Working outdoors is fun, recreational and gives us a chance to breathe fresh air. But, as summer ends and autumn sets in, it’s natural for many trainers to work out indoors.
There is no surprise when runners prefer running outdoors, but there are numerous benefits involved in using indoor cardio machines.
Gyms have all kinds of equipment which includes cardio machines. Every type of cardio equipment benefits us with different orthopedic advantages.
Going through all these machines might help choose the right piece of equipment that suits your body conditions and accelerate the recovery process.
Here below are the best exercise machines that suit the goals and limitations of various kinds of trainers.
Best Recovery Cardio Machines
Treadmills are a common sight at any gym, and if you have a gym membership, there is a high probability that you have used this machine.
There are many other cardio machines, each of which is suitable for various kinds of exercise.
It’s up to the trainer to choose their preferred machine depending on the goals.
The icing on the cake is that some of these cardio machines are highly suitable for individuals recovering from injuries, including sprained ankles, who wish to perform a low-impact exercise.
Treadmill
A very common sight in commercial gyms and home gyms, choosing an affordable treadmill is one of the best way for achieving exercise-related goals.
Individuals training for races can make use of the treadmill. Other exercise goals for which a treadmill can offer top-notch performance include weight loss (as there are multiple cardio-burning exercises available) and HIIT training (High-Intensity Interval Training).
But, a treadmill could be a risky piece of equipment for individuals suffering from knee injuries. The repeated action of moving the legs and knees performing the same movement due to the flat surface simulation of the machine can affect some individuals.
We need an optimal rest period between exercise days failing, which there could be some debilitating consequences.
There are also chances that the legs repeated up and down movement could result in orthopedic injuries.
Functional Trainer
A Functional Trainer is a cable machine that provides distinct training advantages by utilizing two separate weight stacks, pulleys, and cables (with handles).
You might want to know what distinguishes this from a cable crossover machine. The height of the pulleys and cable handles may be adjusted, allowing you to operate from any angle.
In comparison to a cable crossover, this gives a functional trainer a lot more flexibility.
The weight stack is generally selectorized, allowing you to quickly and simply pick the required weight by inserting a pin beneath the weight load.
You can replicate almost any real-world movement and improve your strength in that particular activity. You may use the cable machine to execute workouts like twisting, lifting, bending, and reaching that you can accomplish in everyday life.
The functional trainer’s multiplanar flexibility allows it to simulate any real-world action from practically any angle.
As a result, these activities are really useful. They do this by generating strength and stability in a synchronized manner, much like real-life motions.
Exercise Bike
Once again, the exercise bike is another cardio exercise machine common at the gym and in our homes.
With the treadmill, it is possible to do both aerobic and anaerobic exercises using an exercise bike. Choose either of the two methods based on the fitness goals and switch between them as per the requirement.
Besides helping trainers burn ample calories, the exercise bike is one of the best-recommended pieces of equipment for individuals suffering from lower back problems.
As the spinal juices flow well, there are higher chances for a better range of motion making the exercise bike a sought-after machine for back problems.
Seniors also benefit greatly when using this machine as it is smooth and easy to exercise regularly during the winter.
Elliptical
For those unknown, an elliptical is a good alternative for the treadmill. This machine is equipped with moving or fixed handlebars. It provides an opportunity for trainers to do full-body workouts.
Though an elliptical is not on par with some other machines in burning many calories and losing weight rapidly, this machine provides an excellent balance for individuals as they can use both their arms and legs.
The patient’s feet are attached to the ground on an elliptical, making it a low-impact machine. So, if you are someone recovering from injuries, an elliptical is a good way to exercise regularly.
Stairmaster
As the name suggests, the stair master mimics stairs’ climbing action, creating the way for multiple benefits.
There are calorie-burning opportunities here, but once again, not as effective as exercising on a treadmill.
The Stairmaster is a great choice for those focused on developing lower-body strength as it involves the stair-climbing movements and the resistance needed for repeated action.
Set the goals, and if the primary goal is weight loss, the Stairmaster might not be a good choice.
But, it does thrive as an optimal choice for individuals who wish to pursue cardio exercises and engage in strength-building activities. Being a low-impact exercise, there is no risk for the knees.
Don’t worry if there are past injuries to the body. Choose an exercise machine that helps in improving body strength and resistance while having a low-impact effect.
To be safe, get in touch with an orthopedist for proper guidance, constructive exercises, and staying safe while exercising regularly.
Difference between Running Outdoors and Running in a Gym
The difference between outdoor and indoor running is a constant question lingering in each of our minds.
But truthfully, neither of these are better than the other. Both types have their specific benefits, and it depends on the runner to choose their preferred style.
It’s even recommended to consider a professional for assistance if you are confused about your choice.
Benefits of Running Outdoors
Individuals training outdoors, running marathons, and participating in outdoor race events generally prefer training outdoors.
It’s mainly because these trainers would love to mimic the same conditions present when participating in any race.
It is advisable to train at least 60% of the time under the same conditions present on the race day.
Another main point is that outdoor running presents runners with various terrains, which are crucial from an orthopedic perspective.
When training outdoors, it’s never surprising to come across slopes and gradually changing terrains, and these are the terrains that we’ll encounter during competitions.
Hence, continuously training in such terrains while indulging in some treadmill training does prepare the individuals in the best possible way.
Benefits of Running in a Gym
There are ample benefits associated with running on a cardio machine, either at home or at a gym.
Running indoors avoids all the complications involved with external factors such as weather, safety issues, and light apart from providing health benefits.
So, when unfavorable conditions exist outside, it is better to switch over to indoor training.
Individuals with different fitness goals in mind, including weight loss, muscle toning, or more, can surely reap great advantages by exercising indoors.
There are chances that the exercising efforts imposed by individuals could be counterproductive sometimes. To counter this, get the help of an orthopedist to determine the best speed and duration up to which you can exercise.