Get The Best Home Fitness Equipment: Choose With Caution!
AUTHOR: Paul Yeoman
So you want to get fit and feeling good fast. You see an advert for some exercise equipment on the TV or in the newspaper that claims to offer a myriad of benefits to the user. You think, hmm that looks amazing, its not too expensive, I might give it a go. STOP! There are a number of important points that you should consider first before parting with your hard earned money:
- Just because there are an impressive range of functions on the exercise equipment doesn’t mean it is superior to other machines with less. These added extras may well be designed purely for improving sales, not your fitness. To exercise thoroughly you don’t generally need many readouts and calculations. At the most you should only require (depending upon the machine/ exercise type) a heart rate feature, safety release mechanism, speed or exercise rate function, timer or distance option and pre-programmed fitness workouts.
- Keep in mind that there are core physical features of an exercise machine that are the most important to look for. The best fitness equipment is very durable and functions/ moves smoothly and quietly. Treadmills for example need to be stable and have a good level of deck cushioning.
- Don’t rush to buy a particular exercise item. Ideally the equipment will be well tried and tested. Seek reviews and peoples advice. Go and visit the shops to then try out the equipment on offer. Recommendations are that if you are purchasing cardiovascular equipment 20 minutes operating the machine the way you intend to is about right. If looking around weights machines it is best to do a set of 10 repetitions, in order to better see how the equipment acts.
- Try looking at the top end equipment available so as to gain an idea on what the equipment should ultimately be aiming at. Don’t only look at the cheap infomercial products commonly seen around. Heading for a specialist fitness equipment shop is a great start. By choosing machines you’ve tried before in health clubs you are increasing the likelihood that known good quality from recognized and fully endorsed manufacturers enters your home environment.
- Aim to obtain exercise tools that match your abilities. Certain exercises may look easy but in reality may be very difficult to perform. A lot of concentration and coordination may be required to get good at and learn a complex work out. People tend to be less enthusiastic about steep learning curves. When viewing weight lifting equipment only choose the equipment that has a very simple weight fastening mechanism. If it’s complex then you are likely not to bother using it.
- Variety helps maintain interest. Don’t just simply consider a treadmill. Elliptical trainers are also able to provide functional movements with much variety. Both recumbent and upright bikes, rowing machines, stair steppers and home gyms are now becoming more popular.
- Keep a skeptical eye on claimed benefits. Many machines advertised in the media have limited advantages. Many claim their machines are vital for exercising a particular section of the body, when in reality other simple exercises without the aid of a machine work the same, if not better. One of the advantages of using a machine is that it can support your body, if it is the correct size.
- Questions should be asked of as many people as possible before you buy. Ask fitness professionals, manufacturer representatives, previous equipment purchasers and the like for detailed information on the product to enable an informed choice. Additionally enquire as to the warranty, return policy, installation/ setup procedure and delivery.
- Personal comfort is important. Generally if a movement is painful you are damaging yourself and should stop the work out immediately. If you seek a decent rowing machine make sure it doesn’t put too much of a strain on your back. Persons that are of an overweight build must ensure treadmills are tough, stable and have strong handrails. Home exercise equipment must be able to be adjusted to fit your size.
- Remember to acknowledge the smaller things. Personal trainers now often recommend heart rate monitors. Fitness tubing, bands and balls, alongside keep fit videos all help to improve safety, creativity, comfort and variety to your daily exercise routine. One of the greatest purchases you could make may well be the cheapest, e.g. a water bottle.
Once you’ve found that perfect piece of exercise equipment you can then get on with the real job in hand, working out! All the time you’ll be safe with the knowledge that you’ve given yourself the best head start possible. Good luck!