If you want to get in shape, you may have considered a gym membership. But if the gym happens to put you off, and is simply not your thing, then know that you are not alone. In fact, millions of people tend to prefer working out at home over working out at a public gym. This is because, among other things, they are able to have some privacy, and aren’t subjected to impromptu gym lessons from “experts” who hound the gym for hours and are more likely to hurt themselves than do any benefit to their bodies. If you have considered working out from home, then there are a few things you will need to know about exercise equipment.
Dumbbells
For home work outs, dumbbells are almost always the preferred choice by most. They are versatile, easy to use, and train your body better than machines, as your core and other smaller muscles need to work to balance the free weights. However, dumbbells can be expensive. You will be lucky if you only pay a dollar per pound; usually, you have to pay more. This is why many people prefer adjustable dumbbells. Not only do they take up far less room than a rack of individual sets of dumbbells, but if you calculate the costs, you can literally save hundreds by buying an adjustable pair.
Treadmill and Elliptical
For those who like to run, a treadmill or an elliptical is the obvious choice. But did you know there is a huge difference between the two? Ever wonder why the elliptical always feels so easy? The reason is simple; it doesn’t work your body nearly as much. In fact, According to a recent study at the University of California at San Francisco, elliptical trainers commonly overestimate total calories burned in a work out by up to 42%, which is a staggering number. So for those who want a cardio machine to burn fat with, the treadmill is the way to go for truth.
Home Gym
For those who like machines—and there’s nothing wrong with that!—then a home gym option may very well be the best option to consider. Home gyms are usually complete, or as near to as possible, fitness centers that have exercises ranging from butterfly chest extensions to calve extensions. These centers are more suited to a person who wants to build muscle, and more of it, as they train almost exclusively in an isolating manner, so your other muscles, including your core, seldom get any workout at all from them.
Barbells
Olympic barbell sets are another popular option, and they can be just as versatile as a fitness center if you know how to use them. From deadlifts to shoulder presses, and even calf raises, shrugs and biceps curls, the Olympic barbell has a ton of uses. Barbell sets, like dumbbells, can be used for sports training, muscle building, and even muscular endurance training as well.