Purchasing cardio exercise equipment for your own home is an excellent idea. You're much more likely to use it when it's in the room down the hall, as opposed to the gym 15 minutes up the road. Even still, I have clients who just have a hard time doing cardio- even if the treadmill is in-house! But that's not you, right? So, read on.



Items to consider when buying cardio exercise equipment:

? Make sure that you have enough space. The smallest of the bunch is usually an exercise bike. All the others -cross-country ski machines, a treadmill, ellipticals and rowers take up much more room. You can plan on an area 7 feet long by 4 feet wide. Also, if you want to watch a TV, allow at least 8 feet between you and the screen.

? Always try before you buy. You should put in an actual workout on whatever it is you're considering before you commit. Of course, one way to do this is at your local commercial gym.

? Don't buy cardio exercise equipment that's going to aggravate preexisting injuries. For example, if you know that your joints can't handle running long term, you may want to consider an elliptical or exercise bicycle.

? The only cardio machine to buy is the one that you will actually use. If you don't like running, obviously you would be better served buying an elliptical or an exercise bike than a treadmill.

Cardio Exercise Equipment Specifics:

Treadmill

? Make sure that you get a treadmill that has a running surface of 3 feet wide and 50 inches long, or greater. If you're over 6 feet, you'll need one even longer.

? Make sure to try the treadmill out. Make sure it has plenty of shock absorbing capability.

? Find a treadmill with a 1.5 horsepower engine or greater.

StairClimber

? You will find both motorized and hydraulic units. Gyms usually use the motorized type.

? The stairclimber should keep your knees behind your toes. This will protect your knees. If it doesn't, it could lead to issues down the road.

Elliptical Trainer

? Ideally, look for an elliptical that includes hand motion. These allow you to include another element to your workout.

? Some ellipticals are rather inexpensive, but expect to pay around $2,000 for a good one that feels like it belongs in a commercial gym.

Exercise Bike

? The exercise bikes found at health clubs usually use magnetic frictionless resistance. This is preferable.

? Make sure that your bike gets you into a comfortable position. If not, would you actually use it?

Rowing Machine

? Get a unit with a flywheel that generates resistance for the most realistic resistance. These units are nearly as authentic feeling as the WaterRower machines. These actually incorporate water into the design for resistance.

? Make sure that the unit creates equal resistance throughout the complete stoke.

? Expect to pay $700 for a decent rowing machine.

Cross-Country Ski Machine

? If you aren't experience, the movement of cross-country skiing can be difficult to get used to.

? Find what is known as an independent action unit. This creates a more intense, natural feeling worko

? The NordicTrack, for example, will cost around $700.