How to make a good choice in purchasing fitness equipment... As the weather is cooling off, the days are getting shorter, and we put away our tank tops and shorts, we have to shift our favorite outdoor modes of exercise inside. For some this is always a good reason to go into hibernation and quit exercising through the holidays and winter months...but of course I'm never going to accept that as a good excuse! For others it just means we have to hit the treadmill, recumbent bicycle, and the weights more often. And with this, a lot of people begin to inquire about indoor exercise equipment...such as: what should I buy? where should I buy it? what is the best brand? when is the best time to buy equipment? etc?
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When should I buy equipment? Actually, right now is a good time to buy home fitness equipment such as: indoor bikes, treadmills, and weight machines. Stores are trying to clear out last year's models in time for January's "boom" of buyers. You are able to get the best deals from October-November. Browse local stores such as: Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, Play It Again Sports, etc. for good deals on the equipment and on warranties. Remember: if the sales associate is paid on commission...all prices are negotiable. Even ask about floor models for an even better deal.
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What should I buy? We have all fallen for that latest fitness "get me skinny" quick-scheme on TV, but I always encourage people to stick with the basics...those pieces of equipment that have remained through all the years' of fitness fads. I always tell people the possibilities are endless with a resistance band, a stability ball, and some 5-10 lb. dumbbells. (I encourage most people not to buy less than 5 lb. dumbbells, they will be too light to lift in a matter of weeks) Click on the link on my "
At-Home Workout Ideas" page for some great prices on quality equipment. For the big stuff, I only recommend a treadmill or bicycle if you are an avid runner or cyclist, and have been or a while. These types of equipment are pricey, and most people get bored with them within a couple months, then they become clothes lines and dust collectors. I encourage people to invest in some winter walking/running/bicycling clothes and get outdoors as much as you can, or to switch to a different form of exercise for a while...such as aerobics classes, swimming, indoor spinning, dance classes, etc. It's good for our bodies to experience change anyway--this prevents overuse injuries.
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What brand should I buy? I am not particular to a certain brand when it comes to large fitness equipment...obviously the more expensive and well-known brands of equipment are good such as: Precor and Nautilus, but most of us aren't professional athletes who really need that hefty of a price tag on any piece of equipment. I advise people to do their research...Sears has several good brands of treadmills and bicycles such as ProForm. Dick's carries the Sole and and ProForm brands as well. (I own a Sole treadmill and love it!)
ConsumerReport.com has good advice on equipment as well.
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Things to Ask... If you decide to make a big purchase on something such as a treadmill, bicycle, or weight machine, make sure to ask about the warranty. You want a warranty that includes someone traveling to your house to fix it, or even deliver and assemble it. Ask if the warranty covers the motor and frame (on treadmills), and for how long on each. Keep in mind that most treadmills, if used nearly everyday only last about 5 years...and that is with good maintenance. Ask what maintenance is involved and if the products to maintain the equipment are readily available, and the cost of those items as well. Ask about payment plans on the products, there are some good ones right now, or if there are any tax deductions in your state for purchasing these products. Some employee insurance companies are offering incentives for purchasing and using fitness equipment...something worth checking on!