With the new and advanced gym equipment that is now easily available in stores, exercise buffs today can choose to either work out in a regular gym or at home instead. By taking up a gym membership, they can enjoy all the benefits of a formal gym, make use of a variety of machines and advice from staff and other members. However, by purchasing home gym equipment they can spare the commute and have easy access to their own gym at home whenever they want to work out.
The biggest problem that most people face when deciding to buy home equipment is what to buy ? If one is just starting or getting back into a regular exercise routine it is advisable to first learn how to use the professional gym equipment under the guidance of a trained instructor. This will also help to give one a good basis for comparison when shopping.
One of the obvious pieces of gym equipment that those who are into weight training will purchase will be a set of weights. Free weights are easily available nowadays and are quite cheap. A basic set can cost under 50 dollars. When purchasing try to buy a mixture of small, 10 lb(around 4.5Kg) and larger 20 lb(9 kg) weights as well as a plain bar with exchangeable weights.
Weights can be either metal or plastic. While some traditional weight trainers prefer metal weights, the plastic ones that are either filled with composite or sand are comparatively safer to use.
After basic weights one normally shifts to weight machines mainly because free weights aren’t enough to work out on some muscle groups like the calves and hamstrings. Also, weight machines in comparison help to focus on specific muscle groups like the biceps,deltoids and quadriceps in a much safer way compared to free weights.
Weight machines usually cost much more than free weights. If one is purchasing simple resistance machines that essentially involve rubber stretching straps they would roughly spend around a few hundred dollars. However, the multi station adjustable weight tracks often cost between 1800 to 5000 dollars or more.
These days ‘Stair Steppers’ are quite commonly used in most gym workouts. They are great for a good cardiovascular workout without putting undue pressure on the joints and can be kept in minimal space at home. A simple model of these steppers can cost anywhere between 80 - 150 dollars. But be aware of deals that are too good to be true. There is no point buying equipment that is available for cheap just to realize that it has broken shortly after buying it.
Some stair steppers can be as expensive as up to 1700 dollars and more. If you are purchasing these high end steppers make sure that the include reliable and solid handrails that will last for at least a couple of years as well as controls to adjust the resistance level,speed,distance between the pedals and the angle. It should also have a heart rate monitor and digital readouts such as the speed, calories burnt and the distance climbed as part of the equipment.
Another equipment commonly found in a home gym are Treadmills. They too can cost anywhere between a few hundred to more than 2000 dollars.
While purchasing treadmills ensure that they are completely smooth, stable, in good working condition and can last for several years. A good tread mill has a non-slip surface and it should offer more resistance as one goes faster.
Treadmills that cost over 1000 dollars should come with an impressive panel of controls that include measurement of speed and distance walked,a heart rate monitor as well as digital readings of calories burnt according to ones age, height etc.
The bottom line is that once you decide to purchase such expensive gym equipment, you should also be prepared to commit yourself to a consistent and regular workout.
Autor: Mike Singh
Check out http://www.1-stop-fitness.com/ for articles on used home gym equipment and eliptical trainer.
Added: February 5, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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