Buying Home Fitness Equipment: 10 Common Mistakes

The right home fitness equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you've purchased a piece of fitness equipment, you realize you've made a mistake. Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid:

Don’t Overbuy Features. Consumers are drawn to home fitness equipment that has every conceivable readout and calculation. These gadgets often go unused, though, so they may not be the best place to spend your money.
Basics First. Home fitness equipment should have sturdy construction and smooth, quiet operation. Treadmills need good deck cushioning and stability. Cable systems should be whisper quiet
Test First. Almost any treadmill feels fine during the first few minutes. You notice things like excessive vibration and noise after some use, not initially. Spend at least 20 minutes trying different programs on an aerobics machine. With strength equipment, do a set of 10 repetitions.
Top of the Line May be Affordable. If you don’t try the best equipment first, you won’t know what quality features to look for. Stay away from infomercial products or other low-price equipment. A website or store that specializes in home fitness equipment is best. The brands that you use at the gym or health club often have home versions as well -- and the quality often carries over into home models.
Be Realistic. An exercise that looks easy on TV may not work for you. Some people are natural rowers but cannot easily adapt to a cross country ski machine. Many machines require a high level of concentration and coordination. People are less likely to use machines that have a high learning curve.
Keep it Simple. Look for strength training machines with simple ways to change weights. If adjusting the weight isn't mind-numbingly simple, you’re likely not to do it!
Be Flexible in What You're Looking For. Treadmills are extremely popular and reliable. Elliptical trainers also provide functional movement with lots of variety. Stationary bikes come in upright and recumbent versions. Stair steppers and rowing machines are popular in gyms. All are great cardio workouts.
Remember to Be Comfortable. The rowing machine you are thinking of buying shouldn't put too much stress on your back. If you are overweight and considering a treadmill, or have orthopedic concerns, check for sturdy handrails, gradual pace changes and structural integrity. Look for a home gym that will adjust to your body's weight, height and size.
Be Skeptical. An infomercial is not a news cast! Some home fitness equipment sounds great but has limited effectiveness. You can get the same benefit using a swiss ball for your abs than you can with any piee of abdominal exercise equipment, for example. If it sounds too good to be true, make sure you are buying a well respected, award winning brand of home fitness equipment
Ask, Ask, Ask. Question other exercisers and fitness professionals. Email home fitness equipment representatives. Before buying, find out about equipment delivery, setup, warranties and return policies.
Details Count. Not all effective home fitness equipment needs assembly and takes a lot of space. Heart rate monitors are highly recommended by many personal trainers. "Swiss" Fitness balls, rubber bands and tubing, and exercise videos can be fun and effective. They add safety, creativity, and variety to your activity program.

SmoothFitness.com: Treadmills, Elliptical Runners, Home Gyms
SmoothFitness is best known for their excellent line of treadmills. But they also carry home fitness equipment, elliptical runners, and other fitness equipment for your health goals. Their evo line of home gyms is top rated and the quality you expect from SmoothFitness.

MegaFitness.com - The home fitness Equipment Superstore!
One of the largest selections of home fitness equipment at superstore prices on the internet. Name brands, custom equipment, strength training, aerobics, cardio, yoga.. MegaFitness has it all.

WorkoutWarehouse.com - Home Gyms, bikes, treadmills
Brand name home fitness equipment from Weslo, Reebok, Wieder, NordicTrack, iFit, and more. The place to save on discount home fitness equipment whether you are looking for a home gym, exercise bike, treadmill, balance ball, or elliptical runner.