Choosing the Right Fitness Equipment
CHOOSING the Right Treadmill
When shopping for a treadmill you will most likely have fixed space and financial considerations, but treadmills offer many different features that make them unique.
Please consider the following features to find the treadmill that best suits your needs:
Who are you?
It is the most important factor for consideration. Start by answering the following question, "How will I be using this treadmill, not only now but in the future?"
The answer to this question will allow you to focus your shopping efforts.
Speed
The speed of the treadmill will of course determine how fast you will walk, jog or run. Keep in mind you will be able to walk on all treadmills, however you will only be able to jog or run on those that are suited to that purpose.
Incline / Elevation
hanging the elevation of your treadmill allows you to vary your workout as if you were walking up a hill which will increase your workout intensity and therefore your heart rate. The majority of treadmills come with electronic incline so that you may vary the incline at the touch of a button whilst walking or running. Some entry level models come with only a manual incline system where you must demount the treadmill to change the elevation. You will be less likely of course to vary your workout with a manual system.
Safety
Look for features like emergency stop in the form of a key that attaches to the wearer, or a panic stop button. If slow incremental pace changes are necessary for you as a user, factor that into your buying decision. A safety key is also useful where small children may be around the treadmill as without the key, in most cases the treadmill cannot be used.
Treadmill Motor
Depending if you are walking or running, you can easily place 80 to 250 percent of your body weight on the treadmill every time your foot hits the belt. It's the motor's job to take a beating and still keep a constant speed.
Computer Console
All treadmills come with feedback on speed of the treadmill, distance covered, time elapsed and calories burnt. The means of changing speed is normally by push button control, however some more entry level units have dials similar to the volume control on your stereo. Whilst the dial system is cheaper to manufacturer, the system offers no less quality or ease of use than their pushbutton counterparts. Most treadmills also provide a means of setting a goal of distance or time and the monitor will count down as opposed to counting up. This can often be a helpful and motivating consideration.
Programmability
Many treadmills on the market have integrated programs that can suit various user needs. There are also models that allow heart rate interactivity to further personalise your workouts. Weight loss, interval or hill profile programs, and heart rate interactivity might interest you if you tend to get bored easily or need extra guidance. Some programmes alter speed, incline and or heart rate. Try several different options to determine what is best suited to you.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart Rate Monitoring is often looked upon as only necessary for more serious athletes or exercisers however it is often more important for those just starting out on an exercise programme. A Heart Rate Monitor will guide you to exercise at the right intensity level and help you achieve your goal in minimum time. Through instruction on correct methods and levels particular to helping you achieve your weight loss or fitness goals, monitoring your heart rate during exercise will also significantly help in motivating yourself, knowing your time is spent efficiently and effectively.
Heart Rate Interactivity
To help you monitor your heart rate during exercise, some treadmills have heart rate and pulse rate monitors or the ability to receive heart rate transmissions.
Heart Rate Control
Heart Rate Control takes heart rate monitoring of your workout to the next level and allows the computer or individual to set the target workout heart rate and subsequently the treadmill will change speed and or incline to keep your heart rate at the desired level set. You can therefore set the treadmill to do the workout and all you have to do is keep allowing you to concentrate on other things.
Ease of use
Let’s face it, we need as few hindrances to our exercise program as possible. Choose a treadmill that meets your electronic needs, yet is simple for you to operate.
Deck Cushioning & Absorption
Trying different options will help you determine what is most comfortable for you, however keep in mind that a good quality pair of walking or running shoes should be a more important consideration and that the deck that feels the ‘softest’ or most ‘bouncy’ under foot will not necessarily be the best quality nor most superior surface.
Treadmill Walking Belt & Deck Size
Length and widths can vary widely among treadmills and manufacturers. Walk or run on it to assess your personal comfort level (stride length, width, etc). Yes the longer and wider the walking surface the more comfortable you will feel on the unit but consider that you will tend to get used to whatever you choose.
Folding or Non Folding
Try not to let ‘out of sight out of mind’ play a part in your decision process so that you get the most benefit from your investment. This might suggest that a dedicated exercise area is put aside in your home for your workouts rather than a corner of a spare bedroom or the garage.
Where are you going to workout and put your treadmill?
In line with a decision to choose a folding or non folding treadmill is the decision of where you will workout. If the floor surface is hard such as timber, concrete or tiles, a rubber mat can reduce vibration and noise whilst on carpet, a mat may reduce static electricity that can build up and also make the area underneath the treadmill easier to wipe clean and reduce the dust build up.
Maintenance
Treadmills, like any mechanical and devices require general maintenance and cleaning to keep them in good working order. Depending on the treadmill running deck and belt construction quality, regularity of monitoring will differ, however belt alignment and lubrication should be checked and maintained on a regular basis. We suggest also that the area inside the treadmill, adjacent to the motor and electronic control board should be vacuumed once or twice yearly or even more regularly depending on the dust in the area in which the treadmill is kept. Click here to see the Suggested Maintenance Programme for a Treadmill.
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CHOOSING an Elliptical or Elliptical Cross Trainer
The term "elliptical" comes from the oblong pattern the pedals make when in motion. Elliptical machines, or cross-trainers as they are sometimes called, combine the exercise motions of some of the most popular pieces of equipment: treadmill, stair climber, exercise cycle, and ski machine. The end product is a low-impact machine that gives a great cardiovascular workout and works a wide range of lower body muscles.
