What to Consider About Home Exercise Machines
By Sandy Schroeder
You may already use an exercise mat or small weights and daily stretch exercises, but what about home exercise machines? There are reasons why you may be considering them.
- You have given up your gym membership
- You are working at home
- The weather is changing
- You are sitting as much as 15 hours a day
If you are considering a treadmill, elliptical machine, or recumbent bike, you may want to learn more about them and what they can do for your health.
I have had a treadmill for a while and now I have a recumbent bike. The bike gets the most use because it is parked next to my comfy reading and TV chair. It is not easy to ignore and I can do 10- to 15-minute sessions whenever I want. The treadmill is an easy substitute for walking or running when it is evening or the weather is bad. It is also a good training device for any marathon plans you might have,
Wherever you are with home exercise machines, you need to know what they can do to give you aerobic heart protection 24/7 in quick or longer doses without leaving your home. Think about what you prefer and how they might fit at your house.
Weighing in on Treadmills and Ellipticals
Recently the Mayo Clinic compared treadmills and elliptical machines comparing their effectiveness for basic aerobic workouts. They tell us both are effective but ellipticals do offer some advantages over treadmills.
Stress differences - An elliptical machine may be less stressful on knees, back and hips than running on a treadmill. When walking on a treadmill they are about the same in force used.
Double benefits - Elliptical machines have movable upper body handles or poles that exercise both arms and legs.
Extra feature - Most ellipticals can be pedaled in reverse which works calf and hamstring muscles more than just going forward.
Joint pain alternative - The elliptical is considered a low-impact activity that spares the knees for anyone with joint pain due to arthritis.
Before making any choice, talk to your doctor and your chiropractor about what exercise or machine would be right for you. Discuss any injuries, joint pain or other issues and then create a plan for the one you choose.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in League City, Tex.