Having gained extra pounds, some immediately sign up for a gym or fitness center. Others prefer to buy a machine for home so they can exercise away from prying eyes. But the main thing is not where you sharpen your figure, because the simulators are the same almost everywhere. The question is which one to choose to achieve maximum results.
Functionality
The variety of types and models makes you think. On the one hand, you don’t want to overpay, on the other hand, you need a good result. To make the right choice, you need to understand how they work.
- Power
Their task is to increase muscle mass, improve relief, and develop strength. They contribute to weight loss only in a secondary way. So there is no point in purchasing such models for home.
- Cardio equipment (aerobic)
Their goal is to strengthen the cardiovascular system and burn fat. But this is exactly what we need.
Contraindications
Before purchasing any exercise equipment for your home, find out whether you can exercise on it. The fact is that such training loads the respiratory, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems of the body. If there are any problems with them initially, doctors are unlikely to allow you to lose weight in this way.
Among the contraindications:
- recently undergone surgery;
- disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
- haemorrhoids;
- joint diseases;
- oncology;
- pregnancy.
Bronchial asthma, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are relative contraindications, i.e., a specialist’s permission is required to exercise on a particular cardio machine.
Review of popular models
For home activities, they most often purchase:
- Exercise bike
This is one of the most common weight loss machines. It is worth giving preference to models with a monitor, automatically adjustable resistance level, and a heart rate sensor. “Riding” on it perfectly corrects the shape of the hips, buttocks, calves, and abs. Price: from $50 to $5,000.
- Orbitrek (ellipsoid)
According to many fitness trainers and athletes, it is one of the most effective for complete cardio training and rapid weight loss. In this case, the load on the joints will be minimal. Many models have a multifunctional monitor, basic training programs, and computer control. Installation requires approximately 2 m2 of free space. Cost: from $600 to $2,000.
- Treadmill
It is comfortable to exercise on it. It requires as much space in the apartment as an orbitrek. Cost - from $100 to $18,000.
Burning calories:
- Stepper
Excellent for reducing the size of your legs and waist. If equipped with handrails, the abs and back receive additional stress. The result is noticeable after 3 months. A fairly compact mechanism, but noisy.
Calorie consumption table:
- Rowing machine
It is characterized by low morbidity. But exercises on it are very labor-intensive. Therefore, despite its high effectiveness in losing weight, women rarely purchase it for home exercises.
Calorie consumption table:
- Mini exercise machines
They don’t take up much space, they’re not labor-intensive, but they work well on problem areas. These include:
- health disk;
- mini trampoline;
- roller trainer;
- sports bench for losing belly fat;
- gymnastic stick;
- expander "butterfly";
- dumbbells and weights.
Rating of the best
Are you looking for the most effective exercise machine for weight loss at home? Perhaps he is in our TOP 10:
- Bronze Gym T900 Pro. Treadmill. China. $4,500.
- Hastings Wega R1. Rowing machine. England. $1,000.
- Svensson Body Labs PhysioLine TBX. Treadmill. Sweden. $890.
- Horizon Dynamic 208. Stepper. USA. $730.
- Carbon Fitness T404. Treadmill. Germany. $560.
- Oxygen Jet Star. Exercise bike. Germany. $500.
- Intensor X200. Orbitrek. England. $480.
- Svensson Body Labs CrossLine BCM. Exercise bike. Sweden. $260.
- HouseFit HB-8191HP. Exercise bike. USA. $190.
- Body Sculpture BE-5920X. Ellipsoid. China. $140.
Comparative characteristics
The question is often asked what is best for losing weight...
...elliptical or treadmill?
- The elliptical is an even load on all muscles, and the treadmill is more on the legs and buttocks;
- more versatile.
...orbitrack or exercise bike?
- Orbitrek burns more calories;
- both correct the shape of the legs and buttocks, but the orbitrack puts additional stress on the arms and back;
- The orbitrek for weight loss is recommended for everyone, and the exercise bike is recommended for beginners.
...treadmill or exercise bike?
Questions and answers
If it is not possible to consult with a fitness trainer, look for answers to your questions on the forums or in our information block.
Which exercise machine is best for weight loss?
If we take into account calorie consumption, then this is an orbitrek, an exercise bike and a rowing machine.
How to choose an exercise machine for your home?
If the problem of space that it will occupy in the house is acute, then choose compact models. Ideally this is a stepper. If there is no such difficulty, see the answer to the previous question.
