Category Archives: Equipment

Shopping for home fitness equipment can be bewildering and overwhelming, and trying to put together your own home gym can be even more daunting.

Starting with deciding which equipment you need for your home gym and understanding how to select equipment that will work well together and then determining an appropriate price range for your home gym, the whole process can be a scarry one for the novice.

Our editors have compiled an extensive collection of articles, resources and links to help you make ake educated buying decisions while shopping for you.

Cycling for Fitness

Posted on by

Back when we were kids riding a bike was all about having fun or simply getting from A to B. But we grew up, as kids do, and we discovered cars were a more effective form of transport. Not surprisingly our trusty two-wheelers were left to rust away. But perhaps that was a mistake. Even adults need a little fun every now and again and cycling still involves plenty of it. If that’s not enough to tempt you back on to the saddle, then think about this. Biking will help you build the body of your dreams and in no time at all. “Biking is a full body workout,” says Michael Kamahl, owner of Woolys Wheels in Paddington, Sydney. “It burns lots of kilojoules, tones all of your muscles and there’s no impact so it’s easy on your joints. It’s great for your butt, thighs and calves and, if you include some hills, you’ll also get an upper body workout, and it’s fun.” Before you hit the road, there are a few things you’ll need. Number one – a bike. Today’s shiny machines come in a range of prices. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find a quality, brand new bike for under $500 and many cost more than $2000.

On Your Bike

If you’re new to the sport, your best bet is a bike in the lower price range. There’s no point going the whole hog at this stage. That said, don’t skimp on quality. Do that and you risk injuring yourself or having to replace the bike at a later stage, both of which will cost more in the long run. So, what’s the difference between a $500 bike and the $2000 version? According to Suzanne Schlosberg and Liz Neporent, authors of Fitness For Dummies (Wiley Books), generally the more expensive the bike, the stronger and lighter its frame. “A heavy bike can slow you down, but unless you plan to enter the Tour de France, don’t get hung up on a matter of grams,” they say. “As you climb the price ladder, you find materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre and titanium. The price of the bike also depends on the quality of the components.”

Before you buy your bike, have a chat to staff members at reputable cycle stores. Explain what you want to use your bike for (long distance rides, commuting to work) and they will be able to tell you which bike you’re best suited to. If you buy from them they will also ensure your bike is adjusted to fit you. This will make a massive difference in terms of enjoyment and comfort. “There are now more sizes than ever,” says Kamahl, “and you need to have the right size for you. A bike specialist will help you select the right size and also the right style. You might want a racing bike, but if you’re just riding for fitness, perhaps you’d be better suited to a bike that’s built for comfort.” Before you hit the road you’ll also need a helmet. If you plan to ride for lengthy periods of time, consider gloves to protect your hands and padded cycling shorts to protect your butt. A water bottle that can be clipped to your bike’s frame will come in handy, as will a spare tyre kit – just make sure you learn how to use it.

Once you’ve got all the necessary gear you’re ready to get out there. But to get the most from your workout there are still one or two things you need to think about. If you want maximum benefit from your cycle, pedal at an easy cadence (the number of revolutions you peddle). An easy cadence means you should be able to spin the pedals without too much trouble. If you use too much tension you’ll be forced to turn the pedals in slow motion. Do this and you risk knee damage (not to mention aching thighs) and you’re likely to tire prematurely and miss out on a good workout. “The more revolutions the better,” says Kamahl. “This will increase your aerobic fitness and it will ensure you don’t get big thighs. On today’s bikes, the gears are numbered. All you have to remember is that the lower the numbers, the easier it is.”

One of the greatest things about cycling is that even beginners can (and will) quickly build up to 25 kilometre rides. Do this a few times a week (three is optimal) and your fitness levels will soar. Not only that, but your fat levels will drop dramatically and long, lean muscles will begin to appear. Remember to begin with a distance you’re comfortable with. Not sure what level you’re at? Try the talk test. While cycling you should be able to talk at all times. If you can’t spit out a couple of words, you’re pushing yourself too hard. If you can belt out the latest Delta Goodrem hit you need to crank up the pace. Each week increase your distance by no more than 10 per cent. This will help you avoid injuries and also physical (and mental) burnout. Once your fitness increases you can add interval training to your workout program. This means pushing hard and then easing up to allow recovery. Try cycling hard for four minutes and then taking it easy for two. Repeat five times for a 30 minute workout. Do this at least once a week and you’ll see dramatic changes in fitness, strength and body shape.

basic program A long-distance ride (begin with 45 minutes) three times a week. Once your fitness has increased, add one 30 minute interval training session.

If you’d like all the benefit of cycling, but are not the outdoor type, consider spinning. This group class taught on stationary bikes is available at most major gyms, and involves pedalling a stationary bike while an instructor talks you through a workout. During the class you vary pace and intensity. Most classes run for 45 minutes to an hour. That may not sound like long, but be warned – they can be exhausting. Having said that, it is also great fun and it burns fat like nothing else. It also strengthens the butt, thigh and calf muscles and builds great abs.

basic program Try a class first. If you like it, build up to two or three classes a week.

How to spot a fitness scam

Posted on by

How to Spot a Fitness Fraud

“Turn your body into a super fat-burning furnace!”
“Washboard abs in just 5 minutes a day!”
“Exciting new development!”
“Research proven!”

