Must-Have Gym Equipment for Women

Although less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, that doesn't mean that Americans don't want to get in shape. It's easy to become intimidated by the gym equipment you see in sports stores or community centers, particularly if you've never been a fitness freak or feel held back by your body image. But by learning more about the fitness equipment available to you -- and which machines will serve you best -- before you even start your workout routine, you'll feel totally confident and ready to give it your all.

It's important to know that exercise is for everyone. Regardless of age, weight, gender identity, or any other trait, you can use any gym equipment you like to get your sweat on and take charge of your physical health. Realistically, certain fitness machines aren't inherently better for men or for women; it really comes down to personal preference and the goals you want to achieve. That said, many women find that the gym equipment listed in today's post will allow them to increase their physical activity and experience their desired gains. When you're designing a home gym or are trying to determine which machines will help you the most, you'll want to reference this list of gym equipment that women tend to love.

• Treadmill: You can't go wrong with a classic. Treadmills are popular for good reason: they provide a versatile workout that works really well for a lot of women. Once you play with the incline and the speed, you can really hit those target areas and work out multiple muscle groups at once. You can spend as little as 30 minutes per workout session on the treadmill and exercise to your comfort level. You can also use the treadmill machine in other exercises that have nothing to do with walking or running, making it a great piece of equipment to have in your home.
• Elliptical: Another cardio favorite, the elliptical provides an intense workout even when you have little time to spare. If you find that the treadmill is a bit too hard on your joints, the elliptical will provide a lower impact workout you'll love. You can also work out your arms at the same time, which isn't a feature offered by the traditional treadmill. And because you can pedal forwards or backwards, you can get twice as much out of the machine.
• Rowing Machine: If you want a machine that will offer both cardio and strength exercise, you don't have to look much further than a rowing machine. This equipment is known for its ability to provide a complete body workout, provided you use the proper technique. As a bonus, it's ideal for women who sit at a desk for hours on-end, particularly for those who experience problems with their posture. If you love the idea of a two-in-one workout and don't care much for free weights, you may want to consider investing in this type of equipment.

• Stationary Bike: If you'd rather sit your way to better fitness, a stationary bike may be the right way to go. That doesn't mean this workout is passive, however. Just ask anyone who's gone to a spinning class. If you do it the right way, this intense workout can help you burn a ton of calories and really tone up. Best of all, you can avoid biking in traffic; instead of worrying about potential accidents and other safety hazards, you can reap all of the benefits from the comfort of your own home.

The truth is that there are numerous other types of exercise equipment that can help women achieve their fitness goals. But if you're looking for the most popular and effective machines to bring into your home gym, you'll likely want to begin with these. For more information on our fitness equipment and how we can help to take your workouts to the next level, please contact us today.