Home Exercise Equipment ? Choosing the Proper Equipment For Your Workout Routine

The fitness industry has become big business as more and more people work out to get in shape. Many companies have gotten onboard the bandwagon, and the number of different types and brands of home exercise equipment available is amazing. While it is great to have options, trying to figure out which piece of home fitness equipment is right for you can be an overwhelming process. One way to help manage all this information is to identify what type of exercise or training you plan to do. Add in other factors such as your personal fitness level, budget, and space available and pick the equipment that best fits your criteria.

What Is Your Goal?

Before purchasing an exercise bike, treadmill or other type of home fitness equipment, it is important to decide what it is you hope to accomplish. Are you trying to lose weight? Perhaps you want to get in shape, tone your muscles? Maybe you want a good cardio workout? Or you may have several of these results in mind. Exercise equipment varies in its effectiveness in certain areas and by knowing what you want from your workout, you will be able to focus on those that do what you want.

Assess your Fitness Level

Also do an assessment of your comfort level with different types of exercise or movement. Do you have weak knees or a bad back? Would you rather sit than stand? How is your balance? Each type of home fitness equipment requires you to use different posture and movements and you don't want to pick something that will cause injury or irritate an existing condition. You also don't want equipment that is uncomfortable to use because it will be difficult to stick to your routine.

Space Considerations

The fact is, if you live in a small apartment or have limited space in your home, you may not have room for a large piece of equipment like a home gym or weight sets. Many pieces of equipment fold up for storage, but if you have to move the coffee table or love seat every time you want to fold out the treadmill, you are less likely to exercise on a regular basis.

What's In Your Wallet?

Some exercise equipment can be quite expensive, especially for a quality product. On the other hand, you can purchase some equipment off TV ads or special promotions for a very reasonable price, but does the stuff really work? And will it last for more than a few weeks? Most experts recommend that you wait to purchase home fitness equipment until you can afford to purchase something that has good customer satisfaction ratings and is made by a respected fitness equipment manufacturer. Also be aware that some types of equipment cost more than others and may not fit your needs or your budget no matter how long you save.

Consider Your Choices

Once you have assessed your needs and situation, you can evaluate the different types of equipment against your criteria.

Exercise bikes have been around for decades and have improved in design and function over the years. They have been proven to provide weight loss and health benefits if used consistently and correctly. They offer a good cardio workout as well, while limiting impact and injury to knees and other leg joints. They typically do not fold up and can tend to take up space. Exercise bikes fall in the economy or moderate range for price in comparison to other types of home fitness equipment, although some can be quite expensive, especially if they are computerized.

Recumbent exercise bikes, which put users in a slightly reclined position, place less stress on the back and knees but tend to cost more. Some people find the position and motion uncomfortable if they are used to traditional bike riding.

Treadmills are another type of fitness equipment that has been around for some time. They also provide a good cardio workout if properly used, and many come with built in features such as an adjustable platform and computerized workout to help enhance the effects of your exercise routine. There is some jarring and joint stress involved with running, on a treadmill or other surface, so this equipment may not be a good choice for those with knee and hip concerns.

Some treadmills fold up for storage, making them a good choice for those with limited space. Treadmills run the gamut in price range, and can usually fit in any budget, but in most cases you get what you pay for and a very inexpensive model may not be safe or effective.

Elliptical trainers are the latest craze in home fitness equipment. They provide the exercise benefits of walking or running while eliminating the impact on hips, knees, or ankles. This can be good for those with injuries or weakness in those areas. But others who are concerned about building or maintaining bone density may prefer a different type of equipment.

Some elliptical machines fold up to save space when not in use. They generally fall in the mid to higher price range compared to other types of fitness equipment, and again, price often reflects quality.

A stair stepper provides another choice for those who want to burn calories and get a good cardio workout with reduced impact to knees and hips. Stepping height can be adjusted to accommodate different body sizes and fitness levels, however, it can be easy to put too much stress on ankles and back when using a stair stepper. Both size and price are in the moderate range.

Some people prefer the variety and intensity provided by a home gym or weight training station. People are more likely to exercise if they have several different options to choose from, and a selection of different or adjustable equipment provides the opportunity to target all areas of the body. However, home gyms tend to take up more space than other equipment and will almost always cost more for quality equipment. It may also be important to have instructions before using some features of the gym to avoid injury.

There are many other types of home fitness equipment, including free weights, ski machines, ab machines, and hybrids like exercise riders. Be sure to research a piece of equipment before buying and avoid those that make claims that sound too good to be true ? they probably are.

Many fitness experts and trainers recommend that you try out a piece of equipment before purchasing to be sure it feels comfortable. If buying online, try to find a gym or exercise store that has the equipment and give it a test ride. Most companies charge shipping and handling to return online orders if you return an item for reasons other than manufacturer defects or damage.