Where is it better to exercise - in the gym or at home?
What is good for losing weight in the gym is the constant supervision of a professional trainer and responsibility to others. As for the equipment itself, today, if you have money, you can buy everything that is in the fitness center for your home.
Is there a difference between exercise machines for men and women?
No. Although steppers are especially good for women. The rowing machine is ideal for men. All others are equally useful.
And remember, no reviews or articles will give you a complete picture of the pros or cons of a particular model. Ideally, you need to do several classes in the gym to try different options and only then decide what suits you and what doesn’t.
Irina Valentinovna Kruglova
Deputy Director for Medical Work of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia"
Consultation with a specialist is necessary. A person may have hidden diseases that he does not know about. He can sit on a newly acquired exercise machine, begin to give himself a load, but it turns out that he cannot do this. Therefore, the first condition for home training is a consultation with a specialist (a conversation with a local therapist will be enough) who must confirm to the person whether he has restrictions on using this simulator or not. The second condition concerns the amount of stress that a person is able to give himself. There are special testing systems that determine a person’s functionality. If it is low, then he should start with low physical activity parameters.
5. Stepper
This compact simulator simulates a person climbing stairs. Despite the fact that this device creates quite intense loads on the body, it cannot be called highly effective. When using it, a small percentage of the muscles are trained and the user does not “work” the lungs very actively. And this simulator is potentially the most traumatic of all those presented on our list. When purchasing this device, you need to pay special attention to its stability. This exercise machine cannot be recommended for people who have problems with their feet and knees. On the other hand, steppers are usually compact in size and, if desired, can be used even in the office.
4. Exercise bike
An exercise bike is a fairly convenient and effective means of losing weight. However, it is its convenience that ultimately affects the effectiveness of training. A sitting position limits the number of muscles involved in the load. However, the load is still distributed more smoothly and evenly than, for example, on walking simulators, which means that the risk of injury for these devices is lower. When performing exercises on an exercise bike, the muscles of the lower extremities are mainly worked, so these workouts will help you get rid of excess fat in the buttocks or thighs and cellulite faster. When choosing an exercise bike, you should pay attention to models with automatic resistance adjustments. The built-in computer will be able to monitor the degree of load of the student and adjust programs depending on the activity of the owner.
3. Treadmill
One of the most popular exercise machines in the world is in the middle of our ranking. The treadmill has attracted appreciation from users for its optimal combination of convenience (it imitates the most natural process for all people - walking and running) and efficiency. The intensity of the training process on this simulator depends on the angle of inclination of the track and its speed. Modern models can monitor the number of calories burned and provide recommendations on the choice of exercise intensity to achieve the desired results. It is best to start training with simple walking, simulating an everyday walk, but jogging is the most effective way to lose weight. You can lose up to 700 calories in one hour of vigorous exercise. During exercise, muscles work intensively, and breathing becomes as deep as possible, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the lungs and cardiovascular system. To increase the load, some users wear weights on their arms and legs. As with the stepper, this type of exercise machine cannot be recommended for people who have problems with their feet and knees.
2. Rowing machine
The rowing machine is one of the least favorite devices among users. It is very difficult to train on it. But due to the labor intensity and complexity of the exercises, it is perhaps the most effective weight loss machine. Rowing works a large group of muscles simultaneously in the upper and lower body, which brings closer the result - weight loss. Despite the complex design of the simulator, it is not dangerous for injuries, and the short (due to the intensity of the load) duration of training on it allows you to compensate for long training sessions on other simulators. One of the disadvantages of this exercise machine is that it puts a powerful load on the shoulder girdle, and wide shoulders are not “suitable” for every type of female figure. One way or another, it is the rowing machine that will allow you to lose weight as quickly as possible.
1. Elliptical trainer
The elliptical trainer, or, as it is also called, the orbitrack, has absorbed all the best features of the above-mentioned trainers and in its design, tried to avoid the shortcomings of each. Training on it is reminiscent of riding an exercise bike, skiing and going up and down on a stepper. Most experts recognize the elliptical trainer as the most effective for losing excess weight. It tones large muscle groups, trains the cardiovascular system, and is easy to manage and train. During exercise on an elliptical, the possibility of injuring the spine and knees is minimal, since all movements are performed along a smooth elliptical trajectory. The machine is equipped with hand levers that allow you to use the muscles of the arms and shoulder girdle and develop them evenly. This option will be ideal for those users who have serious problems with excess weight and joints.
