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Top 10 Home Exercise Equipment Choices

By , About.com Guide

Updated November 03, 2009

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If you are looking for the best fitness equipment choices to design a home gym or just looking for one quality exercise product here are some of the better selections.

Inexpensive and Budget Fitness Equipment Ideas

1. Rowing Machines

Home Exercise Rowing MachineScott Barbour/Getty Images
Rowing Machines are good for those who desire a whole body workout, but have limited space. Rowing uses both the upper and lower body for aerobic exercise. Proper technique on a rowing machine is important in order to avoid back strain.

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2. Jump Ropes

Home Exercise Jump RopeScott Thomas/Getty Images
Jumping rope is a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that requires balance, strength and agility. You can use it nearly anytime and anywhere as a complete workout or for quick intervals between weight training sets or circuit training stations. Pack one in your suitcase and you never will miss another workout due to your travel schedule.

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3. Home Treadmills

Home Exercise TreadmillAdam Gault/Getty Images
Treadmills are a popular piece of aerobic equipment for home use. Treadmills let you walk or run indoors regardless of the time of day or weather. When purchasing look for a solid, smooth action, a steady pace, wide belt, safety shut off, and incline settings. Quality models range from $1000 and up. Make sure any treadmill you consider is built to withstand a substantial load , as running on a treadmill creates a great deal of force. Be sure to check the warranty and customer service.

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4. Exercise Bicycles

Home Exercise BicycleStockbyte/Getty Images
Stationary bikes are widely used for exercising at home. They offer a non-impact cardiovascular workout and are great for the overweight or sedentary person just starting to exercise. They primarily use the muscles of the legs and buttocks. Bikes come in a variety of price ranges. Generally speaking a high caliber bike will cost $500 to $1000.

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5. Elliptical trainers

Home Exercise Elliptical TrainerLWA/Getty Images
Elliptical trainers offer a comfortable, non-impact exercise activity that almost anyone can do. The movement is horizontally oval. You can adjust the intensity or keep the movement easy for the very sedentary. It is currently the moist popular item in health clubs and you may want to try out several models before selecting one.

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6. Step Machines

Step machines use primarily the lower body in an aerobic capacity. Finding a high quality step machine can be expensive, however. Steppers give a good workout aerobically, strengthen and build the lower body muscles, and are low impact
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7. Recumbent Cycles

Recumbent cycles give more support to the lower back and minimize the stress on the knees compared with an upright bicycle. Recumbents provide a cardiovascular workout that uses the muscles of the gluteus, quadriceps and hamstrings.
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8. Cross country ski machines

Cross country ski machines can provide a full body workout for cardiovascular and muscle endurance, however, they can be difficult to master. Before buying a ski machine, you should definitely try it out. These take some practice to use well and are best for experienced exercisers who want a challenging workout.

9. Resistance Equipment

Resistance equipment is a good compliment to any home aerobic fitness equipment. The two most widely recognized kinds of weight equipment are home gyms or multi-stations and free weights. Free weights are reasonably prices and require little space. They also require greater instruction and supervision for proper use, and are more likely to cause injury. Home gyms or multi-stations are a major purchase, and the price often reflects the quality of the machine.

10. Balance Balls and Trainers

Balance equipment is an excellent, inexpensive addition to any home gym. Balance exercises will improve your core strength, agility and coordination in all sports and greatly reduce your risk of injury.
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