Many folks are working out of their homes, and working out there as well. It definitely saves time, effort and gasoline to have your own home gym fitness equipment in your spare room or basement. It is more sanitary as well, especially with the recent Swine Flu scare. But, too many people shell out mega bucks for equipment that they end up never using, or stop using after just a few months. Here are some tips to keep that from happening to you.
First, consider getting one of the total home gym fitness equipment options. The variety in the weights, strengths and type of exercises you can do keeps people motivated. Body building experts suggest targeting different muscles groups each day so your muscles have time to revive. Having different levels also helps with goal setting, another motivator that keeps people using their machines. The machine "grows" with your needs as you become more fit. Varying weights and intensities also allows different people at different levels to use the machines.
There are several fine ones on the market that have been thoroughly researched by consumer groups. Here are the top picks:
Bowflex. Nautilus has made Bowflex almost a household name with all of their advertising. Models range from $750 -$2500, depending on the accessories. They combine strength training and resistance training by using a cable system in varying intensities and weights. Each has several "stations" built into the bench design for a total workout. The newest, the Revolution for about $2500, replaces the bands with their patented Spiraflex™ plates. People like it because it is more compact, so it fits in tighter spaces. Overall, people find the Bowflex easy to assemble and easy to adjust between sets. Depending on the parts, good warranty periods up to seven years are offered.
Weider Max. At $400-$700, this system once called the Advantage Crossbow is much cheaper. However, it also only has a 90 day warranty period. Even so, it continues to get high ratings on Amazon.com and Epinion, except for the Platinum Plus, one of the deluxe models. Consumers found its digital monitor often failed within a few uses. Even so, most consumers were happy with the ride, the smoothness and the versatility. The cables are nylon coated for safety.
If you are looking for the more traditional style of home gym fitness equipment with weight stacks and benches, here are the top brand names you should check out. Just keep in mind, most experts recommend a weight stack of 200 pounds, and a machine that is more steel that plastic.
Hoist V5 goes for around $3400, yet many reviews find this a reasonable price for what you get. A chest press, lateral pull down, and leg extension for curls comes standard, and for not much more you can add a leg press station. People like its sturdiness. It does come with a 200 pound weight stack.
Body Craft. The Galena model is one of the most popular. It sells for around $1300-$1600. But for families who like to exercise together, opting for the X2 Family Xpress for $3300 is a good buy. It offers two 200 pound weight stacks and ample room for people to use different stations simultaneously. It does, however, weigh close to 400 pounds and requires 105 square inches or more of floor space.
Body-Solid is another reputable brand that makes a variety of models from $660-$3500. They offer commercial models that are in many gyms throughout the country, but also have a good line of compact home gyms a well. Both the Powerline P1 and the Sportsman Gym 20 provide a variety of exercises in a pre-welded frame for stability.
When looking for your home gym fitness equipment, be sure to test it out first. Check the stability, the thickness of the padding, the pulley cables and the weights. Unless it is a good fit, it will sit in the corner collecting dust bunnies and dirty clothes.
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