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Nowadays most of us have heeded the call to keep fit and healthy. However, finding time in your busy schedule to work out can be tough. This is where setting up your own home gym comes in handy.
A home gym is a worthy investment that comes with a lot of advantages. It gives you the convenience of exercising in your own home at your own time and pace. But a home gym is only as good as the exercise equipment you stock it with.
The sheer variety of treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and rowing machines available in the market makes it hard to know which one to pick. Furthermore, they all come equipped with different features all promising to give you the results you crave.
To avoid throwing away your cash, you’ll need to weigh your decision carefully.
Here are some things to think about before buying cardio equipment:
1. Why are you buying the equipment?
What are your reasons for wanting cardio equipment in the first place? Do you want to use it for training, recovery from injury or to just keep fit? How many people are going to be using the equipment in your house? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you narrow down the choices on what type of cardio machine will work best for you.
2. Where will you buy it?
The three main places you can buy cardio equipment include online stores, specialty retailers or big box retailers. Be careful especially if you opt to make your purchase from online stores. These retailers might seem to have affordable equipment, but you need to factor in shipping and handling fees which might add up considerably. You might also run into problems with assembly issues or after sales services using this option. Do your research before settling on a retailer.
3. What’s your budget?
Some types of cardio equipment come with hefty price tags and it might be tempting to think that the more expensive it is, the better it will be. On the other hand, cheap might be expensive, leaving you with a faulty machine that breaks down after minimal use. The best approach here is to figure out how much you’re willing to fork out for a cardio machine then shop around for one that fits your budget without compromising on quality. Several stores and retailers offer discounts, promo codes and coupons to help you save some cash on your purchase.
4. Do you have space for it?
There’s nothing worse than buying that piece of equipment you’ve been dreaming of only to realize that you have no space for it at home. Take time to think about where your machine will go prior to your purchase and choose a space that will inspire you to work out. Also ensure that it doesn’t take up too much space, inconveniencing others in your home. It’s better to first take measurements of the space you intend to use then go out and shop for equipment that fits there.
5. Which specs are you looking for?
You can find a wide range of cardio equipment with all kinds of bells and whistles out there but don’t let this distract you. Go for the kind of specs that will motivate you to achieve your goals. For instance, if you like working out to music, choose a machine with full audio control. You can also go for machines that come with pre-programmed workouts which will give you new ways to challenge yourself so you’re never bored. Don’t forget to consider the durability of each equipment even as you look at their tech aspects.
6. Is the machine safe and comfortable to use?
Getting hurt can quickly take the fun out of exercising so make sure you go for a machine that keeps the injury risk quite low. Safety features differ from machine to machine but the important thing is to ensure that they are there and that the equipment is easy to operate. The machine you settle on should also be sturdy, well-built and provide adequate cushioning and support. The latter is especially important when shopping for a treadmill as you don’t want one that’s hard on your knees and joints.
7. Have you done a test drive?
The best way to know what you’re getting is to try out the exercise machine and see how it handles. Reputable fitness stores allow you to test drive equipment before purchasing them. If this isn’t possible, you can go try out different machines at a gym. This way, you’ll learn how they operate plus have a clearer idea if they’re meant for you or not.
8. What are the return policies and warranties?
Most cardio equipment dealers and manufacturers have return policies or warranties on the machines and it’s a good idea to find out what these are beforehand. For peace of mind, ask what maintenance and repairs are covered as well as who to call should your machine break down.
Investing some of your time to do a little research before buying cardio equipment ensures that you end up with a machine that suits your lifestyle and fitness needs.
