Get A Complete Workout With Two Pieces Of Equipment

Working out in the convenience and privacy of a home can make working out an easy and blissful experience. Two pieces of equipment that can provide this blissful experience while getting a well-rounded workout include the Life Fitness elliptical and a quality set of dumbbells. Life Fitness equipment is readily available at many sports and fitness retailers to provide the basics people need for a well-rounded exercise routine.

Part one of the well-rounded exercise routine is an aerobic workout the general role of exercise is to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate route aerobic activity every week. Aerobic activity increases the heart rates, burns calories and enhances the overall fitness level. Aerobic workouts also improve a person's cardiovascular fitness, which in turn makes the hearts stronger and the muscles that are better able to utilize oxygen.

An elliptical machine provides a low-impact workout that burns a high amount of calories. Unlike using a stair-climbing machine or running on a treadmill, which can be jarring to the hips and knees, and elliptical machine uses a smooth gliding motion. Elliptical machines combine the movements of hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing, which means they work well for those interested in cross training. Many elliptical machines have handles to add arm movements to the workout. All elliptical machines work the lower body muscles of the thighs, lower legs and buttocks, while machines with handles also work the arms and provide a full-body workout.

The second part of a well-rounded exercise routine is regularly strength training. The general rule of strength training, also known as resistance training, is to workout at least twice each week. Dumbbells are an effective and versatile way to get a strength training workout. Dumbbell options include pre-molded dumbbells that, in various weights or dumbbell weight plates that are added to bars and secured in place. Either option works just as effectively, although the weight plates and bars will cost less than an entire set of pre-molded dumbbells. Strength training can increase muscle mass and tone the body, with the end results depending on the amount of weights and repetitions that are part of the workout.

A few tips can help make both aerobic and strength training workouts the safest and most effective possible. Aerobic workouts are best when they are performed at the appropriate level. Working out too hard can be hazardous to the hearts while working out to likely would not do much to increase the overall fitness level. One way to gauge the level of a workout is to talk during the workout. The aerobic workout is generally at an appropriate level if the person working out can carry on a conversation. If the person is talking too much, the workout is probably too light. Strength training is most effective with the appropriate amount of weight. The appropriate amount of weight will be challenging to lift for the last few repetitions in a set of 8 to 12 repetitions. Weights that are too heavy can lead to injury.