You may know it as an elliptical trainer, elliptical machine or elliptical crosstrainer. All of these titles describe the low-impact exercise machine that has gliding foot pedals with movable upright poles.

All speed bags are punching bags, but not all punching bags are speed bags. In boxing parlance, punching bag is the generic term applied to all such tools, but most "civilians" mean a standard heavy bag. Both heavy and speed bags can produce health benefits if used correctly as part of a systematic regimen.

Rowing machines provide excellent workouts. They burn fat, strengthen the legs, torso and shoulders and increase your overall stamina. Since the motion of rowing is primarily at the knees, some people worry about developing or exacerbating knee problems.

You don't need crampons and an ice-ax to be a mountain killer. The incline settings on your treadmill let you simulate the effort required for a change in vertical height, or elevation gain. You can build your endurance and stamina by using and calculating elevation gain on your treadmill.

Resistance or weight training will help you improve muscle tone and counteract the loss of muscle mass that accompanies aging. You don't have to invest a great deal of money in dumbbells to begin strength training.

Ankle weights might help you create a more intense aerobic exercise workout, as they add extra weight that your body has to move. Still, there are risks to using ankle weights, so consider these before beginning a workout with them. You may be able to take advantage of better alternatives.

Although morbid obesity can go paired with joint pain and physical limitations, there are various exercise machines that you can safely use to improve your health. You can purchase these machines for home use or you can find them at gym facilities.

Steps are pieces of workout equipment for cardiovascular workouts and aerobic routines. But along with burning calories and getting your heart rate up, you can use a step for exercises that tone the muscles in your arms and legs. Maximize your results by incorporating a step into your toning routine.

Heavy punching bags provide a cardio workout, resistance training and a means for developing good form in your punches and kicks. However, they can be tough to install and may be inappropriate entirely in some living or training situations. If you're in such a fix, you're not out of luck.

Squats are a functional lower-body strength exercise. They simulate everyday activities, such as picking a box up off the floor. The body weight squat is the most basic, beginner squat; you only use your body weight for resistance.

Hex and round dumbbells are fixed-weight dumbbells for use in commercial and in-home gyms. Both types of dumbbell are made of cast iron and offer a large selection of weights. However, hex and round dumbbells have different designs and features, each with advantages and disadvantages in the weight room.

The popular image of a boxer or other fight sport athlete includes someone who has set of ripped and visible abdominal muscles. Much of that comes from the weight loss practices inherent in combat sports coupled with hours upon hours of cardiovascular training and attention to diet.