Home Gym Equipment Buying Guide

WHAT KIND OF WORKOUT DO TREADMILLS PROVIDE?

The workout provided by treadmills is cardio-focused, raising your heart rate as you walk or run. One of the most popular pieces of home fitness equipment, treadmills allow you to walk or run in the comfort of your own home regardless of the time of day or the weather outside. Many treadmills offer a choice of speed and incline, allowing you to tailor your workout to your current fitness level and future goals.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A TREADMILL?

When buying a treadmill, you should keep an eye out for the following features:

• Speed adjustment controls. For ease of use, look for speed adjustment controls that are simple to use and allow you to switch between pre-set speeds when needed.

• Safety keys. An important safety feature, safety keys attach to your clothing while you walk or run and automatically stop the treadmill when pulled. It’s a good idea to choose a model with a safety key to ensure your treadmill stops if you happen to slip or need to stop in a hurry.

• Maximum speed. Depending on how you intend to use your treadmill, the maximum speed you’ll require does vary. If you plan to use your treadmill for walking or light jogging, a maximum speed of 10km/h should be adequate. If you’re wanting to spend time running and are looking to increase your speed overtime, look for a maximum speed of at least 16km/h.

• Cushioning. If you plan on using your treadmill regularly, look for models with adequate cushioning. Good cushioning can help to protect your joints from unwanted stress and damage.

• Incline settings. Adjustable incline settings allow you to tailor the intensity of your workout to your fitness goals. Across most models, a maximum incline of 10% is common, but an incline of 12% or 15% is worth considering if you’re after a serious workout. It’s good to check if the models you’re looking at have a motorised incline adjustment or whether it is manual. Motorised incline adjustments allow you to change the incline while you’re using the treadmill, while manually adjusted inclines require you to stop your workout to change the settings.

• Belt width and length. For ease of use, you should look for a model with a belt that’s at least 45cm wide and long enough for you to run at your top speed. It’s also a good idea to check if your chosen model has foot panels on either side of the belt that allow you to stand off the belt, yet still on the treadmill itself.

• Horsepower. To ensure your chosen treadmill offers adequate performance, look for a model with at least 2.0hp continuous-duty power.

Popular treadmill brands: BH Fitness

WHAT KIND OF WORKOUT DO EXERCISE BIKES PROVIDE?

Exercise bikes, also known as spin bikes, offer a cardio-focused workout with some lower body strengthening and toning. With less strain placed on the lower body, exercise bikes are typically gentler on the back and knees. Most models have adjustable resistance settings, allowing you to improve your strength, endurance, or a combination of the two.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING AN EXERCISE BIKE?

• Comfortable seat. Seeing as you will likely use your exercise bike for a decent length of time per session, it’s important that the seat is comfortable. If possible, try out the exercise bike in person and see how the seat feels as you pedal.

• Pedals. Look for models with adjustable pedal straps. Not only will they help to keep your feet in position as you pedal, but a secure strap may also assist you with the upwards pedalling motion.

• Adjustable height. Having the option to adjust the height of your exercise bike is important if multiple people are set to use the same equipment. Without this option, others may be uncomfortable, positioned either too close or too far from the pedals and handlebars.

• Adjustable settings. Being able to adjust the resistance level of your exercise bike gives you the freedom to tailor your workout to your fitness goals. If you’re wanting to build your strength, higher levels of resistance are key, while for increasing endurance, a lower resistance level is what you’ll be after.

• Bike style. Exercise bikes are available in two main styles: upright bikes and recumbent cycles. Recumbent cycles, which allow you to lie back into the seat, place less strain on the back and knees and provide the body with additional support. Upright bikes are the most common and popular type of exercise bike.

Popular exercise bike brands: BH Fitness

WHAT KIND OF WORKOUT DO ELLIPTICAL TRAINERS PROVIDE?

Also known as cross trainers, elliptical trainers offer a workout that combines cardio, strength training and endurance. In addition to a leg workout, the handlebars on elliptical trainers also allow users to get a solid upper body workout. The large pedals on elliptical trainers support your weight and reduce the strain on your joints, making it a good form of low-impact exercise.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING AN ELLIPTICAL TRAINER?

• Pedals. When comparing models, look for those with pedals that are wide enough to comfortably fit your feet and that have safety rims on both sides. Pedals with these features are generally considered to be a safer option.

• Stride length. If you’re planning to share your elliptical trainer with others in your household, it’s important that the stride length of your chosen model is long enough for all users. Taller people may find that the stride length on some models is too short for comfortable use.

• Resistance levels. Before buying an elliptical trainer, it’s a good idea to test the resistance levels in person. As a general rule of thumb, your chosen model should have resistance levels that are easy to manage in the present as well as higher levels that will continue to challenge you as your fitness level improves.

• Controls. As with any type of home gym equipment, the controls on an elliptical trainer should be easy to understand. Look for models with controls that are easy to use and make accessing different settings simple.

• Equipment height. When using an elliptical trainer, your body moves up and down with the movement of the machine. If you’re taller than average, it’s a good idea to measure the height of your ceilings to avoid hitting your head when exercising. Handles. Some models of elliptical trainers have both fixed and moving handles. It’s a good idea to check that when holding the fixed handles that the moving handles don’t hit your arms.

Popular elliptical trainer brands: BH Fitness