Related Articles
What are the different kinds of workout machines?
Workout machines are effective ways to exercise and gain muscle. Workout machines are not necessarily bad, but there are risks associated with using these machines.
Workout machines are not necessarily bad. Workout machines are effective ways to exercise and gain muscle. Both are immensely helpful to your health. However, there are risks associated with using these machines.
Learn about exercise machines and how to stay safe using them.
To understand if exercise machines are bad, it is essential to understand just what range of exercise machines there are to choose from. These different varieties can be broken down into two different types of machines; cardio machines and strength machines.
Cardio machines
Cardio machines are a hallmark of any gym. Simply walk into the main room and you will see row upon row of machines designed to provide a cardio workout and burn calories and fat.
These machines range in price and size. Many can track your body during the workout. They also often offer pre-programmed workouts and give you updates on your progress as you are working out. They can be great ways to get your heart pumping. Different cardio machines are:
- Skiing machines. These machines exercise both your arms and legs as you mimic cross-country skiing. This is a great machine to use if you have knee pain, as the sliding motion of the machine is gentle on your knees. There are many varieties of these machines, depending on your preferences.
- Elliptical trainers. A popular machine, elliptical trainers give you a workout similar to skiing and walking upstairs at the same time. Workouts with ellipticals are relatively low-impact while still stimulating your cardio. Different elliptical machines include various types of motion. Most machines will allow you to adjust the resistance and grade as you use them.
- Rowing machines. If you want a full-body workout on an exercise machine, this is the closest you can get. Rowing machines target your legs, arms, and back all at once by mimicking a rowing motion. These machines can feel uncomfortable for people who may not have rowed before. However, there are different models of rowing machines that feel less like the actual experience of rowing.
- Stair machines. These are machines that simulate walking up a flight of stairs. Some varieties have handrails that can also work out your arms. Stair machines are technically low impact, but they can be hard on your knees.
- Stationary bikes. Easy to use, these machines are simply bikes that do not move. They provide excellent and low-impact cardio workouts. However, these machines can be pretty uncomfortable to sit on. Different types of these machines can be easier on your joints than others. They will all have features so that you can adjust the speed and height of the machine.
Strength equipment
If you are interested in developing strength rather than cardio fitness, there are many options out there for you. It does not matter whether these machines or equipment utilize bodyweight, free weights, tension, or resistance force. As long as you feel that you are moving weight and getting stronger.
What are the risks of using a workout machine?
Treadmills are responsible for more gym injuries than any other piece of gym equipment. Most injuries happen when people fall while running.
You can avoid injuries through basic safety precautions such as setting the speed and height at the appropriate levels for you. Read instructions and follow safety rules for other cardio machines as well.
When weight training, injuries can most commonly happen when you:
- Work out at home
- Lift very heavyweights
- Drop the weights
- Fall or twist your body during weight lifting
- Exert yourself past the point of your physical ability
