Fitness Equipment Buying Guide

Investing in the right exercise equipment to use in your own home is a convenient, cost-effective and time-saving solution which will enable you to exercise when you want.

Choosing fitness equipment

Choosing the right fitness machines and accessories will help to ensure you find the right fitness equipment for your needs.

It's important to select fitness equipment that most suits your requirements. What are you trying to achieve? Decide what type of exercise you prefer and what aspect of your condition you want to improve in particular.

Decide on your goals, then the exercise you want to do.

Technology

Most cardiovascular equipment features sophisticated computerised training programmes that will motivate, mentally stimulate and most significantly provide you with meaningful workouts and great results.

Typically the more expensive models normally reflect more sophisticated console technology, including advanced heart rate control features, but this is worth paying for if you are serious about achieving optimum fitness results. We list the types of console available for each model with a close up alternative image.

The software automatically adjusts resistance (ellipticals, bikes and steppers) or speed/elevation (treadmills) to ensure you are working within your given training zone.

When selecting which type would be most suitable, pay particular attention to the number and type of programmes on offer, and whether it has an LCD screen (Liquid Crystal Display), which digitally displays information, or an LED screen (Light Emitting Diode) showing profile performance with easy to read lights.

Heart rate monitoring

Heart rate chest straps, ear sensors or hand grip pulse sensors are included on many models, which measure your heart rate per minute, then convey and record the information on your console screen. Chest straps are often regarded as the most effective exercise tools for measuring your heart rate, as they are comfortable to wear, ECG accurate and 100% waterproof.

Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age. The figures above are averages, so use them as general guidelines.

Note: A few high blood pressure medications lower the maximum heart rate and thus the target zone rate. If you're taking such medicine, contact your doctor to find out if you need to use a lower target heart rate.

Muscle strength and flexibility

Weight and strength training will burn more fat and create leaner muscles. Our range of equipment is easy to use, providing effective strength-training without sacrificing space. Using multi gyms, dumbbells and steppers you can burn more calories and boost your metabolism, in turn increasing your energy levels.

To build up flexibility, our wide variety of fitness accessories are a quick and inexpensive way to help you get into shape. Use Pilates and yoga mats to warm-up, or on their own as part of a fitness workout.

Cardiovascular fitness equipment

Cardiovascular fitness equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines and exercise bikes. Cardiovascular exercise involves raising your heart rate (cardio) and pumping blood around your body (vascular).

All cardiovascular equipment provides low impact workouts that are easy on your joints while being easy to use. They encourage you to burn more calories and lose weight, reducing stress levels and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Treadmills

Treadmills are the most popular cardiovascular equipment because they are so easy to use and versatile. They can be used for a light walking session to training for a gruelling marathon, and can be used whatever the weather! And to save on space, many treadmills fold up for easy storage. To assist you, we provide detailed folded and unfolded dimensions for all our fitness equipment.

Benefits...

• An easy way to start a new fitness programme. Begin with the most natural exercise, walking and gradually build up to a gentle jog or run.
• More expensive models have better cushioned running beds, super smooth motors and excellent feedback. A more cushioned running deck will absorb the impact to your joints more effectively and smoother motors give a more comfortable and quiet workout - excellent if you suffer from any latent medical problems (foot or ankle injuries).
• Most treadmills have an adjustable incline level, which is motorised on more expensive models. The steeper the incline, the more resistance is offered and the greater the effort.
• Preset programmes assist your workout routine. Programming options run from basic cardio and fat burning to workouts which simulate outside terrain, such as on some of the top end machines.
• Heart rate tracking and heart rate programmes allow you to monitor your effort level and train more safely.
• You can track speed, time, distance, calories burnt and energy used, to measure your progress. Therefore, you can specifically tailor exercise to your own personal fitness.

Exercise bikes

Cycling gives you a cardiovascular workout while putting less strain on your back, knees and leg joints, improving your stamina and promoting great lower body conditioning.

