What machine should you choose?
Choosing a machine that you like is THE most important part of the buying process. Your trainer may urge you to get an elliptical because it’s low impact and burns more calories. Your husband may suggest that you get a recumbent bike because it’s safe and inexpensive. Maybe the treadmill burns more calories than the elliptical or the bike is safer than a treadmill, but if you don’t use it you won’t be burning any calories so be sure to buy based on your preference. If you’re going from health club to home then go with the piece you use most often at the gym. If you have injuries or surgeries certain equipment is considered more safe but there are options in each category that fit everyone. If you’ve never worked out and have no idea what you like then try it all and be sure it fits your body, your stride, your height, etc. You also want to make sure that the machine you choose will support your weight. When it comes to getting your money’s worth by all means buy what you like and what feels good otherwise you are buying a very expensive coat rack.
How much should I spend?
Once you have chosen the type of machine you are probably wondering how much you’re going to have to spend. Resist the urge to buy the cheapest machine. The reason there are so many models and brands to choose from is people have different needs. Treadmills range anywhere from $250-$4000, ellipticals range from $99-$3000, and bikes range from $200-$3000.
Treadmill Buyers
If you’re buying a treadmill make sure the horsepower suits your needs. The 1.5 horsepower machine priced at $499 may sound like a great buy but if you are a heavy runner, overweight, really tall, or like to incorporate incline training, you will burn out the motor in less than a year. Treadmills with less than 2.0 horsepower are not made for runners, heavy or tall people, or for heavy usage. According to Laura Johnson, store manager for Nordictrack, America’s premier cardio retailer, “With a treadmill you are paying for your motor. Everything else is just bells and whistles. If you buy the right treadmill it will last 10-13 years, if you buy one without enough horsepower you can expect to replace it in less than a year”.
Elliptical Buyers
An elliptical is probably the toughest machine to buy. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some have arms and incline ramps, while others have no arms and ramps, and others have arms and no ramps. The most important consideration with an elliptical is the stride. Be sure the machine is long enough that the movement is still oval. A shorter, cheaper machine may fit better in your home and in your budget but it creates a round movement that causes quite a bit of strain in the hips and knees of even the fittest people. A good elliptical usually starts at around $599. Any machine less than that is typically a piece of junk, and not worth buying. Even if the machine is a good size be sure the movement is not bouncy or choppy. Ellipticals should be very smooth and easy on the joints.
Bike Buyers
Bikes are unlike any other piece of equipment. You may find an inexpensive one that feels great and an expensive one that feels terrible or vice versa. The key is to find one that fits your body perfectly. The geometry has to be right, the seat has to feel good, and the bike should feel sturdy. There are $2000 bikes that feel like they’re about to tip over if you pedal too hard and there are $400 bikes that feel as sturdy as your car. With bikes your choices are unlimited so try as many as you can in your price range to find the ideal one.
Other Machines
Steppers and versa-climbers are all great machines but typically you need to get a commercial piece to get a good quality piece and that will cost at least $2000. Incline trainers like the treadclimber and the Nordictrack X10 are the latest in home equipment. They have the ability to incline quite a bit more than regular treadmills and burn three times the calories. The x10 actually inclines up to 50% and has upper body cables as well. They range in price from $1600-$2400 and provide a great workout but remember that you will burn the most calories on the machine that you like.
Bells and Whistles
Machines come with everything from fans and cd players, to heart rate devices and bodyfat analysis. Some have consoles that accommodate water bottles and magazine racks, and others have the ability to work with interactive programs through your t.v. computer, and vcr. Other features to look for include speeds, incline, programs, belt quality, contoured seats, comfortable handles, wheels, ability to fold up, etc. If you buy a machine that has a ton of great features but the belt is low quality chances are you will encounter problems in the near future. Think about quality features and don’t be swayed by all the extras. Bodyfat analysis is probably one of the most ridiculous additions to cardio machines considering that you should not be moving when you are testing your bodyfat. If that is the only thing that differentiates two models don’t pay extra.
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