There’s no single answer to that question. It depends on several things. If you want to make good on your promise to start slimming down and exercising, here’s how to decide which fitness machine is best for you. Keep these pointers in mind so you won’t make costly buying mistakes.
Consider Your Health
Regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease and helps you stay fit and healthy. But if you have health conditions or illnesses, you’ll want to use exercise equipment that won’t worsen those conditions. For instance, if you have back pain, you need a low-impact exercise machine, like an elliptical bike or treadmill. If you want to work on strength training, you should invest money in a flexible piece of equipment like the cable crossover.
Look for Used Options
If you want to try a few workout machines, consider used exercise equipment. That will help you save on costs. Besides, used options are practical and help you stay on budget while you outfit your home gym. Excellent exercise machines don’t come cheap. If you can find used options from a reputable source, you can easily get the setup you want without going over your budget. That’s a smart way to buy exercise equipment.
Think About Your Goals
What are your goals for exercising? That can help you determine which workout machines should make it to your final to-buy list. Do you want to slim down? Do you need to lose weight under the recommendation of your doctor? Do you want to work on a few weak areas? Consider your fitness goals and choose a machine to support you in achieving those goals.
Measure the Size
How big is the exercise machine? Do you have enough room? Plan the flow of traffic in the room. Will you have enough space to move around once the machines are inside? What about when you use the machines? Do you have enough elbow room? If exercising means you keep knocking against one of the machines, that’s not ideal. It can also compromise the full impact and benefit of using the equipment, so plan the layout of the room carefully.
Read the Reviews
It wouldn’t hurt to read feedback from other buyers. Are they happy with the equipment? Or did the machine fail? Did it break under pressure? That’s a worry, especially if you’re buying the machine cheaply. That's also why it pays to get high-quality workout equipment. They cost more, but you’re confident they won’t break down on you anytime soon. Faulty exercise equipment can be dangerous, too. Don’t take chances with your health and safety. Even when you buy used options, ensure they’re from a trustworthy source and that the price is reasonable.
Try the Ones at the Gym
If you’re not sure about the equipment, give it a few tries. Go to the gym nearest to you and try it out. Is it worth owning that machine? Is a different model or equipment better? You can make your buying decisions after that.