Frequently Asked Questions

Should I invest in a piece with all the bells and whistles?

What is the best way to test out equipment I am shopping for?

I saw an interesting type of fitness equipment on TV, is it any good?

Some fitness products that sound great on infomercials have limited effectiveness. Abdominal exercise devices, for example, don’t really offer any results beyond those achieved by doing abdominal exercises without equipment. (However, the devices can provide some head and neck support, if they fit your body size properly.)

There are people in this world who will promise you anything to get you to buy their products. Avoid any product that promises spot reduction (such as almost every infomercial product in existence). If you hear ‘in just minutes a day’ or ‘guaranteed to lose inches,’ you’ll know to spend your money elsewhere.

Don’t be seduced by abs or thigh gadgets. They’re often expensive and you can get more effective workouts with a basic set of dumbbells and good, quality exercises.

Where should I place my fitness equipment?

Most homes place cardio equipment in front of a television set. You want to make sure the television is level with the position of your head on the equipment. Placing the television too high or too low will put strain on your neck and back and will make the use of your equipment to be uncomfortable.

Cardio equipment should also be facing the main entry way in the room so that you are able to see people entering the room. We do not suggest putting cardio equipment in your garage because the garage is the dirtiest location in the house. The temperature in the garage also adjusts the most throughout the house which tends to cause the most damage to a machine and its parts.

Strength equipment can just about go anywhere, if there is enough room. The only disadvantage to putting strength equipment in a garage is that the steel equipment will warm up or cool down with the weather that surrounds it.

How much should a piece of equipment cost?

Just like cars, in this business you are going to be paying for quality. If you want to spend as little as possible, you are going to get as little as possible. If you want a good piece of equipment, you might have to spend some money. If you don’t try the best equipment first, you won’t know what quality features to look for. We advise staying away from infomercial products or other lower-priced equipment. A store specializing in fitness equipment is probably the best place to start your search. Do your research, but be aware of who is writing the information.

I have very specific needs. How can I be sure a machine is right for me?

Make sure the rowing machine you are thinking of buying doesn’t put too many demands on your back. If you are looking at treadmills and are overweight or have orthopedic concerns, check for sturdy handrails, gradual pace changes and structural integrity. Checking the piece of equipments user weight capacity is a sign of how well built a machine is. Look for a home gym that will adjust to your body height and size.

Any other advice?

Notes

Don’t Overestimate Your Abilities
An exercise or movement that looks easy on TV may not work for you. For example, ski machines with independent upper and lower-body motions may offer an outstanding cardio workout, but they also require a high level of concentration and coordination. People are less likely to use machines that have a high learning curve. When purchasing a strength training machine, look for one with simple procedures for changing weights. If adjusting the weight isn’t mind-numbingly simple, you’re likely not to do it!

Don’t Overlook the Little Things
Not all effective exercise equipment needs assembly and takes a lot of space. Heart rate monitors are highly recommended by many personal trainers. Fitness balls, bands, tubing and exercise videos can also add safety, creativity comfort and variety to your activity program. The best investment of all may well be the least expensive–a water bottle!