Fitness equipment buying guide

Deciding what is best for me

It is important to choose an exercise machine that matches your level of health and fitness, your budget and the space available in your home. This quick introduction will help you decide which type to buy.

The guide has been compiled by our consultant Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist, Patrick Bevan IIHHT, IIST.

If you would like personal advice about your needs, please call 0800 652 5223 anytime.

Treadmills

The most popular choice. Treadmills suit all fitness levels and can be used for everything: warming up, fat burning, walking, running and fitness testing.

But treadmills do take up a lot of space, and you need to feel confident that you can balance on the moving surface.

And although the shock-absorbing running deck means that treadmills are safer than road running, they are not a good choice if you have joint injuries unless you use them purely for walking.

There's a wide choice of treadmills and you need to choose the one that suits your needs best.

Manual treadmills: I do not recommend the use of manual treadmills. The exercise position is unnatural and if you have cardiac problems they may put too much stress on the heart. If your budget is too tight for a motorised treadmill, consider an entry-level elliptical cross-trainer instead.
Jogging vs running: If you are sure that you will only use your treadmill for walking and jogging, one of the entry-level models will meet your needs. If you are a runner, or may progress to running in the future, you will need a model with a speed of at least 10 mph. Many people make the mistake of buying for their immediate needs and find they outgrow their treadmill as they become fitter.
Motivational functions: More advanced models offer programmable features such as heart-rate and interval training, and enable you to set achievement targets. This can help liven up your sessions and motivate your exercise.

Elliptical cross-trainers

The latest and greatest cardiovascular machine. The elliptical cross-trainer exercises all the main muscle groups while minimising the risk of injury. It's ideal for all abilities, offering both gentle and intensive routines. It's also recommended for anyone who has suffered injuries in the past and needs to avoid father wear-and-tear to the joints.

Researchers have known for years that Nordic skiing is one of the most effective forms of exercise. But skiing machines are awkward and boring. The elliptical cross-trainer offers the same benefits and is much more versatile and enjoyable.

I recommend buying a machine with a wide enough range of functions to vary your workout, making it challenging and fun.

Rowing machines

A rowing machine is a great way of increasing the effectiveness of your cardiovascular system, and exercises all the main muscle groups.

In my opinion too many people exercise the chest muscles without exercising the back muscles. This increases the risk of poor posture and will eventually lead to injury. Rowing counterbalances this by exercising all the muscles of the back.

But rowing is very challenging and many beginners find it hard to row for more than 5 minutes at a time. I would not recommend rowing to someone who is suffering with Osteoporosis as the forward flexion could damage the vertebrae.

Bikes

If you are short of space, consider an indoor bike. Some are light enough to move from one room to another. You don't need any cycling skills, and they can be used for fitness testing, fat burning and fitness in general.

If you suffer from health problems, recumbent cycles are a great choice. On an upright bike, you sit on a saddle. On a recumbent, the seats are like a normal chair: you can even read or watch TV while exercising. I would recommend the recumbent bike to those who suffer with back, hip, knee and ankle pain or those with balance problems.

Bikes can be a bit boring, so make sure you buy a model with programmes such as hills and intervals to make your workout more enjoyable.

Steppers

Steppers offer an extremely intensive workout. They are ideal for cardiovascular training and for toning the thighs, calves and buttocks.

I don't recommend the stepper for the unfit, the overweight, or for people suffering from lower back pain, knee pain, heart and/or blood pressure conditions. Why?

Even on the lowest settings, your heart rate can be raised too high.
As people tire very quickly on the stepper they can end up rocking their hips, rounding their backs, and half hanging off the equipment from exhaustion. All this can lead to injury.

Steppers can be fun, but you need to be fit enough to maintain correct posture at all times.