For many people, the fitness bug that bit at the start of 2011 is beginning to wane. It’s cold outside. The gyms are packed with similarly minded exercisers. Your favourite class is constantly fully booked. And running in the dark is not really much fun (nor particularly safe).
That’s why investing in home fitness equipment, such as treadmills and exercise bikes, could be a really smart move to help you stick to your fitness programme and look great on the beach come summertime.
Running is one of the best overall forms of exercise, providing a great cardiovascular workout while also helping strengthen the legs and tone the abdominal muscles. Another benefit of using a treadmill rather than running on the road – as well as being warm and dry – is that they absorb the impact better than running on tarmac, thus being far better for your knee and ankle joints.
You can also accurately measure speed, distance travelled and calories burnt during your workout.
The Bremshey Scout T treadmill is a great entry level treadmill for those new, or returning to exercise, due to its simple design and sturdy construction.
The Scout T treadmill has an RRP of just £799.00 from Priory Sports, offering excellent value for money. As with all Bremshey treadmills the Scout T has a good quality running deck, reducing the likelihood of joint pain. This treadmill simply folds away when you are finished using it.
If you are more experienced at running, the Fuel F80 treadmill is a great midrange running machine. It has a red LED health club style console and a strong 2.5 continuous duty HP motor, which can produce inclines of up to 15 per cent and speeds up to 12mph.
Never fear, however, if you don’t like running. There are other pieces of home gym equipment designed to give you a thorough, varied workout.
Cross trainers are always among the most popular machines in gyms, and they are great energy burners, as well as being good for strengthening and toning muscles. Again they are gentle on the joints, even more so than treadmills.
There are different types of cross trainer – front driven, such as the Bremshey Control 19 Inch Front Driven Cross Trainer, to the Bremshey Control 16 Inch Rear Driven Cross Trainer. What you want will largely depend on personal preference and where you store the cross trainer when it’s not in use.
Other cardiovascular equipment, such as exercise bikes, also add another string to your exercise bow, and are perfect for training if you’re planning on commuting by two wheels when the weather brightens up.
Using an exercise bike can significantly improve muscle tone in both the lower and upper body, and also strengthen that most important muscle of all – the heart.
Cycling helps with mobility and is recommended for burning fat and lowering blood pressure. So if you plan to get fit this year and feel your plan failing, get on your (exercise) bike, or your treadmill, or your cross trainer and take those fist steps to fitness in a place that is warm and dry!
For a full range of home gym equipment, visit Priory Sports online.
Priory Sports
27 Saxon Square
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 1QB
Phone: 01202 470600
http://www.priorysports.co.uk/
