Ever wonder what gym equipment you can use to shed those extra pounds? If so, then this article is for you. Here we’re going to run down the ten gym machines that we believe can help you get toned and sculpt that sexy physique you’ve always wanted.
Free Weights
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, then the best gym equipment for you might be the free weights. You can use the barbells, weight vests, or cable machines for this purpose; they’re all effective for weight loss. However, the barbells are probably the most popular choice amongst gym goers because they allow for a wide range of exercises (similar to real life activities). The downside is that the free weights are rather bulky, which makes it difficult to transport them when you’re not using them. That’s why we recommend renting the weight machines or purchasing a home gym if you regularly engage in weight training.
Weight Bikes
If you’ve ever tried biking either outdoors or to a gym, then you might have discovered how enjoyable and how effective it is for weight loss. The key to weight loss through biking is in the form of the bike itself. Studies have proven that weight bikes are more effective than standard bikes for increasing your metabolism and for improving your cardio health. Weight bikes are also a great choice for people with arthritis or other locomotive disorders, as they allow for easier movement and more diverse exercise routines. Just make sure you wear a helmet and protective gear before biking outdoors.
Elliptical Trainers
Another great way to get in shape is with an elliptical trainer. If you’ve ever used a cross trainer, then you know what an elliptical trainer is. Essentially, an elliptical trainer is just a cross trainer that does (or rather, feels) lateral movements instead of only the forward/backward movements of a normal bike. That’s why they’re often regarded as a luxury item amongst fitness enthusiasts because they allow for more continuous and intensive workouts. Like with the weight bike, the key is in the form of the elliptical trainer. Not only does it increase your metabolism, but it also allows you to burn more calories than you would on a traditional bike. That’s why it’s such a popular choice amongst celebrities and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Sculpting Machines
If you’ve got a bit of a love affair with shapely women and want to experience it first hand, then you might want to invest in a sculpting machine. These machines are great for those who want to gain muscle and lose some fat at the same time. Once you’ve used a sculpting machine, you’ll never go back to working out with free weights or using the traditional methods to sculpt your physique. Most people use the sculpting machine in combination with the weight trainer, as it allows for more versatility in your workouts. Studies show that using these machines together increases the intensity of your workouts, as you both work your arms and legs simultaneously. It’s a win-win scenario.
Stepper
If you thought that getting in shape was hard, try doing it while in parenthood. Parenthood is a tough job, and one of the things that makes it even more difficult is the time constraints. It’s difficult to find the time to workout when you have so much on your plate already. What’s great about the stepper is that it allows you to utilize your existing time more effectively and increases the intensity of your workouts. Similar to the others on this list, the stepper is also popular amongst celebrities and fitness enthusiasts because of its versatility. You can easily do a workout on the stepper, and then change gears and do a bit of strength training afterwards. That’s why the stepper is one of the most popular luxury items amongst those who want to gain muscle and lose weight effectively.
Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are back! After a brief hiatus, the popular workout machine has returned with a vengeance. The reason that the rowing machine is so effective for weight loss is multi-faceted. First off, it’s a great way to work your arms while simultaneously working your legs. It’s a total arms workout, but it’s a fantastic way to build up your stamina too. Second, it’s another example of what we mentioned above, in that it allows for more continuous and intensive workouts. Third, it’s also got the usual health benefits associated with any workout regimen: increased metabolism, cardio health, and weight loss. Like the others on this list, the rowing machine is also a luxury item amongst fitness enthusiasts and celebrities because of its versatility and effectiveness.
Incline Bench
An incline bench is essentially a flat bench with an inclined section. This provides you with a low-profile working surface and makes working out more comfortable. What’s great about the incline bench is that it increases the intensity of your workouts due to its incline. The higher the incline, the harder it is to do a workout. Incline benches are thus great training devices for those who want to gain muscle and lose weight. If you’ve never used an incline bench before, then it can be difficult to determine the proper incline for it. That’s why they’re often found in health clubs and gyms, where instructors or personal trainers are on hand to help. Some people even find that they need a lower incline than usual because their workouts are harder due to their additional body weight.
Chest Wall Exercise Bike
This last item on our list is a great choice for people who want to incorporate their weights into their workouts. We all know that the weight we put on is mostly concentrated in our abdominal area, so it makes sense that we should be focusing most of our energy on targeting that area. The chest wall exercise bike allows you to do just that. It incorporates your weight into the workout, so you’ll have to push yourself more than usual to get the same effect. That’s what makes it different from other machines on this list. Not only does it target your abdominal area, but it also works your arms, shoulders, and back. It’s great for those who want to build more muscle, especially since it won’t hurt that much to push yourself on this bike. Just remember to take it easy at first until you get the hang of it.
Hopefully, this article gave you a good idea of the various gym machines available to help you reach your goals. Just remember to use common sense when choosing which one to buy. Remember, luxury does not always mean good quality, and sometimes even cheap equipment can be effective. With that said, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.