Things To Look for When Buying A Treadmill That Many Buyers Miss

Thinking about buying a treadmill? Excited about the prospect of being able to workout anytime in the comfort of your own home gym?

That's great - but you'll want to make sure you look for specific features when shopping to ensure you find the right treadmill for you. Missing these things can mean the difference between a workout you love and one that is just so-so.

With that in mind, here are some tips on what to look for when buying your treadmill:

#1 Good Cushioning

Cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Cushioning gives you grater protection for your knees, hips, back and ankles.

Unfortunately cushioning doesn't get the respect it deserves these days because it's not "flashy".

But, especially if you'll be running - it's extremely important. This is why you want a high quality brand with a solid cushioning system.

Most good brands like Sole, Nordictrack or LifeFitness will give you good cushioning without you even having to check for it.

But if you want to check, you can always go out to a fitness store and walk on different treadmills to see how they feel. You'll notice varying levels of cushioning and may find one you like better than another.

#2 Incline

Treadmill incline is a feature in almost all treadmills these days (unless you're going extremely cheap). But what most people miss is that there are levels of incline.

Starter treadmills will give you about 0 - 10% incline while mid-range and higher end models will give you up to 15% incline.

Why is this important?

Well, if you plan on using your treadmill a lot for high intensity intervals you'll want as high an incline level as you can get. There's nothing like topping out at the 10% level and having nowhere to go.

If you're in reasonably good shape, I'd estimate you're going to be reaching that 10% incline in about a week to a month.

So look for a machine with more incline - so you have more room to grow.

#3 Console Options

You definitely want to look for a console that is bright and backlit - so you can read your workout feedback easily. You also want to find a treadmill with a console that is well laid out and easy to use.

There's no point in getting something that's so complicated you have to have a PhD just to figure it out.

Another thing to check is whether there are prominent and easy to reach stop/start buttons and a safety key. These will come in handy if you ever stumble.

Finally, you'll want to make sure you get a constant reading of your workout stats - not one that toggles back and forth between miles and calories burned for example.

#4 Long Side Bars

This is something almost NOBODY thinks about. But since this is all about things most buyers miss, it fits right into this post perfectly.

If you look at different treadmills, you'll notice that the side bars that stretch out from the console are of various lengths depending on the brand and model.

Some are shorter and some are longer.

Why is this important?

Well, longer side bars tend to make people feel safer than shorter side bars. This is because you feel like you have something on either side of you as you're walking - kind of like bumpers on either side if you move a little bit too far one way or another.

That doesn't mean shorter side bars are NOT as safe - it's really about the perception of safety. This is also important in elderly exercisers as well who prefer to feel safer as they are walking.


So those are some things to look for when shopping for a treadmill that most buyers miss.

Keep them in mind when you're looking for your treadmill and you're more likely to find a treadmill you can use for years to come!

3 Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Buying an Elliptical Trainer

So you've decided to go with an elliptical trainer for your home. You are ready to workout on this super-calorie burning machine rain or shine, whenever you want, in the comfort of your own home.

But wait a minute - there are over 40 different elliptical brands out there. How do you find the best one?

Don't panic. You may have lots of choices - but that's not always a bad thing.

If you steer clear of the following mistakes when buying an elliptical you're much more likely to find a good fit for you - and be very happy with your purchase.

So without further ado, here are 3 mistakes you'll want to avoid when buying your elliptical trainer:

#1 Failing To Do Your Research

We live in the internet age. There just is no excuse anymore to go out shopping cold. You have to do your research before you go shopping, period.

There are great elliptical reviews sites out there - some like http://www.MaxTrainerBlog.com that will even focus on specialty elliptical trainers. These will help you compare and rate different elliptical trainers based on your goals, budget and space considerations.

You can also find a myriad of different magazines that also put out ratings every year of various models and give them "Best Buys" or "Recommended Buys" awards.

That's not to say you should go overboard. You should take your time but really don't spend more than a week researching your options.

Pay attention to the features that catch your attention as you research and you're more likely to get a good sense of what you really want in a trainer.

#2 Not Knowing You Need

You have to know what's out there - but you also have to know what YOU need first as well.

If you're 6 foot 2 for example, you do NOT need an elliptical with a short 16 inch stride. You'll be limping and in pain after a week.

