Options abound for home exercise equipment

Q: There seem to be thousands of different pieces of equipment that you can use to exercise at home. I’m interested in buying some home exercise equipment, but I’m not sure where to begin. My first instinct is to get a treadmill because I like to walk and jog outdoors, but I’m not sure if I will keep using it once I bring it home. How can I tell which piece of equipment is right for me?

A: You’ve already taken a great first step, which is not to make an impulse buy of any exercise equipment because you “think” you’ll use it at home. Homes across the country have become large storage containers for every type of exercise equipment and tool you can image — from treadmills and abdominal machines to yoga mats and stability balls.

Before you begin your search, FIRST look at your current commitment to exercising and the type of exercise routine you are doing. If it’s hard for you to find the time to exercise, and the thought of having a bike, treadmill or elliptical machine in your home sounds like a great idea … think again. Most people who purchase exercise equipment without a true commitment to an exercise routine and living a healthy lifestyle usually end up with an expensive clothes rack.

If you decide you really need to have exercise equipment in your home, think small. Larger equipment does not guarantee a larger result. You might invest first in a library of exercise videos or DVDs to check your level of commitment. Find a video that sparks your interest and will keep you heading toward your fitness goals. Many videos encourage you to purchase resistance bands, medicine balls and other exercise tools, which can be good investments.

These fitness aids are less expensive than big machines and are easy to store, and you can follow along with the instructor on the tape or CD for a guided program. This equipment can give you great feedback on your consistency, motivation and dedication to exercise — information that will help you answer your question of what equipment, if any, to purchase.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many people who are devoted to using their home exercise equipment to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, they are in the minority.

If you’re still interested in buying a safe home exercise machine, do your research. Don’t get caught up in the hype of “the one and only exercise machine you will ever need.” Ask for recommendations from fitness professionals, as well as friends who have bought home-exercise equipment (and actually used it). Also search online for recalls, lawsuits or complaints against the company distributing and manufacturing the equipment.

Home exercise equipment can be a great way to broaden your exercise options and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Be honest with yourself and your commitment to your exercise routine, and remember that the equipment will only benefit you if you use it.