Exercise Equipment
How to Buy Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment Pitstop Be careful! This is where many will make their
first big fitness mistake. Millions of dollars and countless unused pieces of exercise equipment fill garages and basements
across the country, a testament to poor choices and hasty decisions.
Selecting a new piece of exercise equipment can be daunting because there are so many possibilities. Before you buy,
investigate the resources that are readily available to you. If your office building or neighborhood has an exercise room or
program, check it out and try the equipment. Ask your friends what they do. Visit a YMCA, commercial gym, community college or
any other nearby facility that offers classes or memberships. Make notes on everything that is available and what appeals to you.
DON'T give in to high pressure sales people to buy equipment or memberships until you know exactly what you want.
There are lots of advantages to having exercise equipment in your own home. You can exercise whenever it's convenient, in any
weather. You never have to wait in line. You have privacy -- a real plus if you're embarrassed about your weight or lack of
fitness. You can watch television or listen to music while you exercise.
But good exercise equipment can be expensive. Make sure you know just what you want before you buy. If you have access to a
health club or gym, try out the pieces that interest you. It's best to work through the first several weeks of a new exercise
program on someone else's machine just to make sure you're comfortable, can master the movements and -- hopefully -- enjoy the
activity. That way you're less likely to end up with an expensive clothes hanger.
Once you've settled on the type of machine you want, find a store that carries several different models displayed so you can
try them out. Remember that health clubs buy extremely heavy-duty equipment; many machines built for home use are lightweight and
poorly constructed. If you buy a machine that doesn't move smoothly, rattles and shakes, or fails to give you the range of
resistance you need, you won't enjoy your workout. You don't necessarily need to buy the most expensive machine -- you can do
without all the electronic gadgetry. But do buy the sturdiest, smoothest-operating model you can afford.
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Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board
certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at
http://www.DrMirkin.com
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