Take some time when doing job #1 above to compare the features you see with what you actually need. For example when it comes to stride length most people are most comfortable for an eighteen to twenty inch stride.

A 15 inch stride for example is just too short for most people - especially if you're over 5 foot 8. It's going to feel like you're being forced to run in a too-short gait. And that's not fun.

If you want to work your upper body, you'll also need a trainer with moving upper body arms.

If you tend to get bored easily, you'll want a machine with lots of built-in workouts to challenge you.

Or maybe you're a techno-geek like meet who loves to measure everything. If that's the case you'll need a crosstrainer that also has an online tracking program or app.

So be sure to know what YOU specifically need before you go shopping and you're much more likely to spend money on what you need - and avoid paying extra for what you don't.

#3 Getting Taken In By the Goodies

There are a lot of goodies with elliptical machines today - from built-in tablet holders or TVs to iPod docks to wireless heart rate monitors and even fancy personal trainer workout programs.

While all of that is nice - and for the right person it can be a dream machine - that doesn't mean you can ignore the basics of a well-constructed machine. You want to look for quality first - then the goodies.

So for example you'll want to make sure the trainer has a decent stride length (see above) and enough resistance levels to give you a challenge. You'll want proper ergonomics and well positioned footpedals.

And you also want a machine with a heavy flywheel for a more smooth, fluid motion.

These things are all a lot more important than whether you can track your workouts on an app, trust me.

Look for quality first - then go for the goodies once you've found that.

So those are 3 ways you can avoid making a mistake when going to buy your elliptical machine. Avoid these mistakes and you're more likely to get a trainer that you really love! Good luck and have fun!

Other Resources:

http://www.precor.com/en-us/purchase-tools/buying-guides/elliptical-buying-guide-choose-right-elliptical-you

https://www.ellipticalhub.com/buyers-guide/



 

Exercise Bikes 101 - Is A Bike Right for You?

So the next piece of equipment on our list is the exercise bike.

Like the treadmill, this one has been around for over 40 years now, although it has recently morphed into a couple of different offshoots.

You're probably familiar with the first type of exercise bikes on the market - the upright bikes with the uncomfortable bike seats and manually adjustable tension.

I think we all had one of those in our basements when growing up - ah memories.

But bikes have come a long way baby. They're now much more comfortable and sometimes even specially designed to get great results than even your road bikes!

So here are a few things you need to know about exercise bikes:

Different Types of Exercise Bikes:

There are several different types of exercise bikes on the market now. Here's a brief overview of each:

Upright Bike - This is the standard design where you sit on the seat and your feet dangle below you to reach the pedals. You lean over to the handlebars and console as you pedal.

Recumbent Bike - This is the bike with the much-more-comfortable bucket seat option. You sit in the bucket seat and your legs angle out horizontally and down (like at a 45 degree angle) to reach the pedals.

A lot of people really like this design over the upright because it's more comfortable - because of the seat but also because you're not leaning over as much.

Training Bike - This has different names like spin bike or training bike. Basically these are upright bikes on steroids. They are the kind of bikes you see in spin classes or high end gyms.

They are designed to give you a much more "road-feel" experience and can even come with things like gear shift and incline.

Elliptical Bike - There aren't as many of these models around as much anymore but you can still find a few. This is a cross between an  elliptical trainer and a recumbent. You sit in the recumbent seat and move your feet on the pedals like an elliptical trainer.


So those are some of the different types of exercise bikes you can choose from. While upright bike seats have become much more comfortable, the recumbent bike is still the most popular - with the most comfortable seat.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes:

#1 Affordable

Exercise bikes, depending on which ones you get tend to be more affordable than a treadmill or elliptical - when you're coming quality to quality.

You can get a high end commercial recumbent bike for around $1200. Whereas if you want a high end commercial treadmill, you're looking at starting around $2000.

So if you're on a budget, then an exercise bike might be a great option for you.



#2 Take Up Less Space

These machines can (but not always) take up less space than an elliptical or a treadmill. So if you're in a condo or apartment they're a great option.



#3 Great for New Exercisers

Gentle recumbent bike riding is super easy and very gentle on the joints for those new to working out. These machines are also great if you are injured since they are lower impact than treadmill running for example.


