How To Shop For Home Fitness Equipment
There are a number of factors that determine what type of home fitness equipment you should purchase. Start by writing down your priorities in purchasing home fitness equipment and what area you are looking to work on.
Resistance
Cables and pulleys: The most familiar are those that use one or more weight stacks attached to cables and pulleys to provide the resistance. These use a pin put into the stack at the preferred weight you wish to lift. Elastic bands: Use a variety of elastic-type bands to provide various levels of resistance. Free weights: Used for major strength training and toning.
Amount of weight
Choose home fitness equipment that has the right amount of weights in its stack or stacks to fit your goals. If more than one person will be using the home fitness equipment at the same time, you may also want to select home fitness equipment with two or more weight stacks.
Types of lifting
Your goals will help in determining the home fitness equipment that suits your needs. Different home fitness machines offer a variety of exercise options from bench presses to curls, from sit-ups to squats. Some home fitness equipment machines also have add-on options for leg lifts and presses.
Number of stations
If you will primarily be working out by yourself, a single-station piece of home fitness equipment with various attachments is sufficient. If more than one person wants to use the home fitness equipment, consider a model that offers multiple stations. You can also find home fitness equipment with dual stacks to allow two users to use the gym simultaneously.
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Size
Obviously, the more equipment and exercise options, the bigger your home fitness equipment will be. Determine how much area you have for home fitness equipment and buy a set that fits in that space, or folds up to store in that space. All professional-quality machines are large. Check that you have sufficient space before buying one. Many exercise bicycles and rowing machines are designed for small spaces. If you have space restrictions, these may be your best choice.
Price
All types of home fitness equipment have several quality and accessory levels. The least expensive aerobic machines sell for $100 or so, while the most expensive cost $4,000 or more. Expensive models are usually identical to those found in fitness clubs. Used home fitness equipment, especially factory refurbished ones, may be a great deal. Be sure to ask about the warranty and maintenance records.
Quality
Inexpensive home fitness equipment machines don't provide the smooth operation, and they may not maintain consistent resistance during a workout. Seats may not be as comfortable, and the machine itself may not be as stable. On the other hand, inexpensive home fitness equipment machines tend to be small and easy to store, an important consideration for those with limited space.
Construction
Many home fitness equipment machines provide resistance by applying pressure to a flywheel, set spinning by the user's muscle power. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the operation. Look for a large metal flywheel and a smooth, precise, sturdy resistance mechanism with a wide range of adjustment. Make sure your body weight does not exceed the machine's weight rating. Inexpensive home fitness equipment machines frequently use a system of hydraulic pistons (oil-filled cylinders) to control resistance. These can be subject to fading (lessening resistance) or leaking, which may render the machine useless. High-quality home fitness equipment machines have well-padded handrails. Any place where your body comes into contact with the machine (seat, pedals, rail and footrest) should be wide, secure and sturdy. Beware of wobbly connections and flimsy materials. Look for adjustable positioning for a wide range of body sizes.
Features
Many home fitness equipment machines have snazzy features like computerized workout displays. Basic home fitness equipment machines may have no such functions, while most midlevel machines have a timer and an electronic display of your energy output, distance traveled or strides per minute. Look for preprogrammed workouts and the ability to store data on past workouts.
Maintenance
Most home fitness equipment machines require little or no maintenance. However, don't expect inexpensive home fitness equipment machines to last more than a few years before numerous parts wear out. Many expensive home fitness equipment machines are designed specifically for frequent use in fitness clubs, with the expectation of periodic professional servicing. Ask the seller about home fitness equipment maintenance requirements before making a purchase.
Noise
How noisy is your home fitness equipment machine? It may need separate quarters.
Daniel Urmann is a contributor and author for the website Home Fitness Equipment.
