Treadmill Reviews…& Home Gyms
Are you interested in a new treadmill for your home? Could be a great way to run in bad weather conditions, at night, or just with less impact than the ground.
So how do you know what to buy? Start here: www.run-review.com This is a newer site that looks great and has great information…Check it out!
My take on home exercise equipment? If you hand your clothes on it, you will not use it and it is money poorly spent. I remember back in my start to personal training;-) Many home gyms were designed and installed by me, followed by personal training (also by me), and I had one rule: If I show up for our session and there are clothes hanging on the home gym equipment…I’m gone! Truth is, it was funny to ring the doorbell and hear “OH SH$#!” and the scramble to get ready for me! Think the workout might have been a bit harder that day?
If you want a home gym, fine…BUT use it! In my home office I have a Precor EFX, and use it regularly. Now keep in mind that I own a 1600 square foot private fitness center, have the use of several local gyms any time I want, and I still do train at home. For me, there is no interruptions from business, unless I mess up. Will you use it? If the answer is YES, then go for it! Right now I am developing some new fitness programs and have some extra equipment at home so I can focus on techniques and prepare without interruption…And I use the stuff! That is the key.
What should you have in your home gym? Well that depends on your training techniques and goals…and budget. Here is what I would personally like to see in my home gym:
-Elliptical – Precor (the innovators…everyone else copied their equipment and had to change the movement. Precor is the best)
-Adjustable dumbbells – there are a couple on the market that go from roughly 5-10 pounds up to 50-85+ and get the stand
-Bike – why not, they are cheap (you can even get a stand for your street bike)
-Rower – can’t wait to get mine;-) Watch for another post!
-Kettlebells – Oh yes! You will see a lot more about Kettlebells in the future…HERE!
-TRX Suspension Trainer – Check it out through a link on the San Jose Adventure Boot Camp or Prime Physique web sites.
-Pull-up Bar – Can be from a doorway or a beam…whatever.
-Olympic Bar and Rubber weights – Power rack or free squat bars would be great too. You probably don’t need a ton of weights and rubber is not required.
-Rubber floor mats – go to your local Horse Supply Store and buy ‘Stall Mats” – way less expensive than gym flooring, trust me!
-Treadmill – if you run…I’m bringing an old one from Prime Physique and going to use it till it DIES! (probably not too long;-)
-Flat bench – you will use it some.
-TV, VCR, DVD, Music, fan(s)
Now you can add all kinds of stuff, you can go wild! But seriously plan it out and get what you need. You can start real simple and build up over time. Seriously, a few Kettlebells and a jump-rope can do a lot for your fitness if you use them…OR even just ONE Kettlebell! Get what you will use, keep your clothes off of the equipment, and use the stuff!
Enjoy!
Now go workout! And have a great day;-)
Brett A. Riesenhuber
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www.BayAreaFitnessConnection.com
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www.SanJoseBootCamp.com
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Comments on Treadmill Reviews…& Home Gyms
Been reading your excellent blog for quite a few weeks now, and i am enjoying many of your excellent topics.
Thank you for writing such an appealing post. Normall I see the same thing and it starts to get on my nearves. Thanks again and I’ll be back for more.
Of all of these equipment pieces you listed, which is the one you recommend the most if someone is on a limited budget?
Great Question Nate!
Every piece of equipment has awesome qualities and provides a different workout experience. They all also have different price ranges that can be good for different budgets.
Bikes are very cost effective, and rowing machines are both an awesome workout and exceptional value with prices in the $900 range.
Treadmills need to have a solid motor to handle the use and that can cost a bit more, but watch for it and try the treadmill out to be sure it can handle your body weight at low speed without bogging down or feeling jumpy.
Ellipticals can be found used with great deals on commercial units. They often need to be fixed up by a pro, but that can be only a few hundred bucks on a unit that can be acquired for less that $1000 (like WAY less!)
Do your homework when buying any exercise equipment…and then USE IT!
Brett