A one percent incline simulates a level-ground workout.

Staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle is a goal that most Americans share, but finding time to get to the gym can be difficult. That's why more and more people are choosing to turn a spare room or a corner of the basement into a home exercise area with quality workout equipment like the kind found in professional health clubs. So which types of equipment are best for cardiovascular health, and how are they best used?

Damien Lee is a Certified Personal Trainer who develops his workouts based on the abilities of individual clients. He has over 10 years experience as a fitness instructor, and offers the following guide to choosing and using home cardio equipment:

• Set treadmill at one percent incline.
  According to Lee, the treadmill is the number one home cardio exercise equipment on the market. He recommends setting it on a one-percent incline, as this simulates working out on level ground.

• Protecting against injuries.
  If you have a bad back or bad knees, says Lee, the best equipment to use is the recumbent bike, the regular stationary life cycle or even a Versaclimber.

• Calculate your maximum heart rate.
  To calculate your maximum heart rate, start with the number 220 and then subtract your age. Remember that the result is a maximum, not a target for working out.

• Maintain your target heart rate.
  Your low target heart rate should be 60 percent of your maximum heart rate, and your high target heart rate should be 85 percent. As you work out, check your heart rate every five minutes, and try to stay in this low-to-high zone.

• Stay on manual setting.
  When exercising on your treadmill, bike, or other home equipment, make sure you stay on the manual setting. This way, you can stay in your target heart rate zone from beginning to end.

• Exercise regularly.
  According to Lee, your ultimate goal should be 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week, but make sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise plan.

Personal Trainers of Los Angeles
www.personaltrainers-losangeles.com

American Heart Association: Exercise and Fitness
www.americanheart.org

Fitness Zone: Exercise
www.fitnesszone.co.za/exercise

Fitness Consumer: Cardio/Aerobic Equipment
www.fitnessconsumer.com/aerobic_equipment

American College of Sports Medicine: Health & Fitness
www.acsm.org