Home exercise equipment offers a convenient, effective workout with the added bonus of comfort and privacy. But before you buy, consider the following:
Treadmills
These are popular machines because walking and running are familiar, natural movements anyone can do. With their greater shock absorbency, treadmills are easier on joints than asphalt and concrete.
Look for more than a 1.5-horsepower motor (especially if you’re over 185 lbs.), a deck that’s 20” wide for comfort and safety, and about 60” long to fit the stride length of most runners and walkers. Treadmills can require up to 30 square feet of space.
Plan to spend more than $800. Cheaper treadmills are jerky, noisy, break down too often, lack adequate shock absorption and may not last for joggers or heavy people.
Elliptical trainers
Elliptical trainers offer no impact to the body, so they’re easier on joints. Less impact also means less wear and tear on the machine, and that translates to low maintenance costs. The dual action of arms and legs increases energy expenditure, providing a more efficient calorie-burning workout: You require less time to achieve more results.
Low electrical usage makes an elliptical trainer cheap to operate. And if your home is small, it won’t take up valuable floor space. Expect to spend $1,000 or more.
Stationary bicycles
These come in upright and recumbent models. Recumbent cycling (in a semi-reclining position) uses more of the glutes and hamstrings than upright cycling. Instead of a bike seat, the recumbent cycle’s wide chair is much more comfortable and allows you to work out longer.
Upright bikes need very little space, usually not more than 10 square feet. For good quality, expect to pay $300, minimum. Recumbent cycles take up twice as much room as upright models and may be pricier. For a smoother, quieter ride, resistance on either bike should be provided by a belt circling the flywheel. The brake-pad type of resistance won’t survive heavy use.
Stair climbing machines
Look for a stable frame and smooth stepping action. Your workout will be less jerky if there is independent step action (pushing one step down doesn’t automatically force the other step up). Some have arm involvement to work upper body muscles, offering a greater challenge.
These machines can be pricey: Spending less than $2,000 may not guarantee good quality. And space may be a problem. Some machines need up to 20 square feet.
Poor exercise technique can aggravate or cause problems in the knees and low back. Stair climbing also creates a rapid rise in heart rate. The very unfit or those with heart problems should be careful.
Try to buy locally and support your community’s merchants. Stores specializing in fitness equipment are the best source for quality merchandise. Only top-of-the-line products are stocked because they don’t want the hassles of returns and repairs. In-store purchasing also allows you to try the equipment – impossible through a website or television ad. Buying locally also means faster service and maintenance, and easier access to parts.
Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker.
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Eve Lees has been active in the health & fitness industry since 1979. Currently, she is a Freelance Health Writer for several publication and speaks to business and private groups on various health topics.