THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 13, 1997 TAG: 9701110058
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAT DOOLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 64 lines
WHAT COMES first, the motivation or the machine?
If you like a piece of exercise equipment, you're more likely to stick with your workout longer, fitness professionals say.
But if you're a non-exerciser or don't like to work out alone, you probably won't jump on a machine just because it's in your living room.
Before buying home-fitness equipment, ask yourself some questions and prepare to shop around.
Here are some tips from the experts.
Before shopping, ask yourself:
Why you want exercise equipment. To lose weight? Tone flabby muscles? Spend quiet time alone?
What activities you like. Walking, cycling, weight-training? Try to match the equipment with your fitness goals and activities you enjoy.
What motivates you. If it's social interaction, you might be happier in a gym or walking club. If, on the other hand, it's seeing ``calories burned'' or ``miles walked'' on an electronic readout, consider that in your purchase.
Who else will use the equipment. What are their needs, goals and fitness levels?
If you are an exerciser or exercise-avoider. Most experts say working out at home takes discipline and commitment.
If you have room for exercise equipment. Measure your space. Some machines, such as treadmills, eat it quickly.
How much you want to spend. If it's less than $500, for example, do you want inexpensive equipment with special features or a high-end machine with more costly basics?
If you are ready to shop. If not, check fitness or consumer magazines, which often rate machines for quality and value.
When you're ready to buy:
Shop around. Even if you plan to purchase inexpensive or used equipment, specialty-shop staff generally will share tips and information.
Ask questions. What is the machine made of? Will it support you and your movements? What are its limitations?
Wear exercise clothing and take a few machines for a spin. Spend 15 minutes or more using them as you would at home.
Listen up. Is the machine too noisy for watching television, listening to music or letting the baby sleep in the next room?
Consider how the machine feels. Is it smooth or herky-jerky? Do you have range of motion? Is this something you would like to do regularly?
Play with functions and controls, such as automatic incline, seat adjustment, electronic pulse. Are they easy to use? If not, they can be irritating enough to keep you off the machine.
Ask about warranty and service. What is covered and for how long? Compare stores and brands.
If you're buying used equipment from a private owner, consult an exercise-machine repair shop or salesperson before plunking down your dollars.
For a list of shops selling new or used machines, check the Yellow Pages under Exercise Equipment. MEMO: Sources: Dr. Melvin Williams, an exercise physiologist at Old
Dominion University in Norfolk; Dr. Janet Walberg Rankin, an exercise
physiologist at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg; Ted Spencer of Tidewater
Fitness and Repair, Gordon Bingen of Fitness Works and Carl Burba of
Play It Again Sports, all in Virginia Beach.