1. Treadmills - This machine lets you walk, run, or jog in a smooth, very predictable terrain. Treadmills yield a wide range of choices and can be programmed depending on your needs. If you're just starting out, you can walk at a slow pace on level surface. As you progress, you can increase either the pace or incline so you can burn more fats and keep your cardiovascular rate in your target zone.
Compare to running outdoors, a treadmill pulls the ground underneath your feet so running is made somewhat easier. The cushioning in treadmills helps minimize stress on your important joints. If you will run on the treadmill, it is best to look for one that has speed up to 10 mph and a longer deck to accommodate a longer stride. If you will walk on the treadmill, it is recommended to look for one with a maximum speed of 5 mph and a deck that is of average length.
2. Elliptical Trainers - An elliptical trainer lets you do a workout as powerful as running or cross-country skiing but without any of the impact. Elliptical trainers are not weight bearers, so it's gentle on the joints and provides a very fluid movement.
Elliptical trainers provide a variety of configurations. If you want to simulate walking or running up hills, it is best to try a machine that has an incline option. If you want to adjust the intensity of your workout, you may pedal faster, raise the incline, and increase the resistance or any combination of machine's features.
