There’s no doubt that regular physical exercise can keep you healthy and strong, both physically and mentally. But in a society that is becoming increasingly sedentary, we have to put a little extra effort into getting the amount of exercise we need.

Fortunately, today’s health industry has provided would-be exercisers with a wide variety of machines and equipment that can help keep us fit and trim, whether we’re in the gym or at home.

With the exception of special equipment used in physical therapy, which may be used to address muscle or strength issues following trauma, and machines used in the training of professional athletes, most fitness equipment falls into three broad categories: cardio equipment, strength-training equipment, and flexibility training equipment.

The most common types of cardio equipment include machines such as treadmills, stair steppers, stationary bikes, and rowing machines. Only a few decades ago, using these machines would mean a trip to a gym, but with advances in design and technology, many state-of-the-art machines can be purchased that will fit in the average home, allowing you to exercise in private and at your convenience.

Strength training is most often associated with free weights, but al-in-one machines that offer built-in resistance training have become very popular with fitness enthusiasts, both at home and at the gym. By adjusting the tension of these machines, you can get all the advantages of strength training with free weights, but achieve a smoother, more controlled overall movement, often resulting in better, more precise results.

Flexibility equipment has increased in popularity in recent years, as Pilates and yoga have gained large numbers of adherents. Equipment such as exercise balls, popular in Pilates programs, can do double-duty, providing core-strengthening exercises, as well.

The big question is, home or gym? Home fitness equipment sounds convenient, but it does have a couple of drawbacks. First, there are no fitness experts in your own home – no one to answer questions or guide you in developing an individualized program to suit your specific needs. The costs of home equipment can add up, and a gym will usually offer you a wider range of Commercial fitness equipment and machines, which helps avoid the boredom of a repetitive fitness routine. And of course, when you go to a gym, there are no distractions to take you away from your goal – and you’re surrounded by people who are like-minded – at least for the moment.

Whatever you choose, the most important decision of all is to get started!

Article by Syco Fitness Aust