe forms of diabetes, chronic joint diseases.

• Price. A cheap orbitrek can be purchased for up to 30,000 rubles. However, it will likely lack most sensors and have few programs. When selecting such an elliptical trainer, it is essential to be very particular. It's wise to focus on well-known manufacturers. Additionally, a low-cost orbitrek will likely have a short crank throw, and the pedals can wear out quickly. Also, often, cheap models have issues with the coupling mechanism, which can result in costly repairs.

Once you exceed the 30,000 ruble threshold, more reliable models become available, and there are many of them. Therefore, it is better to base your choice primarily on price. However, keep in mind that too many programs are usually unnecessary for home workouts. Having 12-15 programs is quite sufficient, although it ultimately depends on your personal preferences.

• Buy. Here you will find a good selection of orbitreks at reasonable prices.

Rowing Machine

• Effect. The only cardio machine with a serious strength load. It effectively develops the muscles of the arms and back.

• Contraindications. Cardiovascular diseases, spinal and joint diseases, as well as any conditions that exclude intense loads. You must consult a doctor before training on this type of equipment.

• Price. A mechanical rowing machine can be acquired for up to 12,000 rubles. An electronic model with automatic adjustments without interrupting the workout will cost significantly more, starting from 25,000 rubles.

• Buy. On this site, you can purchase a rowing machine.

Note from the website administrator

This article was kindly provided to the site "Your Trainer" by specialists from the store Wellness Mir. Although it directly advertises this store, it is clear that these guys know what they are talking about. I believe this article serves as a good confirmation of that.