Whether you are looking to evaluate the price, value or health benefits of exercise equipment, you'll want a checklist that lets you rate machines against one another using the same criteria. Some machines are designed for muscle-building, some for cardiovascular fitness and some for a combination of both. Use a few basic yardsticks to help guide your next exercise machine purchase.
Step 1
Write down your fitness goals in order of importance. For example, if your primary goal is to burn calories, with some muscle-building as well, you'll want a machine that is designed primarily for cardio exercises, with some resistance features, rather than a weight machine.
Step 2
Create a list of electronic features you want. Workout equipment can come with a heart rate monitor, workout programs that automatically increase incline or resistance, calorie counters, iPod docking stations, television or video monitors and other features.
Step 3
Look for the resistance features on each piece of equipment and note whether resistance can be changed automatically while you exercise, or if you'll have to stop the workout, get off the machine and manually change the resistance setting.
Step 4
Exercise on the machines you are considering using to see how easy and enjoyable they are to use. While a particular machine might give you all the workout benefits you want, it's not a good a good part of your fitness plan if you hate using it.
Step 5
Find objective user reviews online to learn whether the equipment delivers as promised. Look for user opinions about the equipment's durability and dependability and how users similar to you (e.g., women, seniors, beginners) feel about it.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are looking to buy exercise equipment, examine the warranties on the different pieces of equipment. Some last only 90 days, while others last one year. Some cover parts only, others parts and labor. See if the warranty covers shipping a defective machine and whether the manufacturer offers replacement or repair only. Make your purchase based on the sum of your desired features, not simply price. If you can't afford to purchase the type of machine you want new, look for used equipment online or at sporting goods resale stores.
- Examine used equipment carefully before purchasing it to ensure that all parts are in working order.
Things You'll Need
- Checklist of desired features
- Exercise equipment specs or sales list
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