If It Sounds To Good Too Be True, It Probably Is.

How many times have you heard this? Yet, ads and infomercials can be so seductive, you really want to believe the wild claims they promise, so you may be tempted to suspend good judgement and buy into the fantasy. Substandard and fraudulent products hurt more than just your wallet. When a product doesn’t do what it claims to do, you’ll feel let down. This can lower your self-confidence and can even lead you to believe that your fitness goals will never be achieved. This article will help you to identify fitness frauds and give you tips and resourses on so you’ll be able to make better decisions when buying fitness products.

Buyers Beware Checklist

Quackery is not easily detected. Use this checklist before purchasing a product advertised in a mail-order catalog or on TV.

  • Is the product supported entirely by testimonials
  • Is there any controlled, randomized scientific evidence supporting the sales claims?
  • Do the experts associated with the program have the proper credentials?
  • Is the person selling the product believable?
  • Does the promotion use any pseudomedical jargon?
  • Does the promotion boast a secret formula or answer?
  • Do the claims seem miraculous or far-fetched?
  • Is the product appealing to your vanity?
  • Does the suggested use of the product seem out of keeping with the desired outcome (e.g., “just three minutes a day toward slimmer thighs”)?
  • Does the fine print contain any disclaimers?
  • Does the offer include additional free prizes?

    (Buyers Beware Checklist from “Consumerism and Quackery”, IDEA Magazine, May 1998 by Len Kravitz,)

Online Buying Tips

You need to have confidence in the company and product you’re buying online. Does the company have your best interests at heart? If in doubt, search for clues as to their reliability. Do they have a phone number? You may want to call to check them out further. Ask a question by e-mail and see how long they take to respond. Ask the company for independent research that substantiates their claims and promises. You can check out the company on the Better Business Bureau’s Business Report page. Their page states “The Better Business Bureau collects and reports information to help prospective buyers make informed decisions in dealing with business and charitable organizations.”

If In Doubt, Ask An Expert

The media is quick to announce the latest health/fitness discovery, regardless of the source. Unfortunately, this new claim may later be retracted when proper studies are made. But quacks will use (and misuse) questionable data to convince you to buy their product. What should you believe? If you don’t have the time to sort through information dispensed from reputable sources, you should ask an expert. A certified fitness instructor should be able to separate fact from fiction.

Do’s and Don’ts about buying exercise equipment

Posted on by

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake. Gregory Florez, president of First Fitness, Inc., a personal training company, cautions against 10 common mistakes.

Don’t Overbuy Features

Like moths to a flame, people are drawn to cardiovascular equipment that has every conceivable readout and calculation. These gadgets often go unused, thorough, so they may not be the best place to spend your money.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Skimp on the Basic

Sturdy construction and smooth, quiet operation are what matter most. For example, with treadmills, good deck cushioning and stability are key factors to look for.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, afteryou’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake. mistakes.

Avoid Fast or Sight-Unseen Purchasing

Almost any treadmill feel fine during the first few minutes. Only when doing a longer workout will you notice things like excessive vibration and noise. For cardio machines, spend at least 20 minutes trying different programs; for strength equipment, do a set of 10 repetitions.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Ignore the Top of the Line.

If you don’t try the best equipment first, you won’t know what quality features to look for. Florez advises staying away from infomercial products or other low-price equipment. A store specializing in fitness equipment is probably the best place to start your search. It’s not a bad idea to stick to brands you’ve used at health clubs—a manufacturer’s quality often carries over into home models.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Overestimate Your Abilities

An exercise or movement that looks easy on TV may not work for you. For example, ski machines with independent upper- and lower-body motion may offer an outstanding cardio workout, but they also require a high level of concentration and coordination. People are less likely to use machine that have a high learning curve. When purchasing a strength training machine, look for one with simple procedures for changing weights. If adjusting the weight isn’t mind-numbingly simple, you’re likely not to do it!

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Limit Your Options

Although treadmills are extremely popular and reliable, elliptical trainers also provide functional movement with lots of variety. Stationary bikes—both upright and recumbent—are rebounding in popularity. Stair steppers, rowing machines, home gyms and equipment for exercise based on the work of Joseph Pilates are additional options.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Ignore Your Personal Comfort

Make sure the rowing machine you are thinking of buying doesn’t put too many demands on your back. If you are looking at treadmills and are overweight 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 height and size.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear.

Some fitness products that sound great on infomercials have limited effectiveness. Abdominal exercise devices, for example, don’t really offer any results beyond those achieved without equipment. (However, the devices can provide some head and neck support, if they fit your body size properly.)

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Go It Alone.

Ask questions of other exercisers and fitness professionals, as well as equipment representatives. Before buying, find out about equipment delivery, setup, warranties and return policies.

The right home exercise equipment can add variety, convenience and consistency to your workouts. But too often, after you’ve purchased a piece of equipment, you realize you’ve made a mistake.

Don’t Overlook the Little Things.

Not all effective exercise equipment needs assembly and takes a lot of space. Heart rate monitors are highly recommended by many personal trainers. Fitness balls, bands, tubing and exercise videos can also add safety, creativity, comfort and variety to your activity program. The best investment of all may well be the least expensive—a water bottle!