| More and more, we are reminded to exercise to get in | | | | to $1500, depending on the quality of the machine and |
| shape and maintain good health. Unfortunately, many | | | | the options available. They offer four forms of |
| of the exercise options that are offered to help us can | | | | resistance: |
| hurt us at the same time. High impact exercises burn a | | | | Air-This works by using a fan. As you pull on the bike, |
| lot of calories and offer good cardiovascular benefits. | | | | the fan spins and simulates the feel of rowing an |
| At the same time, they can damage joints and bones. | | | | actual boat. |
| There are now options available that have the same | | | | Hydraulics-This works through hydraulic cylinders or |
| benefits as high impact exercises but also minimize the | | | | pistons. While less expensive, they don't work as |
| chance of injury. | | | | smoothly as others. |
| There are several great low impact pieces of | | | | Water-This works by pulling bars through a small |
| exercise equipment. Three of these are: | | | | water tank and comes closest to simulating actual |
| Exercise bikes | | | | boat rowing. |
| Rowing Machines | | | | Magnetism-As the title suggests these models use |
| Elliptical Trainer | | | | magnets. They offer a smooth, quiet ride and are |
| Let's examine each of these exercise machines. | | | | more expensive. |
| Exercise Bikes | | | | Elliptical Trainers |
| Exercise bikes come in two main forms, upright and | | | | Elliptical trainers also offer a good workout. The |
| recumbent. The upright bike is like regular bikes in that | | | | movement of the pedals combines the benefits of |
| you are sitting upright when using it. The benefit of an | | | | both a treadmill and an exercise bike. This works by |
| upright bike is that you can use it sitting down or | | | | standing upright on the pedals, which move around a |
| standing up. Alternating sitting and standing will burn | | | | large wheel. Since many have cross training bars that |
| more calories by increasing exertion. | | | | move back and forth, you get both an upper and |
| The recumbent bike leans back and your feet are | | | | lower body workout. The prices range from $200 up |
| positioned in front of you. These bikes offer more | | | | to $2500 for elliptical machines. Choose one with the |
| comfort and back support, but burn fewer calories | | | | following attributes: |
| since you have to remain in a seated position. Both | | | | Large wheel in front for sturdiness |
| styles of bike offer good exercise benefits, but mainly | | | | Magnetic breaks for longer wear |
| just exercise your legs. The prices range from | | | | Articulating footpads to keep circulation in your feet. |
| $300-$600. | | | | A stride length between 18 and 21 inches. |
| Rowing Machines | | | | When determining which piece of equipment is best |
| Rowing machines are built to simulate rowing a boat. | | | | for you, consider all the facts presented here. This |
| They provide a good workout, not just for rowers but | | | | way you can decide which machine is the right one for |
| also for anyone seeking a good overall form of | | | | you. |
| exercise. They range in price from $100 all the way up | | | | |