With all the choices for home fitness equipment available, you are sure to find a machine that fits your needs and budget. It just takes a bit of realistic planning.

About the Author:

C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com, your complete guide to home exercise equipment, the best treadmill reviews, ab machines, weight training equipment and more.

Copyright 2005 Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

---

Deciding on a Fitness Center: Tips for Choosing

Joining one of the many fitness centers in your area can have a lot of benefits, but can also be a big expense. Since most centers ask... Read More

Horizon Treadmills Offer Top Features For the Lowest Price

Highly rated by numerous experts in the fitness field, Horizon treadmills offer a well-constructed piece of excercise equipment for a reasonable price. Created by the Johnson corporation,... Read More

Buy Cheap Treadmill: Learn How To Make Optimum Use of a Treadmill

Treadmills serve your purpose 24/7 and 12 months a day despite of snow, sun or rain. Without any doubt, treadmills have great utility. Half an hour walking... Read More

Star Trac TR4500HR Treadmill - A Review

When you're searching for a treadmill for your home or club, you'll find Star Trac treadmills at the top of your shopping list, and for good reason.... Read More

Pro-Form 765i Interactive Trainer Treadmill

For under $1000 you can purchase the Pro-Form 765i interactive trainer treadmill. This 150-pound exercise dynamo, a product of ProForm Fitness Equipment, has a running track 60... Read More

Wholesale Room Humidifier

Room HumidifierA room humidifier can help raise the level of humidity or moisture in the air. Increasing the humidity in the home helps eliminate the dry air... Read More

Portable Treadmills

Portable Treadmills - For People On The RunPortable Treadmills are a convenience most appreciated by busy people.Manufacturers like Walkmill focus on light folding machines that will set... Read More

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing a Treadmill

With the advancement in the treadmill industry, quality machines could now cost you up to $5,000. So purchasing the wrong equipment could prove costly. And with the... Read More

Pacemaster Treadmill Reviews

Runner's World, a magazine for athletes who are serious about their exercise, includes Pacemaster treadmill reviews in its repertoire of sporting information, One of the latest evaluations... Read More

Wheel Chair Ramp

Some people order fomr various companies when in need of Wheel Chair Ramp. Others just try do build their own wheelchair ramp, thus trying to save some... Read More

Picking Your Home Gym Equipment

When you are picking out the equipment that you are going to use to build your new home gym there are several things that you will want... Read More

Life Fitness Treadmills Reign Supreme in the Ratings

One of the most superior brands of treadmills available, Life Fitness treadmills are featured extensively in gyms and health clubs around the globe. Highly regarded by several... Read More

Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill

Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill - A Good Value At SearsThe Pro Form xp 542s treadmill, like its partner the xp 542e, is part of the xp... Read More

Calories Burned On An Elliptical Trainer

If you're trying to choose between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike, one of the most popular... Read More

Finding The Best Home Gyms - Which Is Right For You?

There are many brands and styles of home gyms available to you. While there may be some brands that provide equal quality and styling to the top... Read More

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Trainer

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, it can be confusing to know which brands are the best. The best elliptical trainers contain a number a features and... Read More

Machines vs Free Weights

I am often asked, what is the best machine for me?, what is the best machine for this or that body part?. The answer that I always... Read More

Treadmills ? Keep On Running

There are benefits to the use of treadmills as part of your exercise program. A treadmill provides a wonderful cardiovascular workout for your heart, your lungs, and... Read More

Epic t60 treadmill

The Epic T60 Treadmill - Putting New Limits On EconomyThe Epic T60 Treadmill is made exclusively for Costco, the discount retailer. It sports useful and desirable features... Read More

Workout Shoes - Shoes for Strength Training

I've always worked out in just a plain pair of tennis shoes. Rarely to I see or even think that using special shoes would make any difference... Read More

My Golden Gym

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." -- Ann LandersA year ago, almost to the day, I had an epiphany while exercising... Read More

The Tunturi Elliptical Trainer

The Tunturi Elliptical is one of the lower end priced machines on the market. It comes with a longer warranty period than some other ellipicals, and seems... Read More

Tips To Help You Find The Right Gym

Taking those first few steps towards establishing a Fitness Lifestyle can very well be intimidating, especially if the decision is made to sign-up for a gym membership.... Read More

Try A Landice Treadmill

Landice treadmills receive rave reviews from consumers and exercise magazines. Landice treadmills are highly rated in consumer guides and are popular with those who work out at... Read More

Who Says You Can?t Use Commercial Treadmills At Home?

Commercial treadmills are the machines that you see in gyms and fitness centers. Although they are more expensive than the brands sold for use as home gym... Read More

6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Personal Trainer

Once reserved only for the rich and famous, personal fitness training has hit the mainstream. A personal trainer is now as common as a pair of good... Read More