Irina Valentinovna Kruglova
Deputy Director for Medical Work of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia"
It is worth remembering that the effect of losing weight depends not only on exercise equipment, but also on other related factors. The main one is that energy consumption should prevail over energy consumption. That is, if a person does not change his lifestyle and does not limit himself in food consumption, while continuing to train intensively, there will either be no effect at all, or it will be insignificant. Although, if you observe the ratio of energy consumption and energy expenditure, the process of losing weight with a simulator will go much faster.
It takes an honorable first place in the ranking of the most effective exercise machines for weight loss. In 60 minutes of active exercise on this device you can get rid of 500-700 kcal. During training, almost all muscles are involved in the work, so the whole body loses weight as a whole.
Most treadmills are equipped with computers that help regulate the degree of exercise, running speed, and monitor your heart rate. The only disadvantage of this device is the high price and large size. For home workouts, treadmills are not suitable for everyone, but in the gym they are the most popular exercise equipment.
Elliptical trainer
In second place in terms of efficiency is the elliptical trainer. Training on it imitates, all movements are smooth and without jerks. The ellipse practically does not put stress on the knee joints and spine. It is considered one of the safest devices in this regard.
By training on an elliptical trainer, you can burn about 700 kcal in 60 minutes of exercise. The main load in this case goes to the muscles of the legs, buttocks, thighs and abs. If you practice while holding the movable handrails with your hands, the muscles of the back and shoulder girdle will also be involved in the work. In general, the elliptical trainer, like the treadmill, works the whole body. This device took second place only because those who are losing weight use the ellipse less often. Therefore, there are fewer reviews about successful weight loss with its help.
Exercise bike
An exercise bike receives a bronze medal in the ranking of effective weight loss devices. By the way, many people who dream of losing excess weight buy this particular unit. It doesn’t take up much space compared to a treadmill and elliptical, it’s easy to use, and the prices for exercise bikes aren’t too bad.
In an hour of intense training on an exercise bike, you can burn about 500 kcal. The main load during exercise goes to the back and legs. Therefore, choosing such a weight loss exercise machine is recommended for people whose main problem area is the lower torso.
Stepper
In fourth place in the ranking is the stepper. This exercise machine resembles two steps and simulates climbing stairs. There are many models of this device. There are compact ones for home use that can easily be hidden under the bed after training. There are also more bulky ones, these are usually found in fitness clubs.
But the operating principle of large and small steppers is approximately the same. The main load during exercise goes to the legs, hips, and, in general, the lower body. If you are not lazy and keep up the pace of your workout, you can burn 500 kcal in an hour of exercise.
Rowing machine
Rounding out the top five devices effective for weight loss is the rowing machine. Exercises on a rowing machine are very similar to rowing, hence the name. During training, almost all muscle groups are involved: legs, abs, shoulder girdle, etc. During an hour-long workout on a rowing machine, you can burn about 600 kcal.
Many people strive to lose extra pounds. Without special physical exercises, it is impossible to lose weight and maintain a slim figure. The proof is in the crowded gyms of fitness clubs.
For a number of reasons, not everyone can afford to regularly visit such establishments. But you can buy a weight loss exercise machine yourself and exercise at home. Up-to-date information on the topic of sports equipment and equipment will allow you to avoid mistakes with your choice.
Answering a number of clarifying questions will help you correctly determine the type of simulator you need:
- Goal of classes: weight loss, maintaining muscle tone, building muscle;
- training frequency;
- dimensions of the space for the exercise machine;
- health status, level of training, weight of intended users;
- purchase budget.
Having systematized the received data, you can begin to select a specific device.
For professionals and amateurs
Sports simulators are divided into two types: professional and amateur.
Advantages of professional equipment:
- any loads, including the highest;
- more information on the display;
- comfort in operation;
- long service life.
Amateur simulators are divided into mechanical and electrical . The latter are more convenient to use. Equipment for hobbyists is smaller in size and offered at affordable prices.
Purpose
According to functionality, simulators are divided into 2 types:
- Cardio equipment (anaerobic)– exercises on them allow you to lose weight, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance.
- Power– help increase muscle mass.
An exercise machine for home exercises must meet the following requirements:
- occupy less than half the free space of the room;
- assemble, transform into a compact form;
- suit different family members.
