My Current Favorite Gym Machines

By CocoaDiva on May 01, 2009 with Comments

Some people have been asking me what machines I use at the gym to help me lose weight. I have joint problems in my knees from marching band, colorguard, and baton. So, I usually seek out a machine that gives me a low impact workout but still gives me the cardio, strength training, and muscle definition (before I hit the weights) that I am looking for.

I really try to get to the gym 4-5 days a week. With work, family, friends, dating, and my kicking it time it is really important to me that I feel like I am making the most of my 45-60 minutes. So, for those of you who hit your local gym, here are two machines I feel that kick my tail in a great way.

1. The BowFlex Treadclimber ( or my gym’s knock off version of it). This badboy lets you get the best of all three worlds in my personal opinion.

Action 1 Treadmill – Moving belts let you walk forward like a treadmill.

Action 2 Stair Climber – Unlike a treadmill, there are two independent treadles. This allows you to step up like a stair climber.

Action 3 Elliptical Machine – combine both of the above and get a GREAT, low-impact elliptical motion. A great way to take pressure off your joints.

When I really hit my stride, I can burn about 500-700 calories in about an hour. This machine is not for the faint of heart. So, don’t hop on thinking you will walk at a 3.5 level. This machine is out to kick your tail!!!!

If everyone in the gym has the same idea and is trying to pack more bang into a short work out, my next favorite machine is the elliptical machine.

: My elliptical favorite

My favorite are the Precor machines

Make the Most Out of Your Elliptical/Treadle Workout

I know you are no dummy. But, here are a few tips to get the most out of your workout.

1. Try the machine in Manual Mode - Try going fast for one whole minute then slowing right down for the next minute and alternating this for 15-20 minutes. Remember to set yourself some goals. This is the best way to stay on track with your exercise program – I love trying to beat myself and my last time and endurance level in manual mode.

2. Try out the built in computer settings. Set your workout into different blocks. Try out the hill method for 20, go backwards for a few minutes, then try out the interval trainer. I love how it feels like I am shocking my body into something new and not getting comfortable.

3. Check Your Posture- The worst thing you can do is have bad posture. Imagining a string attached to the top of your head and pulling your body straight to help keep good posture. Slumping and hunching over may give you some relief initially but standing up straight provides the best support for the bod

Make the most of your treadel and elliptical work outs. Here is what to look for when choosing your machine.

Make sure that the elliptical trainer is stable and that its motion is fluid and quiet. An elliptical trainer should never feel wobbly or jerky; some budget machines have been reported to “walk” across the floor during use.

The pedals should be comfortable, with a non-slip design. They should also provide a natural stance, meaning they aren’t too wide or too narrow.

Look for a machine with both programmed and manual courses, as well as dual-direction movement (forward and backward) to accommodate your changing workout needs.

Most elliptical trainers offer varied resistance; make sure this is easy to adjust (either electronically or manually). Most experts prefer machines with an elevated incline, while others say increasing resistance and speed is just as effective.

Make sure the display is easy to read and provides the information you’re looking for. Most displays show speed, time and distance, but you may also want to see calories burned per hour, degree of incline or heart rate.

What machines do you love?

Which machines do you feel give you the best results?

Popularity: 19% [?]

Share and Enjoy: