Fitness equipment can be very expensive but purchasing an exercise machine is undoubtedly the best way to stay in shape without leaving the comfort of your own home. Therefore, take a look at this buying guide before you spend several hundred dollars on something that you may end up regretting.

 

 

Treadmills

Motor

A treadmill’s motor is probably the most important aspect to consider. This is because the motor will determine whether you will be able to walk or run an a machine. Clearly, the more you spend the more likely you will be able to run on a treadmill. Therefore, if you’re planning to run on a treadmill then you will definitely want to purchase one that is equipped with at least a 2.5-horsepower motor, such as the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill. If not, then opt for something that retails for just a few hundred dollars, such as the ProForm 6.0 RT.

Console

The computer console is another important thing to consider, as it provides you with feedback on your workout, such as calories burned, distance covered, heart rate, speed etc.

Elevation

We always recommend purchasing a treadmill with an incline feature, as this can make your workout more challenging and thus help you to lose weight or get in tip top shape more quickly.

A good number of treadmill reviews can be read here.

Rowing Machines

With rowing machines there is pretty much only one thing to consider: how resistance is determined.

Air Resistance

Air resistance rowing machines, like the Lifecore R100, provide more or less of a challenge, depending on how quickly or slowly you row at. Row faster and the resistance increases and vice versa.

Water Resistance

Water resistance rowers, such as the ProRower H2O RX-950, are often considered to be the best, as they accurately mimic the feel of on the water rowing. Just like air resistance models, water resistance rowers resistance is determined by the speed that you row at. However, if you want to increase the resistance level then you can simply add more water to the tank.

Magnetic Resistance

Magnetic resistance rowers, like the Concept2 Model D and Velocity Fitness Magnetic Rower, are controlled by electromagnets and are able to deliver a quiet workout. The good thing about these type of rowers is how you’re able to control the level of resistance exactly to your liking, simply by pressing a button on the compute console.

A range of rowing machine reviews can be found by clicking on this link.

Elliptical Trainers

The most important thing to consider is the stride length.

Stride Length

The stride length is so important because it is the only thing that determines whether your workout will be a comfortable experience or not. If you’re short, think about purchasing an elliptical with an 18 inch stride, like the Schwinn 420; if tall, you will need an elliptical with a 20 inch stride, such as the Spirit Esprit EL-455.

Check out the following link for Elliptical Reviews

Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes are probably the most popular and frequently purchased exercise machines. There are 3 different kinds of exercise bikes.

Recumbent

Recumbent bikes are ideal for people who want the most comfortable workout experience possible, namely for those who suffer from back trouble or simply for those who like to watch TV as they exercise. This is because the seat features a backrest and tends to feature a generous amount of padding. A very popular model is the Schwinn 250.

Semi Recumbent

Semi recumbent bikes, like the FitDesk Semi-Recumbent Pedal Desk, are halfway between recumbent bikes and upright bikes. Therefore, they are reasonably comfortable to use.

Upright

Upright bikes, like the Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike, have similar seats to traditional, upright bikes; therefore they aren’t all that comfortable to use. However, people often purchase a gel seat cover to makes things a little more comfortable.

Visit this resource for upright exercise bike reviews, and the following for Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviews