Types of Fitness Machines

You should choose a type of fitness machine based on your fitness goals. If you have more of a need to burn calories or to develop cardiovascular capacity, then you should choose a different type of machine than if you want to develop strength or build muscle mass.

Cardiovascular Fitness Machines

Fitness machines that focus on developing cardiovascular capacity also help you burn fat and improve the health of your heart because when your heart rate is elevated, your cardiovascular system is also stressed. This helps you to burn calories. Some examples of cardiovascular fitness machines include the following:

• Treadmills--Treadmills allow you to run in place. They are a popular form of cardiovascular exercise because you can exercise indoors and adjust your speed from a walk to a jog to a full out run.


• Stationary bikes--A stationary bike allows you to cycle indoors. Because you are sitting, you can exercise longer without stressing your lower body's joints.


• Rowing machines--Rowing machines allow you to stay seated while using both your arms and legs to complete the exercise motion.

Strength Building Fitness Machines

People who want to develop strength need a different type of fitness machine compared to those who want to develop cardiovascular capacity. Examples of machines for developing strength include:

• A weight machine that has weights attached to a pulley--You can adjust the exercise by using different attachments with the various pulleys on the machine. You can use the machine to perform bicep curls, lat pull downs and leg extensions.


• A fitness machine that uses rubber bands for resistance--Another example of a strength resistance machine is the Bowflex strength training machine. This machine uses rubberized bands to provide resistance. It is similar to an all-purpose weight machine that has a weight stack.