Hello, sheell-ga!
While there are several factors involved in choosing a piece of
exercise equipment, the most important one is how comfortable you will
be in using it and whether it is something you can stick with. I
worked for many years as a personal trainer, and when it comes to
exercise, you would be hard-pressed to get me on a piece of equipment
just because it burns more calories over a set period of time. I would
rather exercise longer on cardio equipment I enjoy and which fits my
individual body, than suffer on equipment that I loathe and which
hurts my joints. I suggest you go to a gym and try the treadmill, the
stairstepper, and both upright and recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes
are especially good for bad knees, but they also keep you in a sitting
position which drives some individuals crazy. The act of swinging your
arms while walking or jogging is a "must" for some people! Like I
said, exercise is a very individualized, so don't make your choice
based strictly on calories burned over a set period of time!
==
The following articles might be helpful as you consider equipment for home use:
Stationary bike versus treadmill
http://health.ninemsn.com.au/asktheexperts/expert2.aspx?id=94308
Question - "I am thinking of buying some home equipment to utilize all
the time I spend in front of the TV, but I am not sure of the benefit
of the stationary bike versus the treadmill. My goals are to get fit,
lose weight and get tighter inner thighs while watching my favourite
shows. For my goals, which one is better? The bike or treadmill? What
do I need to know when I shop for this equipment?
Answer - "Walking or jogging on a treadmill will burn more calories
and exercise a greater number of muscles than using an exercise bike,
but the benefits of an exercise bike are that they are cheaper to buy,
easier to store in your house and have less impact on your body if you
are prone to injury. When buying a treadmill make sure it has an
incline button so you can adjust the intensity without having to
increase the speed. When buying an exercise bike make sure the seat is
comfortable and it feels smooth to ride. If space and price are not an
issue then I would purchase a treadmill over an exercise bike and
combine this with exercises such as lunges, squats and leg raises
which all target the inner thigh muscles.
Why choose a treadmill over other kinds of exercise or weight lifting equipment?
http://www.criticalbench.com/weight-lifting-equipment.htm
Benefit of Exercise Bikes
http://www.healthtouches.com/56/benefit-of-exercise-bikes/
How to Compare the Upright vs. Recumbent Exercise Bikes
http://www.healthtouches.com/93/how-to-compare-the-upright-vs-recumbent-exercise-bikes/
Comfort - The Main Benefit of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
http://www.healthtouches.com/57/comfort-the-main-benefit-of-recumbent-exercise-bikes/
No Pressure on the Knees - "The greatest benefit of recumbent
exercise bikes is that it helps to alleviate pressure on the knees,
which is not the case with upright exercise bikes as well as other
exercise bikes. This great benefit of recumbent exercise bikes is
especially useful to those millions of riders who may have experienced
knee joint pains at some point of time or the other, while exercising
using regular exercise bikes. Since the knees and ankles take lot of
pounding while running or jogging, using the recumbent exercise bikes
provide the rider with good cardio workouts without their feet feeling
as if they were pounding the pavement each time they get on an
exercise bike. These bikes put the least amount of strain on the
biker?s knees and joints by taking away most of the gravity and weight
off the legs.
"Take it outside? Stationary cardio equipment faces off against
outdoor activities. Which version of the exercises burns the most
calories and produces the best results?" By Nancy LePatourel"
http://lifegetinit.fitdv.com/new/articles/article.html?artid=31
==
Which brand to buy?
I have one recommendation if you decide on a treadmill. If you are
truly worried about your knees, I wouldn't look anywhere other than
Nordic Track. They have a cushioning system that is out of this world,
and once you get used to this treadmill, you will be hard-pressed to
run on another one.
http://www.nordictrack.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category2_-1_10301_12401_19051_Y?&cgmenbr=153&cgrfnbr=46526&rootcat=46525&GCID=S14083x002&KEYWORD=nordic+trac+treadmill
I also used to use a Nordic Track ski machine for many years, and if
you want a low-impact calorie burning machine that is great on the
joints while using both arms and legs, this is it! And no! I am not a
Nordic Track rep!
http://www.nordictrack.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category2_-1_10301_12401_19554_Y
==
Finally, concerning which cardio equipment will get you in better
shape - I will have to vote for the treadmill. Equipment that utilizes
more muscles is always better if your body is up to it. A treadmill
has the distinct advantage over a stationary bike in forcing your core
muscles (abdomen and back) to work as you stay upright and balanced
during walking or jogging. Adding the arm motion also burns more
calories and requires a stronger core.
So - you have good choices all the way around!
Good luck to you and best of health!
umiat
comparing benefits of treadmill vs stationary bike
best cardio equipment |
