Home exercise equipment: making the right choice

Shopping for home exercise equipment can be as overwhelming as shopping for a new car. There are many models and features. Be prepared before walking into the equipment store. This will save time and money.

Many options exist to suit different budgets. Exercise equipment ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Do not pay for features not needed. Simple equipment pieces can be just as effective as fancy, computerized ones.

Before shopping for exercise equipment do your homework:

• Decide what kind of exercise you want to do, whether it be aerobic or strength training or both.
• Identify the type of equipment you want. Aerobic equipment examples are treadmills, rowing machines, stairclimbers, cross country ski machines, elliptical striders, and stationary bicycles. Strength training equipment examples include free weights and resistance machines.
• Try out the equipment for a couple of months before making a purchase. Go to a club or borrow a piece of equipment from a friend. Does the exercise meet your needs? Do you enjoy it?
• Decide what extra features you want on the equipment. Some may not be necessary for your needs.
• Choose the type of strength training equipment you want to purchase. Train with free weights and resistance machines. Learn how to operate the machines correctly. Learn safe exercises.
• Determine the space in your home for using and storing the equipment. Take measurements if necessary.

Now you are ready to shop for exercise equipment. Wear athletic shoes and test the equipment long enough to see if it will be comfortable and user-friendly. Be sure aerobic equipment is sturdy, well-balanced, smooth operating, and not noisy. Does it fit your body size and weight?

Check for smooth edges and properly padded areas on strength equipment. Know the servicing needs of the equipment before making any purchase. What is its life expectancy, durability, and guarantee? Ask lots of questions until you are comfortable that all your needs and interests have been met.

Once the equipment is set-up at home, be sure it is child-proof. Think of the safety of the kids and pets as well as the safety of the equipment. Now you are ready to exercise with your new home equipment.

Last Reviewed: 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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