Exercise machines are often feared by those that don’t understand them. There is trepidation regarding their usage and worry that they won’t pick the right machine to get the best results. If you are struggling to understand how to use these machines it may be a good idea for you to ask one of the personal trainers at your gym. This will not only help build your confidence, it’ll also help you to work out in a more efficient way. Here are a few of the best pieces of gym equipment for weight loss.
Firstly, whilst gyms are great, if you want to lose weight then you must focus on your diet too, combining exercise and heathy eating into a new healthier lifestyle. Why this “aside”? Just think next time you’re pounding on a treadmill – is it easier to burn an extra 500 calories a day, or eat 500 fewer. Meanwhile, a flexible gym membership will get you the access, but will that get you the results? Let’s look at those machines and find out…
Elliptical
The saviour of knees! It removes the heavy pounding of a treadmill or roads, where your body weight is constantly shocked through your knees. All the benefits of running, without the stresses. Result.
To make it harder, or more beneficial shall we say, don’t hold the handles but pump your arms as if you were running. Also incorporate a degree of interval training i.e. one minute normal, one fast, then one all out and repeat – this shocks the body, changes your heart rate up and down and gives a better workout. You can also alter the resistance strength to adapt it again. At a good pace, you’ll burn roughly 13 calories per minute (depending on effort and body size) – remember there are a lot of 13’s in 500 (more than 38 in fact).
Rowing Machine
Truly a full body workout and a lot harder than it looks. You’ll be out of breath very quickly which shows just how good it is for you. Think of professional rowers, they look good right, exactly!
Again you can incorporate interval training, or just go for endurance or perhaps a short sprint. Modern rowing machines show distance, speed, power output etc. so you can document data and look to improve over a period. Roughly speaking you’ll burn about 11 calories a minute.
Stair Master (climber)
At home, do not use the downstairs loo, bolt upstairs. In the gym it’s just the same, only these stairs never end, they do not go downwards, and there is no loo at the top!
Ensure you keep good form as you climb the stairs and do not hang onto the handles. Try and walk as you would at home. They offer varying programmes that can incorporate interval training, but roughly speaking you’ll burn about 11 calories a minute and tire those legs.
Stationary Bike
All the benefits of a bicycle, without the weather or traffic to worry about. But remember, this is not a leisurely ride, but exercise. Again, they can often be programmed, give good detailed displays, and allow interval training/increased resistance, but the benefits are measured more by how hard you push! An average of 14 calories per minute and a great leg exercise.
Treadmill
The old favourite. At about 17 calories a minute a great exercise. Modern treadmills give full data and can be programmed to incorporate intervals. You can often alter the incline, and of course the speed. If you have never used one before, they can feel a bit odd – remember it is much harder to fall off a stationary bike!
These machines will push you, but only if you are willing to push yourself. Therefore they are only as useful as you make them. That said, if you are minded to improve your fitness, and are mindful of your diet, they can help you along the road to a healthier lifestyle.
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