There are three main types of exercise bike:

Uprights, which most closely mimic outdoor bicycles.
Recumbents have the seat positioned parallel to the ground with the pedals in the front of the user, while a back support offers more comfort to users who suffer from knee or back problems.
Semi-recumbents have an inclined seat between that of an upright and recumbent, making it easier for elderly or disabled users to dismount.
Ergometers measure a user's effort level (in watts) allowing for a more accurate assessment of the intensity and result of your workout.

Benefits...

• They are simple to use and require little practice - an ideal starting point for your exercise routine.
• Because there is less movement you can watch TV or read a magazine whilst working out.
• Preset programmes assist your workout routine.
• A number of resistance levels allow you to exercise at different intensities. Look out for models with permanent magnetic resistance pedalling motion (which allows for a quieter action) and electromagnetic braking systems, which are virtually silent, found on the more expensive machines.
• Heart rate tracking and heart rate programmes allow you to monitor your effort level and train more safely.
• You can track speed, time, distance, calories burnt and energy used, to measure your progress. Therefore, you can specifically tailor exercise to your own personal fitness.
• Adjustable seats and handlebars, cushioned seat pads and more robust frames help to ensure a more comfortable workout.

Elliptical trainers

Ellipticals or cross trainers are low impact, which makes workouts less stressful on your joints. They also burn more calories in less time and offer total body conditioning, helping to control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat. To save on space, many ellipticals fold up for easy storage.

Benefits...

• The versatility of an elliptical will keep you motivated.
• You can work your upper and lower body together, or you can focus your efforts on one at a time.
• They provide a full body workout and are great for improving overall fitness quickly.
• They are simple to use and require little practice.
• The smoothness of motion and adjustable foot plates help to make your workout more comfortable.
• A number of preset programmes assist your workout routine.
• A number of resistance levels allow you to exercise at different intensities.
• Heart rate tracking and heart rate programmes allow you to monitor your effort level and train more safely.
• You can track steps, time, distance, calories burnt and energy used, to measure your progress. Therefore, you can specifically tailor exercise to your own personal fitness.

Rowing machines

Rowing is a seated aerobic pursuit suitable for all users. It helps remove all the body weight from the ankles, knees and hips, moving the limbs and joints through a full range of motion, from completely extended to completely contracted. Also, a number of models can be folded to half their size, saving on space.

Benefits...

• It's beneficial for the back, improving suppleness and developing strong posture, through recruiting the muscles of the torso in equal proportions to the other major muscle groups of the legs and arms.
• Very low impact on joints.
• Once your technique is developed, the motion is flowing and overstraining is unlikely.
• Form your own resistance, so the more energy you put in the tougher the workout you give yourself.
• Strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
• Heart rate compatibility means that you can monitor your performance and pace yourself at the required level, be it for fitness or fat-calorie burning.

Fitness accessories

Steppers are a compact but effective piece of equipment, simulating the climbing of stairs. They help to increase your heart rate while shaping your lower body, strengthening your leg and thigh muscles.

Multi gyms provides a variety of exercises from just one piece of equipment, improving overall fitness levels and helping to tone muscles. They offer a huge variety of exercise options which allow you to concentrate on certain muscles, including leg extension/curl, lateral pulldown, chest press and low pulley. They can be used to improve strength, build muscle and condition major muscle groups. Also, despite being a large piece of equipment, many parts fold for easy storage.

Pilates and Dumbbells are excellent for muscle toning. They can enhance muscle definition and stimulate muscle development in areas which are not frequently used with other exercise apparatus. Exercises such as Pilates often isolate and condition particular muscle groups.

Heart rate monitors provide the best indicator of your personal fitness. They help you set realistic fitness targets, make your exercising more effective and provide immediate feedback.

Safety warning

Before starting a new exercise programme we recommend you consult your doctor or other professional medical adviser, particularly if you suffer from:

• A heart condition
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Joint, muscular, or back problems
• Any similar conditions

Or you are:

• Pregnant
• On any prescribed medication
• Currently under the care of your doctor
• Convalescing

This advice should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor and if you are in any doubt as to your fitness or are concerned about your health you should seek the advice of your doctor or any other health care professional.