Treadmills let you walk or run at different speeds and inclines for more resistance. Most come with programs and will give you statistics like speed, distance, timing, pulse rate and calories burned. Some come with a chest strap to work with heart rate programs.

A tall person that wants to run should consider a 60 in. belt. Most treadmills today are about 20 in. wide. If you are over 250 lbs, you should consider at least a 2.5 horsepower motor. If you’re the only user, and you weigh under 150, and are only walking, you could get away with a motor of 2 hp or a little less. Specialty stores will sell better quality treadmills, usually with longer warranties than department stores. Suggested purchase price: Spend at least $1000.00 to 1200.00. If you weigh over 250 lbs, spend at least $1500.00 to ensure a high quality product.

See our selection of best treadmills.

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Elliptical trainers, also known as cross trainers, are extremely popular. They simulate cross country skiing, and allow upper body movements that help increase heart rate an additional 10-15 beats per minute. They are very easy on the knees, and will accommodate most people, depending on weight and height. Some ellipticals can vary foot placement as well as height adjustment. Most come with programs and some with chest straps for heart programs.
Suggested purchase price: if your weight is between 100 to 150 lbs, spend at least $500.00 to $700.00. Otherwise, I suggest going over $1000.00 for an elliptical you will have for the next fifteen years.

See our selection of best elliptical trainers.

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Stationary exercise bicycles come in two categories: recumbent bikes or upright bikes. People with hip problems, bad knees or a bad backs usually buy a recumbent bike. Upright bikes come in two categories as well: regular, and spinners. Spinner bikes are geared to the athlete that wants to emulate outdoor biking.

Suggested purchase price: from $499.99 to 799.99 for an upright bike, and from $599.99 to $1299.99 for a recumbent bike.

See our selection of upright bikes and recumbent bikes.

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Steppers simulate climbing up a flight of stairs. They are more of a light anaerobic activity because they demand a muscle contraction different than that of a treadmill. Energy used will come from muscle glycogen and very little fat. Calories burned will not indicate fat burned. For the athlete, it’s a great piece of equipment to increase endurance. Suggested purchase price: spend at least $700.00 for a quality product.

See our selection of exercise steppers.

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Rowers work in a similar way. Muscle contraction is used, so most of the energy comes from muscle glycogen. Back muscles, as well as leg, biceps and forearms get a great workout. Duration should be about 20 minutes, unless looking to increase endurance. Suggested purchase price: A non athlete should spend at least $700.00. Otherwise, I suggest spending over $1100.00 for a good quality product.

See our selection of quality rowers

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Spinners are very popular in gyms that give spinning classes. They are an upright bike that turn a very heavy flywheel, usually 40 lbs or heavier. It simulates riding a bike outdoors in hilly conditions. It’s geared towards the athlete and creates great endurance. Average workout should be no longer than 20 minutes for the average person, and 40 minutes for the athlete, as you will deplete glycogen reserves from your muscle cells and your liver. Suggested purchase price: from $600.00 for the non athlete, and over $1100.00 for the athlete wanting programs and heart monitoring.

See our Spinner Bikes in our Upright Bikes section.