The range of gym fitness equipment available these days is staggering, and it can be hard to know which type of home exercise equipment you really need. What's best for weight loss? Toning? What's the best for cardiovascular health? Let's focus on cardio exercises here, because it's one thing everyone should be concerned about. Maybe your doctor has told you that you need to get your heart in better shape. Maybe you've been motivated by someone else who unexpectedly developed problems and you don't want to be next. Even if it's just a desire to "get healthier," cardio exercise equipment is a good way to start on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

What Exactly Makes It "Cardio" Equipment?

A cardio workout's primary purpose is to raise your heart rate to some extent in order to improve heart health and function. There may be other benefits to some kinds of gym and home fitness equipment (exercise bikes, for instance, can also strengthen and tone leg muscles), but cardio equipment's primary goal is to raise the heart rate and break a sweat.

An additional side benefit of these types of home workouts is that you will also shed some weight as you burn off fat. It's a win-win situation for most people investing in gym fitness and exercise equipment.

There are several kinds of home exercise and gym equipment that you can use for your workouts that will give you real cardiovascular benefits. Each of these has pros and cons attached with them, and you will need to decide for yourself which exercise best suits your fitness regimen.

Exercise Treadmills - Treadmills are traditionally the most popular type of cardio fitness equipment, but are fast being passed up by the elliptical trainer. Treadmills offer a great alternative to walking outside in bad weather. If you enjoy both walking and running, you can vary your speed and most come with heart rate monitors, which are always a good idea. Keep in mind, though, that this type of home gym equipment can jar your joints, so it may not be your best option if you have arthritis.

Exercise Bikes - Stationary exercise bikes allow you to sit down while biking, giving you the same chance to vary speeds. This type of home gym and fitness equipment is ideal if you suffer from back pain. Some stationary bikes also have handlebars that move as you peddle to exercise your upper body at the same time. Recumbent bikes allow you to sit back in the seat as you peddle.

Elliptical Trainers - Elliptical machines are one of the most popular pieces of home gym and fitness equipment for cardio workouts now available. You stand and work the feet back and forth, but because you don't lift your feet and "glide" instead, there is no jarring of the joints. With each stroke, you are also working your upper body with the poles. Fewer of these have heart monitors, but some do. Alternatively, stop exercising periodically and check your pulse rate.

With so much to choose from, take the time to consider which type of gym fitness equipment you are most likely to use long-term. Cardio home exercise equipment is only as good as how often you use it. If you end up with something that you don't like, you won't see long-term benefits, which is the name of the game for true heart health.

About the Author: Kevin Urban is a freelance writer for http://www.fitness-n-exercise-equipment.com, a consumer guide to the best home exercise and fitness equipment. Copyright 2006 http://Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com

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