Buying Home Exercise Equipment
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-09-21 18:00:00-04:00
What You Should Know
Participating in regular physical activity is a great way to maintain a healthy weight. If you're thinking about buying a home gym, exercise bike or treadmill, do your homework first. You don't want to burn your money instead of calories.
People pay big bucks for exercise equipment because they think the convenience will make them more likely to exercise. Well, take a look at the next yard sale you come across. It's easy to find exercise equipment for sale that looks like new but is selling for a fraction of its original cost.
If you think equipment will be a good investment, shop carefully and buy what's best for you at the best possible price. Evaluate advertising claims so you understand both the financial and lifestyle commitment that's involved in making such a purchase.
Treadmills are the most popular home aerobic equipment, says the National Sporting Goods Association. They can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,500. Elliptical trainers cost $800 to $2,400, according to consumer reports. Before spending your money, exercise these consumer tips.
Know your goals.What do you want to focus on — strength, flexibility or cardiovascular fitness? It's unlikely that any one piece of equipment will address each of these areas.
Test the equipment.Give any piece a fair workout before you bring it home. Go to the store dressed for a test run. Better yet, sample the equipment in a gym. Even if you don't belong to a gym, some will let you try out their machines as a prospective member. Afterwards, ask yourself if you'll use the equipment on a regular basis.
Don't fall for advertising tricks.Watch out for claims that say pounds or inches will "easily" disappear. Don't believe those TV ads with the impossibly slim person telling you how many inches they lost using a "low-cost" item. The "before" and "after" testimonials may exaggerate typical results.
Consider all the costs.Don't forget to consider any shipping costs, especially if you will need to send it in for repairs. Check out the manufacturer's warranty and where you can get it serviced for new parts if something happens.
Check several stores before you buy anything.Shop around. The same product might cost less, or be on sale at another store. Why pay more than you have to for the same model?
Be practical.Will the equipment fit in the space you have available? Do you have a convenient place where you can exercise easily and safely, perhaps while watching TV?
Check out the product reviews.One way to evaluate an exercise product is to read about other people's experiences. Product reviews can guide you to well-built equipment that best fits your needs.
AARP Resources
Fitness Safety
Pulled muscles don't lend themselves to fitness. Build these safety tips into your fitness program.
Good Workouts Need Good Diets
No matter where you get your exercise – outside or on a home exercise machine – you need to maintain a good diet.
Stretch for Flexibility
Why flexibility? It benefits you in more ways than you imagine. Here are the hows and whys.
Work Out Your Stress with Physical Activity
Put physical activity at the center of your stress-busting program.
Additional Resources
Pump Fiction
The Federal Trade Commissions explains how to evaluate advertising claims for fitness products.
What You Need to Know to Purchase a Treadmill The organization that certifies fitness instructors helps you pick a treadmill.
Consumer Search on Health and Fitness See what reviewers have to say about treadmills, stair steppers, exercise bikes and other fitness equipment.
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