Because elliptical machines can be adjusted, you can glide (in an elliptical motion) as you would on a ski machine or, with a simple adjustment of the pedals, get more of a stair-stepping or bike action. Your feet remain flat at all times within the pedals so there is no strain on back, hips, or joints.
Buying an elliptical trainer can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a machine that’ll meet your needs.
How will I use the machine?
Depending on how you’re going to use the trainer will depend on the type you should buy. If you’re going to use the machine at a low intensity a few times a week then you could buy a cheaper machine with a less powerful motor. However, if you’re looking to do some rigorous workouts then you’ll need to spend at the higher end of the market.
How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the machine will influence the type of elliptical you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend the better the build quality, the more functions you get and aftercare service.
How much space have I got?
Elliptical Trainers occupy a reasonable amount of space. Therefore measure the amount of space you have available and compare this with the dimensions of the machine you’re thinking of buying.
If space is an issue then consider a folding machine. These have improved dramatically in recent years. The more reputable brands are of solid construction, and have excellent functionality.
What resistance system do I need?
With most of the elliptical trainers the resistance is changed by a electromagnet. Magnetic resistance elliptical machines are generally smoother in operation and have fewer moving parts and so are less likely to break down.
What maximum user weight should I get?
Most manufacturers specify the maximum user weight for their machines. As a guide, choose a machine that has a Max. User Weight of around 20kg (45lbs) more than the heaviest user. This will help to reduce the workload on the drive system.
What are the programmes and how do they benefit me?
Good quality elliptical machines come with a number of different workout programmes. The number of programmes and type of programmes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most popular type of programmes are interval training and heart rate zone.
The programmes can benefit you by giving you a varied and challenging session that will keep you motivated.
What is heart rate training?
Heart rate training programmes work by changing the intensity of your workout to keep your heart rate at a specific level. You will normally have to enter some personal details via the console, for example, age, weight, gender.
The machine will calculate an estimated maximum heart rate and control the workload by altering the speed and/or incline. Your heart rate is monitored by the machine via hand grip sensors on the elliptical or a chest strap that sends a signal to the console.
Choosing the Right Upright Exercise Bike Exercise bikes are very popular at the home and in the gym, but buying an exercise bike can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a machine that will meet your needs.
Why do I want an exercise bike?
It may seem like an obvious question, but why do you want one? Answering this question will help you decide on the type of bike you need and the functions that you require.
Most people want an exercise bike to keep fit and lose weight. Providing you train at the right exercise intensity then there is no doubt that the exercise bike can help you achieve those goals.
Who is going to use it?
Once you’ve established that you want to buy an exercise bike then consider who is going to use it. If other people are going to use it then look for a bike that has an adjustable seat position (vertical and horizontal), handlebars and foot straps. You should also make sure that the resistance levels are appropriate for all users.
How will it be used?
Depending on how you’re going to use the bike will depend on the type you should buy. If you’re mostly going for a gentle workout then you could buy a cheaper machine with less solid construction. However, if you’re looking to do some serious cardio workouts then you’ll need to spend at the higher end of the market.
Which type of bike do I need?
There are basically two types of exercise bikes: Upright and Recumbent. Both provide similar levels of cardiovascular training and calorie burning.
The Recumbent Bike tends to have a larger seat area and is more comfortable to sit on. It has hand grips at the side and you pedal with your legs out in front of you rather than below. This can be a very relaxing way of exercising and is easier on your bottom and back.
The Upright Bike is very similar to riding a regular bike. The seat is in an upright position, you pedal with your legs below you and you hold on to a handlebar in front.
How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the bike will influence the type you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend the better the build quality, the more functions you get and aftercare service.
How much space have I got?
Exercise bikes occupy a reasonable amount of space. Therefore measure the amount of space you have available and compare this with the dimensions of the machine you are thinking of buying.
What resistance will I need?
Different exercise bikes have different means of creating resistance. The important thing is that you choose a machine that has a means of adjusting the resistance and that it will meet your future needs.
How do the bikes offer resistance.
There are basically 4 different ways in which an indoor exercise bike offers resistance. These are:
• Magnetic: Lets you pedal quietly and without friction. You can increase resistance smoothly and easily.
• Air: A fan built into the wheel builds up an air flow for you to pedal against. The harder you pedal, the greater the air flow and resistance.
• Direct Tension: You adjust resistance manually with dials.
• Flywheel: Resistance is regulated by a heavy wheel and maintained by kinetic energy built up by your pedaling.
What maximum user weight should I get?
Most manufacturers specify the maximum user weight for their machines. As a guide, choose a machine that has a Max. User Weight of around 20kg (45lbs) more than the heaviest user. This will help to reduce the workload on the flywheel and brake system.
What are the programmes and how do they benefit me?
Good quality bikes will come with a number of different workout programmes. The number of programmes and type of programmes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most popular type of programmes are interval training, hill sessions and heart rate zone.
The programmes can benefit you by changing the intensity of your workout and giving you a varied and challenging session that will keep you motivated.
What is heart rate training?
Heart rate training programmes work by changing the intensity of your workout to keep your heart rate at a specific level. You will normally have to enter some personal details via the console, for example, age, weight, gender. The machine will calculate an estimated maximum heart rate and control the workload by altering the resistance.
Your heart rate is monitored by the machine via hand grip sensors on the bike or a chest strap that sends a signal to the console.
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