Walking and running are both considered to be beneficial for a number of health benefits. For most individuals this means getting outside and enjoying the scenery and fresh air. The only disadvantage is inclement weather. It takes a very dedicated runner to head out the door in the rain, very hot, or very cold weather. It also is disadvantageous for a person that may have a health condition, such a heart condition, a muscle injury that may be aggravated if the terrain is too strenuous, or if the person should fall and need help. That is where aerobic machines in the home can be an advantage.
There are several aerobic machines that can be set up in the home and not take up much space. The most familiar machine is the treadmill. Other machines such as the elliptical machine, the stair master, and cross country machines, all have good aerobic benefits as well as muscle building qualities. For individuals that have health problems these aerobic machines are very advantageous. For fair weather runners most of the machines can be adjusted to meet the demands from an easy jog to a strenuous run.
The treadmill can be set at various levels of resistance and speed. For a person that needs to stay within a heart rate range the elevation and speed can be set to insure a constant effort. The one factor that is a benefit for every runner is that the exercise is indoors where there is a controlled temperature. It is not too hot, or too cold, but just right. The runner has a constant elevation and does not have to worry about any steep hills that they might encounter on a walk, or run, outdoors. If the runner wants to add elevation to their workout most treadmill machines have an adjustable button that can raise, or lower, the elevation. The footing is constant and the runner does not have to worry about cracks in the sidewalk, uneven surfaces, or changes in surface. If a person that has a heart condition and suddenly needs help, they are close to a phone and can call for help.
