Not everyone likes going to gym. Gym may be just too far and transportation is a problem. However, not going to gym does not mean one cannot exercise at home. In fact, some people prefer to have their own fitness machines at home. They can use the machines at their own convenience.
Choosing exercise equipment may not be that easy. If you choose a wrong machine and later put it only in your store room, money will be wasted.
Three main reasons home fitness equipment gathers dust:
- It is too boring.
- It is too hard to assemble.
- You don’t have time but you will try to use it tomorrow.
Sad truth is that many shoppers still heading for fitness departments without knowing what they want. They buy treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Most people simply buy things they do not enjoy. If they don’t really like it, they don’t stick with it.
So, how can you be sure you will invest in the right one? Read on these 13 tips of choosing a perfect fitness equipment for home.
1) Identify your goals - You want to lose weight, build muscle or gain strength? With clear goals in mind, you will know what type of machine you need. To burn body fat, the equipment can be treadmill, elliptical machines, jump ropes and stationary bikes. Stability balls used with light weights will help tone your body, whereas heavier weight systems, dumbbells and barbells assist with developing strength and muscle mass.
2) Decide how much money you want to spend. The dollar range ($1000 - $2000 for instance) will help you focus your search, saving you time and frustration.
3) Consider something which you can scale up. Means, it allows you to increase your workout level as your fitness level rises.
4) Before you purchase an equipment, go try a variety of machines. If you decide to get a treadmill and your friend has one, borrow it from your friend for a month to see if you would really use it (assuming your friend is kind enough).
5) Buy a model based on your space needs. Say, if it has to be used in your living room, consider getting one which can be folded up. However, this advantage may backfire. If you tuck it in a closet, you may leave it in a closet, forever.
6) Consider its noise level, the degree of incline, etc. Some of the machine is really noisy and you may have to blast your TV to block out the irritating sound.
7) Never make an “impulse buy” at a sporting goods or fitness equipment store. Do not be persuaded or misled by the sales person.
8) Never buy equipment over the phone, no matter how great the commercial you just saw in the TV!
9) If you have joined a club before and you are familiar with the machines there, when the club wants to change its equipment, you can try approaching the gym to buy those which are still in good conditions. No, I have not tried this method before, but I believe that this approach is possible.
10) Ask your friend to take you to a fitness club so you can try out the various forms of equipment to find the best fit.
11) One thing to note is that most home used machines are made for a standard height and weight. Was told American machines are made for 175 cm and 75 kg size (yet to be confirmed with professional). If your height or weight is way beyond (like plus minus 20%) that, you may have difficulty in getting the best seat position for you. So, make sure the fitness machines suit your height.
12) Check the warranty. Was told good one actually provide 10 years warranty.
13) Last but not least, if you like it, you will use it. So, buy something you like.
You may wonder whether I have lots of exercise equipment at home. No, except a dumbbell (not even a pair) left by my elder brother, I do not have any equipment at home. I am someone who enjoy social interaction while working out, therefore working out in a fitness club environment best suits me. Also, I go for body weight for my exercise if I am too bored at home. (Stay tune for my future article on Why Body Weight Training?) However, in near future, I may consider buying Elliptical Exercise Machines. I just love this machine.
Scroll down to leave a comment. I really want to know what you think.
Read more posts like "13 Tips To Choose A Perfect Fitness Equipment For Your Home":
Subscribe in a reader
Yin Teing // May 13, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Excellent post! Yes, it’s really true about choosing exercise equipment and it’s good you address the home gym topics. I know most of my friends who not sign up with gyms but would really like to start exercising.
mySchumacher // May 16, 2008 at 3:21 pm
hmm what you guys think about those osim products? like the new i-twist? or was it u twist? the one thats like i gallop one.. i’ve tried that and it really force me to use my stomach muscles… :P mayb its just novelty but i think it will help.. and furthermore can put in living room while watching tv
Yin Teing // May 16, 2008 at 9:33 pm
There’s calories burned but very little compared to exercise and most of the time, ppl stop using after a while and it just collect dusk. For a fraction of the price, would suggest a Swiss ball- you can bounce on it while watching TV. And do the plank with the legs up the ball- that’s a killer- guarantee stomach muscle will really work hard. I hv one in my living room and always use it when watching TV. Well, if the novelty wears out, can always give to someone else- only cost a fraction of OSIM products. Just my 2 cents…
trey // May 16, 2008 at 10:38 pm
as an athlete, i have always preferred “functional gains” instead of just having the good looks.
people may or may not benefit from all those ab machines that we can see at the shopping malls, but to gain functional strength and actually be “fit”, there’s no shortcuts to it. You got to put your hours in training, and be consistant with your diet.
that being said, in my opinion these are the absolute must get/buy fitness items that would definately benefit your health & perhaps will make you look better aswell.
1) Swiss Ball (there’s just too many things that you can do with/on it!)
2) Kettlebells (go google it!)
3) Skipping Rope.
4) Doorway Pullup/Chinup bar (will do wonders for your back/bicep developement)
5) Medicine Balls (so many drills can be done with these)
kirksman // May 22, 2008 at 9:01 am
i think i know my destiny :D
it’s the 190KG Eleiko set. Perfick.
trey // May 22, 2008 at 10:01 am
kirk, its not Eleiko :)
rm2,200+ for a 190kg set is a huge bargain i might say
and those are bumpers!!
Angie Tan // May 26, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Cool article!!
I would have to say that my parents did a couple of impulse buys when they wanted to start exercising. In the end, they gave away the elliptical bike for a treadmill which was barely functional (manual not electrical).
Yeap, I like the elliptical exercise machines! Missed that old elliptical bike.
Jenn // May 28, 2008 at 11:50 am
Sweet. This is a great article. One thing I also try to do when I’m looking for fitness equipment is get stuff I know how to use.