If you're new to exercise, you may be wondering what is the best type of cardio and weights equipment to use at the gym to aid your weight loss?



You may also wonder whether or not the exercise machines you see at your local gym are something you should buy for use at home.

At the gym, you will have access to a wide range of cardio equipment and weights machines.

Elliptical trainers, treadmills, stepping machines, stationary bikes and rowing machines are just some of the types of machines you can use to build your cardiovascular fitness, build muscle and burn calories.

These machines will provide a great cardio workout for both men and women, because they are relatively simple to use and also because they are usually computer-operated with built-in programs that can be modified according to your sex, age, weight and fitness level.

Using these machines means that everyone gets a workout tailored to their needs.

Gyms also provide weights machines and free weights areas.

Weights machines are great, especially if you are just starting out. They offer good support while performing your exercises, they're easy to use and they save you time.

Machines are often a good option for women at the gym, because it can be less intimidating to use a machine than to set up in the free-weights area.

For more experienced gym-goers, free weights are great because they allow you more exercise flexibility than machines do.

Men tend to prefer to use free weights to build muscle mass, for their versatility and because they help you to build whole body strength.

Taking your workouts home is an important part of a weight loss or fitness program.

Ultimately, the equipment you buy for use at home will be limited by one factor: money.

Good quality cardio and weights equipment can be very expensive. Often, cheaper equipment doesn't offer the range of functions or, in the case of weights machines, necessary support, that gym-quality equipment provides.

If money is no object, a treadmill or elliptical trainer offers a great cardio workout for men and women, and a multi-station weights machine can help you build all-over strength.

A limited budget doesn't mean you can't train at home.

Taking to the street for a run, walking up stairs or jumping rope are all effective cardio exercises for both sexes that don't require expensive equipment.

Buying a few free weights, a medicine ball and a Swiss ball will offer you a range of weight-training possibilities.

Combine home training with gym membership and you are well on your way to weight loss and better health.