If you have health problems, the choice of exercise equipment should be discussed with your doctor.
Rules and requirements for training to obtain maximum effect
To achieve the desired result, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- Regularity of classes. The frequency of training depends on your lifestyle. If physical activity occurs outside the gym, 3 times a week is enough. If you have low mobility, the number of workouts should be increased to 5.
- Duration. 1.5 hours is enough to exhaust the endurance reserve of muscle tissue.
- Warm up the muscles. It is imperative to warm up before training.
- Number of approaches and repetitions. Each exercise should be performed in 3-4 sets, with a pause of 1-3 minutes between them. The number of repetitions is determined by the type of muscles being trained: for large ones 6-8 times, for small ones – up to 10.
- Number of workouts for different muscle groups. Large muscles are loaded once a week, otherwise the muscle tissue does not have time to recover and its growth will slow down. It is recommended to train any 2 muscle groups + abdominals in one session.
You should not eat food 1 hour before and 2 hours after training. You should drink 30 minutes after exercise.
The best exercise machines for weight loss
Specialized stores offer a wide selection of exercise equipment for body shaping.
Advantages:
- compactness;
- no congestion in the joints of the feet and knees;
- selection of functions and modes.
Exercise bikes differ in the operating principle of the driving mechanism:
- Shoe simulator. Plus one – low cost. The disadvantages are inaccurate load adjustment, noise generation, and low wear resistance of the pads.
- Belt. The characteristics are identical to option 1. The belt stretches quickly, making it difficult to secure the desired load. Models with a flywheel weight in the range of 3-4 kg are most convenient to use.
- Magnetic. They have a number of advantages: silent operation, accuracy when installing the load, long service life. When choosing a model with a magnetic mechanism, you should pay attention to the mass of the flywheel, which should be 7 kg.
According to their design, exercise bikes are divided into 2 types:
- horizontal (no load on the back muscles, recommended after spinal injuries);
- vertical (focus on the steering wheel and seat).
When choosing, take into account:
- Permissible user weight. Models designed for 80-100 kg cost less than models designed to support 120-140 kg.
- Range of modes. Models with automatic change of resistance force and load monitoring function have advantages.
- Ease of use. At the lowest point, your feet on the pedals should be fully extended.
You shouldn’t exhaust your body with intense training for the first week. Loads should be increased gradually, and riding speed should be changed during the session. A feeling of pleasant fatigue is what you should feel after exercise.
Depending on the speed and level of resistance, you can burn from 200 to 450 calories per hour of exercise. An exercise bike strengthens your buttocks, calves and thighs.
There are several types:
- Mechanical. Plus one – low price, but it’s difficult to train on them.
- Magnetic. Supports smooth acceleration and braking.
- Electrical. Their cost is the highest, but they are considered the most comfortable and safe option (the safety key disables movement in the event of a fall).
Pros (for electric trainers):
- suitable for running and walking, which is important for obese people, heart patients, and pregnant women;
- the cushioning system of the canvas reduces pressure on the joints and spine;
- the display displays information about the work done (mileage traveled, calories burned), the user’s condition (pulse);
- the presence of different modes (running on an incline, with an upward climb) allows you to customize the simulator to your own capabilities;
- long service life.
Treadmills with a full range of functions are equipped with fat analyzers, switching buttons are located on the display and on the hand holder.
Running after doing strength exercises helps you lose weight. You should not set records in the 1st lesson; the load should be increased gradually.
The program promotes weight loss (performed after warming up):
- brisk walking 2 min;
- running at a pace of 9 km/h for 2-3 minutes;
- running at a pace of 7 km/h, 5 minutes;
- The 2nd and 3rd points alternate several times, depending on individual capabilities;
- brisk walking 2-3 minutes;
- slow walking 2-3 minutes.
The first 3 sessions on the treadmill should be spent most of the time walking, the total duration should not exceed 25 minutes.
The effect of training will increase if you diversify the load: change the angle of the belt, use dumbbells. During the process, you need to monitor your pulse, the maximum value of which should not exceed 200 minus age.
According to reviews, active exercise on a treadmill allows you to lose 5 kg in six months.
Running is contraindicated for people with joint diseases and varicose veins.
Combines the movements of an exercise bike and a stepper.
Advantages:
- no contraindications for human health;
- affects all muscle groups;
- distributes the load evenly;
- does not overload the spine, knee and ankle joints.
