The best exercise equipment for overall fitness

The most commonly used fitness exercise equipment includes elliptical cross-trainers, treadmills and exercise bikes but these machines on their own cannot provide proper overall fitness. The majority of people buy just one of these to use at home without realizing the importance of a balanced workout program. Doing 15 minutes on the treadmill three times a week is better than doing nothing; but it is important to remember that balance is the key to avoiding injury and ensuring your body gets the most out of your weekly exercise plan. A well rounded exercise program needs to include stretching, strength training and aerobics.

Stretching:
Most people dismiss stretching as unnecessary but it is very important for the muscles and joints. By preparing muscles for activity and improving flexibility, stretching reduces the risk of strains, soreness and injury to the joints. You should always stretch before and after a workout. It should be a slow and gentle movement with no bouncing or jerking as this can cause injury.

Strength training:
Most people see this as a muscle-building exercise that isn't necessary for those who simply want to lose weight but it is very important for joints and the prevention of injuries. Muscles work as opposing pairs and so it is important to ensure that all muscles are trained equally to maintain a balance in strength. This is particularly important for the joints as unequal strength in the muscles means joints will be more prone to injury. Strength training tones, strengthens and improves overall endurance of muscles.

Free weights and weight machines are the most commonly used fitness exercise equipment used in strength training. Weight machines can either be divided into separate apparatus for each exercise (e.g. leg curls) or they can come as home gyms designed to include all exercises in one large, metal-framed apparatus. Free weights are more flexible and cheaper than weight machines. They can also work more muscle groups in a single session.

Aerobics:
Cardiovascular exercise burns calories and improves the bodies metabolism making it a popular form of exercise for those who aim to lose weight. Aerobics also strengthens the heart and lungs which increases the body's ability to use oxygen more effectively. Increased energy, better moods, better sleep patterns and lower blood pressure are the positive effects of aerobic exercise but only if it is not over-done. Pushing yourself to hard can result in serious injuries. Always start off slowly and work up to your ideal session. This should be between 15 and 60 minutes, three to four times a week. Aerobic exercise can also improve the body's ability to fight minor illnesses such as the flu, but if you do push yourself to hard the opposite is true. You will become more susceptible to illness. It is also important, as mentioned above, to do five minutes of warm stretches and another five to ten minutes of cooling down stretches.

Popular aerobic fitness exercise equipment includes elliptical trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and ski machines. It is important to ensure the entire body, both upper and lower, gets equal amounts of attention. Focusing too much attention on one area of the body can result in injuries occurring due to excess pressure. For example, two hours a day on the Stairmaster could result in a torn Achilles tendon or similar injury. Elliptical trainers and ski machines are particularly good for full body workouts.

For those who do not have access to a wide range of fitness exercise equipment a balanced workout can be achieved using other activities. Swimming is good full-body workout and activities such as dancing and walking can also provide an extra boost to your fitness regime.

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