So those are some of the main benefits of choosing an exercise bike for your home gym. Are there any downsides?


#1 Lower Calorie Burning

Bikes, especially recumbent bikes, are not as great at burning lots of calories as a treadmill or elliptical for example. So if you're looking to trim down and firm up it will take you a bit longer on a bike.

#2 Not Many Exercise Options

With a bike you basically have the option to ride - or ride. That's it. There's no forward or backwards motions like on an elliptical.

You can't hike, walk or jog like on a treadmill. You can cycle - or cycle harder. That's about it. There's not as much versatility with these machines as with other options.



So those are a few things you should know about buying an exercise bike. If you're looking for a more gentle, comfortable form of exercise that is on the more affordable side, this may be a great option for you!

Should You Buy An Elliptical Trainer For Your Home?

So the next piece of fitness equipment after the treadmill in terms of popularity is the elliptical trainer.

This is actually impressive since, according to experts, the first elliptical trainer was only introduced in the mid 1990s!

The first elliptical crosstrainer was produced by Precor and it took off, causing many brands to jump on the elliptical trainer bandwagon.

Some of the results were not so great as a cheap elliptical can really get your ergonomics wrong and hurt you in the long run, causing overly heavy stress on the hips and joints.

However the good news is that today's elliptical crosstrainers have improved by leaps and bounds.

So you're more likely to find a high quality elliptical trainer today for under $2000 (the original price of the Precor model).

What exactly is an elliptical trainer though? And what can it do for you? Here's what you need to know:

Some Basics:

The elliptical trainer was really meant to mimic the state of running outdoors.

The elliptical pathway that your foot follows is supposed to be similar to the path you'd follow if you were running or jogging naturally outside.

There are several key benefits to an elliptical over running outside however.

Elliptical Benefits:

#1 Low Impact

Because you're not pounding down on the ground (or worse the concrete street) as you run, you're getting a lot less impact on your joints.

This not only means less injury and strain (something runners face all too often), but it also means you can go longer and further without tiring as much on an elliptical.

And longer workouts mean better results for many people. Less injury is also a bonus too of course!



#2 Upper Body Training

Although the original Precor elliptical trainer did not have moving arm bars, somewhere along the line, they were added to the crosstrainer.

Moving arm bars allow you to train and work your upper body as well as your lower body - for a more full body workout.

This is another advantage over a treadmill or running outside - the ability to train both upper and lower body during your workouts.



#3 The Ability to Crosstrain Different Muscle Groups

An elliptical trainer allows you to add a lot of variety and crosstraining to your workouts for an overall more effective workout. You can for example go forward or backwards - using different muscle groups.

An elliptical trainer also has something called ramp or incline - which changes the angle of your running path. This again will work different muscle groups and help you crosstrain.

So those are some benefits - what about the drawbacks? Well there are a few you should know:


#1 Can Be Tricky

While most people are fine using and elliptical trainer, if you've never used one before or you are not a runner, the motion may take some getting used to.

So take your time and really get to know the trainer before you go all out on it.



#2 Cheap Designs Can Do Damage

As with treadmills there is a vast array of prices on the elliptical market. And the cheap ellipticals can actually do damage.

Why? Because often times they are not built with the right ergonomics or the proper stride length. This causes undue strain on your hips and knees. After a long workout, you'll begin to notice how much pain you're in. It's not you - it's the elliptical.

This is why it's so important to choose a high quality machine. You don't have to pay a fortune for one - just make sure you're getting a well made brand.


#3 Higher Exertion Than A Treadmill

On a treadmill you can walk gently - or run as hard as you want. But ellipticals, because they are designed to mimic running - can often demand higher exertion to use them than gentle walking on a treadmill would demand.

This means that if you're out of shape or new to exercising it might take you a little longer to get used to - and appreciate - the elliptical trainer.

Be patient and go slow. It may be challenging at first but as your body gets into better shape, it will get much, much easier.

So those are some things you should know if you're considering buying an elliptical trainer for your home. Is it right for you?

Well, if you're looking for a low impact way to crosstrain your entire body, it just might be the best option!