When choosing a model, consider:
- height and weight of the athlete;
- noise generation (magnetic models are much quieter than mechanical analogues);
- dimensions of the simulator itself;
- Possibility of assembly: all modern ones are compact when folded.
Training on an ellipsoid increases endurance (the amount of oxygen in tissues increases under heavy loads), strengthens the heart, and improves blood circulation.
Advantages:
- makes the upper and lower body work;
- suitable for people with medical restrictions and heavy weight;
- high cardio effect.
The main thing during training is to follow the execution technique:
- The knees are compressed, the feet are resting. Hands hold the handle. The body is tilted forward.
- The legs push away and straighten. The shoulder joints tense, the handle moves behind the body.
- While resting your feet, pull the handle towards your chest.
- Holding the handle, return it back. The body follows forward, the knees bend. The body takes the first position.
Minor deviations from the rules can cause problems with the spine. You need to start training with an instructor.
When unfolded, the rowing machine takes up a lot of space, so preference should be given to collapsible models.
Advantages:
- low cost: some models cost a couple of thousand rubles;
- suitable for any family member;
- variety of exercises, training any muscles;
- increased functionality due to the installation of additional equipment (ropes, expanders, etc.).
When choosing a model number, weight and height are taken into account.
Additional equipment for weight loss
Advantages of sports equipment:
- low cost;
- requires a minimum of space, some exercise equipment fits on a shelf;
- is not inferior in efficiency to stationary simulators.
Fitball
A unique projectile, it is an elastic rubber ball.
Develops:
- muscles;
- plastic;
- slimness;
- coordination of movements.
Due to instability, sitting on a fitball is associated with tension in different muscle groups and promotes weight loss.
The projectile is suitable for everyone. The main thing when choosing is not to make a mistake with the diameter (40-95 cm).
Easy to use, does not require special training.
You should start with a light hoop, practice for 5 minutes. Then pick up a weighted hoop, a special belt will protect against bruises on the body. Modern models of weighted gymnastic hula hoop (up to 2 kg) allow you to accelerate weight loss.
Hula hoop strains the abdominal and lower back muscles as much as possible and helps burn fat in these areas.
Rotating disk
Exercises strengthen the spine, muscles in the back and waist, and normalize the functioning of the digestive system. Modern models show calories burned on the display.
Training rules:
- hands rest against the wall;
- the back should be straight;
- rotation speed as desired.
Duration of classes – 10 minutes.
Jump rope
Jumping rope trains the calf and thigh muscles. Strengthen the hands and forearm with weighted jump ropes.
The first lessons should not last more than 10 minutes. You can lose weight if you jump for 20-30 minutes every day.
Jumping stimulates cardiac activity, blood circulation, and strengthens the respiratory system.
Dumbbells and barbells
Dumbbells are effective in removing fat from the back and sides. Untrained people should start with 2- or 4-kg dumbbells. The main rule of training is to alternately load your left or right hand. This allows you to intensively develop the “lagging” side of the body and improves coordination of movement.
Barbells develop the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back. In this case, both sides of the body are loaded simultaneously.
Which exercise machine will be more effective for weight loss?
In addition to those described above, there are several more popular simulators:
- orbitrek– repeating the movements of skiing;
- stepper– movements of climbing stairs.
However, the variety of proposals does not provide a clear answer to the question asked. Each simulator has its pros and cons. It all depends on the capabilities and preferences of the person himself. Some people prefer to “ride” a bicycle, others prefer to ride a boat.
The main thing is to train regularly, following medical and sports recommendations.
How to make a simple weight loss exercise machine with your own hands?
Materials:
- 3 hooks;
- reliable rope 10 m long;
- synthetic belt up to 4 cm wide, 3 m long;
- polypropylene pipe 50 cm long, 20 mm cross-section;
- 3 carabiners with rings.
Assembly order:
- Cut the rope into lengths of 1 m, 4 m and 4 m, the pipe into lengths of 12.5 cm, and the belt into 0.5 m lengths.
- Insert two belts into the first two tubes, one at a time into the second two tubes.
- Sew the ends of the belts together.
- Tie a short rope so that you get a ring to which a carabiner is attached.
- Tie the ends of long pieces of rope to sewn belts.
- Put a carabiner on the second ends, connect both to the first.
- Attach the hooks to the wall at a height of 50-80 cm.
