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Choosing Home Fitness Equipment, You Can Use |
Choosing home fitness equipment is easy -- if you know what you're doing. If you're not careful,
however, you'll loose your hard earned cash or sign your credit-card slip and only later realize you're stuck
with an expensive clothing rack. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when
looking for home fitness equipment:
1. What's Your Goal?
Before you get started, determine your goal. Write down an achievable
short term goal (say 90 days) and a longer term goal. You need to match
the equipment with your goal, your lifestyle, and your current abilities.
2. Talk to a Fitness Equipment Expert
The fact is, only a dedicated fitness equipment specialist delivers everything
you need, starting with the industry's top brands found in health clubs
worldwide. They carry the highest quality products, to give you years of challenging,
maintenance-free workouts. Department stores and discount centers offer far
less. And because these dedicated retailers specialize in exercise equipment,
they offer greater expertise through a knowledgeable staff of experts that can
help you make the best equipment choices.
3. Check Out the Best Equipment First
Trying out the top of the line first will give you an idea of what quality looks
and feels like. Start your shopping excursion at an exercise equipment specialty
store that carries brands you've seen at health clubs. In general, cheap,
"bargain" department-store fitness equipment won't cut it.
4. Look for Quality
The most important features to look for? Sturdy construction and smooth, quiet
operation. Most machines feel fine during the first few minutes, so spend at
least 20 minutes trying the machines out. And yes, you need to go to the store
prepared to do a workout.
5. Think about Cross Training
Choose a piece of equipment that will compliment other activities you do. If you
walk regularly, consider buying a stair-stepper, elliptical machine or
stationary cycle. And remember, there is no one magic gadget that does it all.
The complete home gym includes a cardiovascular piece, some strength-training
equipment and a place to stretch.
6. If it's Too Good to be True...
...it probably is. In general, cheap, "bargain" department-store, or
made for TV fitness equipment looks good, but won't cut it, if you use it.
7. Watch Out for Fitness Fads
It may sound good when that guy with the hair talks about it on the infomercial,
but it may not deliver what it promises. Beware making a decision based solely
on what you see on TV: Equipment that you can't try before you buy is a risky
purchase.
8. No Pain, No Gain is not the Rule
Nothing you buy should put excessive strain on your back or other joints. Also,
look for equipment that adjusts to your height, size and fitness level.
9. Ask Your Friends
Ask questions of friends who are avid exercisers, find out what their experiences
are and what they 
would do different the next time around.
10. If it's Easy to Use, You Just May...
USE IT ! Equipment that requires lots of complex changes and/or programming to
use, can be an encumbrance. You don't need another excuse not to workout.
Your equipment should inspire you to work out, and it should last a long, long
time.