Exercise equipment that is gentle on the back
Many types of home exercise equipment can be an effective investment for
people who need to develop and maintain a regular exercise routine to help
their back and to exercise in between getting to an exercise class or the
gym. For some people, exercising in the comfort of their own home is just
preferable to exercising in a gym or other group setting. Home exercise
equipment is also well suited for individuals who live in a climate that makes
it difficult to exercise outdoors on a regular basis. There are a number of
exercise machines and accessories available, and this article reviews a
number of those that are gentle on the low back and spine.
Before reviewing specific types of exercise equipment, it is useful to first
discuss how to avoid the wellknown pitfall of purchasing home exercise
equipment. After a brief honeymoon of using a new piece of exercise
equipment, it becomes a dust magnet, sitting unused in some corner of the
home. Here are a number of considerations to help ensure a new piece of
home exercise equipment will be used regularly:
• What types of exercise are most enjoyable?
Individuals who enjoy a particular form of exercise, such as walking or
yoga, can choose equipment that focuses on that activity, or contains
elements of that activity in a broader routine. For example, if one
enjoys taking long walks outside, then a treadmill is a good option for
indoor exercise when the weather is inhospitable.
• How much variety will this equipment provide?
Exercise equipment that has adjustable resistance, speeds, positions,
or uses can provide a workout that allows the user to gradually
progress to more difficult settings as greater strength and endurance
are developed. In addition, the ability to tone down the exercise can
be beneficial if the individual needs a less vigorous session, especially
if back discomfort is increased during or after a specific exercise.
• Where and how will this exercise machine be used and stored