Advantages and disadvantages of exercising at home
Everyone decides for themselves how and where to keep fit, but home workouts definitely have a number of advantages:
- the ability to study at any convenient time, saving travel time;
- hygiene – the equipment is not used by strangers;
- no constant expenses for a gym membership.
The disadvantages of training at home are explained by the lack of:
- choosing sports equipment (rarely anyone can afford several exercise machines);
- opportunities to receive instructions from a professional trainer;
- sharing experiences with people experiencing similar problems with excess weight.
Today we will talk about which home exercise machine is the most effective - by comparing the most popular of them. After reading our review, you can purchase the most profitable option that suits your goals and health characteristics.
Comparison of simulators
First, let's look at the most common exercise machines and energy consumption when exercising with them. Don’t forget that the number of calories burned also depends on the intensity of the activity, so we will give approximate numbers from start to finish.
Cardio exercise only produces results with long-term training, since the active fat burning process starts after 20 minutes of exercise. Therefore, if you purchase a machine for short workouts, you will not soon notice changes in your figure. The optimal duration of classes is 30-50 minutes, depending on the level of endurance.
At first glance, everything is very simple - after all, logically, the most effective exercise machine for tightening your figure will be the one that burns the most calories. However, there are other features to consider when purchasing. For example, the traumatic nature of the simulator and contraindications for exercising with it. To eliminate errors when choosing, let’s consider each option from the table in more detail.
Treadmill
The treadmill is one of the most popular cardio equipment for the home. You can run, race walk, and even walk uphill on it (which significantly increases your calorie burn). This way you use almost all the muscles of the body.
It should be remembered that running is contraindicated for people with large body weight. Excess weight negatively affects joint function, which can lead to injury. Although some tracks have shock absorption, which reduces the risk of injury even with incorrect running technique.
But race walking, on the contrary, will be useful for everyone. Regardless of age and health status - for both 18-year-old and 60-year-old women and men. Moderate exercise on a treadmill also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. However, you will have to increase the duration of the workout, because walking burns 2 times fewer calories than running.
The good news is that you can simply increase the incline of the path to walk uphill. With a built-in incline of 12-15%, you will get results similar to running.
Elliptical trainer
Orbitrek is one of the most successful and effective weight loss machines. It is also considered the safest equipment for sports. The elliptical trainer imitates the movement of skiing and allows you to comprehensively work out your entire body.
Even with such smooth cyclic movements that the orbitrack provides, you will be able to use each maximum number of muscles (compared to other simulators). The muscles of the arms, abs, buttocks and legs work on the orbit track.
This simulator is suitable for people of any age, even the elderly. You can exercise on it even if you have problems with your joints, knees and lower back - since the orbitrek relieves the load on them and minimizes the risk of injury.
However, an elliptical trainer costs a lot and also takes up a lot of space. Therefore, not everyone will be able to afford to purchase it and install it at home.
Exercise bike
An exercise bike is great for overweight people. It reduces the load on the joints, lower back and spine, which makes it possible to use it for most health problems.
This simulator works not only the buttocks, thighs and calves, but also the core muscles (that is, the stomach and sides). With high intensity exercises, even the shoulder girdle is involved, but still minimal load is placed on the arms.
You can independently adjust the resistance level by increasing or decreasing calorie expenditure. The exercise bike does not require strict adherence to technique and is easy to use. It does not take up much space and is affordable (for example, in comparison with an orbitrek or a treadmill).
Rowing machine
The rowing machine imitates rowing in a boat, involving all the muscles of the body. However, to a greater extent it is focused specifically on the upper body - it works the abs, shoulders, arms and back muscles. The lower body receives less load.
This exercise machine is not suitable for women with back or joint problems. If the technique is performed incorrectly, there is also a high risk of damaging the foot. You need to know that rowing puts a very high load on the body and combines cardio and strength training. Therefore, you need to have at least an average level of physical fitness.
Stepper
The stepper imitates movement on the stairs. However, first of all, it perfectly works the lower part of the body - legs, hips (removes the “ears”) and buttocks. It also helps to effectively get rid of cellulite.
But there are also improved models of this simulator, equipped with hand levers or expanders. This is the only way you can work your entire body and in addition reduce the risk of injury. After all, without support for your hands, it will be much more difficult to maintain coordination of movements.
Since the stepper has an increased risk of injury, exercise on it is not recommended for people with joint diseases or knee/foot injuries. In addition to this, it is contraindicated if your body weight is too high.
