Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Home or Pro Gym
Health and fitness are big business, which helps to explain why there seems to be a new piece of fitness equipment on the market every few days. We are all constantly bombarded with ads for the latest fat-slaying treadmill or spin bike, simply because consumers keep on buying them. The general feeling is that the more up to date the exercise equipment, the faster we will lose weight and get in shape. It's no accident that ads are designed to make us feel inadequate, showing off hard-bodied models who presumably got their sculpted shape by using that equipment for as little as 20 minutes per day. That is, of course, a fantasy. Getting fit and staying fit is just not that easy.
That doesn't mean that great exercise equipment is not out there or that it can't help you reach your fitness goals. It just might take a little time and effort to figure out exactly what you need to help you reach those goals. To that end, we'd like to draw your attention again to our own shopping guide published a couple of years ago. It's still available at Amazon and other online booksellers as well as in our own store, and while the equipment prices noted in its pages will have changed (some for better, some for worse) the information and advice offered is still relevant. But, that's not what this post is about.
Your Search for the Right Exercise Equipment
Always shop for equipment that makes sense for you. If you’re looking to get a good aerobic workout that gets your heart pumping and builds your stamina, pieces like a top-quality elliptical or stair stepper, or a high-end treadmill from makers like TRUE Fitness, Spirit and Life Fitness are always a good place to start. If you go with a top of the line machine, you’ll find it usually includes features like a calorie counter and a heart monitor, both of which can help you stay within your physical limits. Knowing how to work out on the equipment you buy is also a must if you want to avoid injury and get the most out of your workout. As effective as a treadmill can be, you can overdo it if you’re not careful. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to talk fairly easily when you use your exercise equipment. If you find that you’re gasping for breath with each step, take it down a notch.
Choose Exercise Equipment That Fits Your Goals and Budget
If you’re looking for something a little more basic and affordable, look no further than an exercise ball. These come in many different sizes, and while they may look like something a kid would play with, exercise balls can actually help you work muscles that you probably never knew you had. Look online, or ask your trainer, and you’ll find all kinds of great exercise routines that can be performed using only an exercise ball. There are even some folks that sit on the ball instead of a chair when working at a desk. This almost forces you to sit with proper posture.
One very good investment, especially if you plan on working out at home, is an exercise mat. This is especially true if you are thinking about trying pilates or yoga to get in shape. Sure, the floor in your home may be nice and clean, but it will probably still be uncomfortable to do stretches and exercises on hardwood, or even carpet. An exercise mat will deliver a nice layer of comfortable support.
Choose Quality Exercise Equipment – Avoid Flash and Sizzle
Wherever you choose to start, always buy the best quality piece of equipment that you can afford. Go for quality over quantity and build your inventory piece by quality piece. Bargain-priced exercise equipment will likely not last as long as you'd like, and your workout experience will not be ideal. A high-quality piece of equipment will last for years and make your exercise routine more pleasant. That could be key to whether or not you stick with it or abandon your new machine altogether. Homes all over the country are cluttered with treadmills and stationary bikes that serve only as a place to hang clothes. Don't let that become your equipment.
RX Fitness Has The Equipment You're Looking For
If you have questions about exercise equipment, we've got answers. Come on in and take something for a test run. We'll help you determine if the equipment you like has a place in your exercise program. RX Fitness Equipment in Thousand Oaks, Anaheim Hills, and Fountain Valley offers the best equipment from the top manufacturers to fit every fitness goal and budget. Stop by today for expert advice and friendly help in finding the equipment that is perfect for you. And don't forget to check out Tim's best-selling book, Fitness Equipment – A Shopper's Guide, available at Amazon and other online book sellers as well as in our store.
