Home Exercise Equipment

What are the benefits to exercising at home?

There are many benefits to exercising at home instead of at a gym or health club:

No waiting for someone to finish on a piece of equipment.
No crowded times in the gym.
You can exercise any time, 24 hours a day.
You can pick what type of music you listen to while you train.

Many people choose to workout at home instead of at a gym or health club. It is important to pick out the correct exercise equipment to use at home.

What is home exercise equipment?

Home exercise equipment can be a variety of different things. It can be weight equipment, such as free weights like barbells or dumbbells, or can be exercise machines, like Cybex or Bowflex. Home exercise equipment can also be cardiovascular equipment, such as treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, and rowing machines.

What type of home exercise equipment should I purchase?

There are some important factors that will influence what you buy:

Budget: Quality exercise machines can be very expensive. If you have a limited budget, try looking for used equipment from fitness centers or for sale by previous owners. Remember, you can still get great a great workout using home exercise equipment that costs less than $100, such as a dumbbell set, a stability ball, or a jump rope.
Fitness goals: If you are trying to build muscle strength, it is better to purchase weight equipment. If you are trying to improve cardiovascular fitness it is better to buy a bike, treadmill, or stair climber. Know your goals when you start to shop.
Enjoyment: Don't buy something if you don't like that type of exercise. You will be more successful with your fitness goals if you buy home exercise equipment that you like to use.

Where can I buy home exercise equipment?

There are many options for purchasing home exercise equipment.

Local sporting goods stores
Internet fitness stores
Local fitness stores

There are three lesser known options that may be places to find bargains. Asking a local gym or health club about used equipment is one way to find good equipment for less money. Check the internet auction sites, such as Ebay, for used equipment. Also, look for secondhand stores or fitness stores that sell used equipment.

Make sure you have enough space in your home for the equipment you want to buy. Keep your equipment clean and in good condition. Always make sure you talk to your health care provider before starting any new fitness program.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File EXR4126F.HTM Release 9.0/2006