Exercise Equipment

Article Sections Choosing the appropriate exercise equipment

Choosing the appropriate exercise equipment

Remember that participation in regular moderate-intensity physical activity does NOT require any exercise equipment. However, if you have decided to participate in a cardiovascular fitness training and have also obtained sound medical advice on what to do, you may consider using an exercise equipment. Here are some tips in choosing an appropriate machine.

Before you decide to buy any exercise equipment, make sure you answer the following with affirmatives:

• will I use it regularly?
• Do I have room at home for it?
• Does this equipment feel durable, sturdy and well-made?
• Can I afford it?
• Does this equipment have just the right functions, and not more than what I really require?
• Is this value for money and not overly expensive?

Decide what equipment you want to buy based on your physiotherapist’s advice on exercise program:

• Treadmill for walking, jogging and running
  • Look Out For:
    • Inclined motorized track
    • Narrower and shorter treadmill if you are only going to walk
    • Handrails
  • Tips To Follow:
    • Hold handrails initially when exercising
    • Good posture for the back during jogging is important
      
• Stationary bicycle for cycling
  • Look Out For:
    • Recumbent seat design to reduce strain on the back
  • Tips To Follow:
    • Position handle bars well to enable you to pedal while sitting upright
    • Set seat height to slight knee bend
    • Pedal straps must allow legs to pull or push
• Rowing machine for arm cranking (upper body work)
  • Look Out For:
    • Wind resistance and electric rowers preferred
    • Movable seat back and forth preferred
    • Resistance must be uniform
  • Tips To Follow:
    • Sit upright to avoid back strain
    • Do not arch your back too much at the end of each rower’s stroke
• Stair climber for stepping
  • Look Out For:
    • Stepping height about 5 to 50 cm
  • Tips To Follow:
    • Stand upright to reduce back strain
    • Ensure your knees are over your feet
    • Your feet must be flat on the pedals
    • Hold handrails lightly initially for balance
• Exercise rider for combination of rowing and stepping
  • Tips To Follow:
    • Do not bend knees more than 90° at the lowest point
    • Maintain good posture during pulling – no arching of the back