5 Benefits of Choosing A Treadmill

Trying to decide what kind of fitness equipment you should get? Treadmills are the most popular pieces of exercise equipment on the market right now - followed closely by elliptical trainers.

This is probably because treadmills give you a lot of benefits and they are also one of the most advanced home equipment types in terms of technology as well.

So should you choose a treadmill over an elliptical, rower or stair climber? Here are 5 benefits you may want to consider:

#1 Easiest Form of Exercise

On a treadmill you can both walk, jog and even walk uphill or hike. While jogging or hiking might offer some people a challenge, walking is an easy exercise that pretty much anyone can do.

It's the perfect exercise for anyone regardless of fitness level or age group. Plus a lot of treadmill give you better cushioning than walking outdoors - which is great if you struggle with shin splints, sprains or injury.

#2 Simple To Use

Almost every treadmill I've ever seen through the years has all the basics you need to just get on and go. This is usually known as a "quick start" option.

So while you can always jump on your treadmill and spend a couple of minutes figuring out which program you want to use etc, if you want to keep things simple, you can just get on and hit the quick start button and start the machine.

From there you can adjust the speed and incline levels to suit your taste. Every treadmill starts off very slow - about 0.5 MPH so this is a simple way to just get on and go.

It really doesn't get much more complicated than that.

Of course there are lots of treadmills that give you a whole lot more than just quickstart options - everything from fancy workout programs to high intensity training intervals to iPod docks and even online tracking apps. But if you don't want to use these you don't have to.

At the end of the day a treadmill is so simple, anyone can figure out how to use it.

#3 Lots of Fun Toys

Ok, so what if you're into the toys? Not a problem. You can find a model to suit you.

These days you can find everything from built-in TV's to web browsers to animated trainers talking you through your workout.

You can also find home treadmills with fans in the console to keep you cool and even online tracking options. This way you can track your workouts over time to graph your calorie burn and weight loss goals.

Treadmills are pretty much the most advanced fitness equipment in terms of online toys and tracking. Elliptical trainers and bikes are catching up, but treadmills still have the advantage.

So if you're into tracking your stats or doing virtual reality workouts, then you can probably find the treadmill that is right for you pretty easily.

#4 Folding to Save Space

While there a couple of elliptical trainers that fold, they are much harder to find than a treadmill that folds up. Most home treadmills do fold up and lock into place with wheels on the bottom for easy movement.

So while a treadmill is not the lightest piece of fitness equipment, you can still fold it up and away for easy cleaning. That makes the treadmill a good choice for smaller spaces like condos or apartments.

#5 Great for the Whole Family

Everyone can walk or jog or run. And a treadmill offers some great versatility if you have multiple people in the family who want to use it.

Contrast this with an elliptical trainer or a rowing machine - which are a little more specific types of exercise and not everyone likes them. So a treadmill gives the best overall options if there are more than one family member who will be using to them.


So those are the benefits of choosing a home treadmill. Are there any downsides?

Well, to be fair yes there are. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

#1 Treadmills Can Be Heavy

These are some of the heaviest pieces of fitness equipment on the market - especially if you get a high quality machine. This ensures it won't shake or wobble when you pick up the pace.

However it can also make it a pain to move if you're by yourself (and/or the treadmill doesn't fold up).

#2 Larger Footprints When In Use

When they are actually in use, treadmills have some of the largest footprints of any of the choices of fitness equipment. So while they fold up to save space, if you actually need a smaller machine, you'll either need an extra compact treadmill - or another type of fitness equipment.


So there you have it - some of the benefits and drawbacks of choosing a treadmill for your home gym. There are lots of places to do research on your treadmill if you decide you want one.

Next we'll discover the benefits of an elliptical in the follow up post!

Welcome to Fitness Equipment For Beginners!

Welcome to Fitness Equipment for Beginners! This is my blog about fitness equipment - treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowers, stair steppers and everything in between.

I decided to start this blog because I've been working in exercise equipment sales for over 6 years now and I seem to see the same questions year after year. People make a lot of mistakes when it comes to buying fitness equipment.

So I'm hoping this blog will save you from making those same mistakes.

We'll also be covering things like the best fitness equipment for older people, best models to burn calories, best machines for smaller spaces and more.

So thanks for visiting and I hope you find this blog helpful!

- Kathy