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atters

Sweatin

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There's nothing more convenient
than having your own gym.
But what do you really need to buy?

RUTHAN BRODSKY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

S

Right: The latest:
An elliptical
fitness
crosstrainer.

tepping out for a brisk

walk or getting to your
neighborhood health club
isn't very inviting when
there's three inches of
snow, the temperature
is frigid, windshield
wiper fluid needs to be
refilled, and you've put
on five pounds from too
many potato latices.
At times like this, working out on
exercise equipment in your own home
has far more appeal.
The fact is the stay-at-home mo-
mentum that began in the 1980s and
saw millions of people working out of
home offices, has extended into the
exercise and fitness business.
Give considerable thought before
purchasing any equipment, however.
Never buy home exercise equipment
on an impulse or just from seeing an
ad on television or in a magazine.
There are as many stories of fitness
equipment that's been relocated from
the bedroom to the basement to the
garage sale as there are tales of fit-
ness success.
"The major question buyers need
to ask is whether they have the self-
discipline to make their purchase.
worth the money?" says Marty Lilly-
stone, exercise physiologist at Beau-
mont Hospital Clinic of Preventive
and Nutritional Medicine. If the an-
swer is a resounding yes, then it's
time to do some homework and be
cautious about the latest trends. The
repetitive nature of exercise machines
can bore even the most committed fit-
ness enthusiasts.
"The best exercise equipment for
homes gym are the ones which mo-

tivate you to use them regularly,"
says Mr. Tsillystone. "Most of the ex-
ercise devices come with an owner's
manual, but often much of the in-
formation is inaccurate about how
much and how often you should work
on the machine. The best rule of
thumb is to see your physician for
a recommendation before making an
investment.
"Start slowly, using the equipment
for a short time such as the length
of a commercial break while watch-

Tips For Equipping A Home Gymnasium

• Make sure the equipment is
sturdy, with no exposed chains
or cables. Select a machine
that provides a smooth, con-
tinuous motion avoiding those
- with spring-operated compo-
nents.

• Make sure the machine feels
comfortable, otherwise you
won't use it. Is your body secure
in the foot straps and seat? A
quality machine can usually be
adjusted.

• Shop in your workout clothes
and try the machine before you
buy it. Visit a health facility and
try difrei-ent brands of the same
equipment.

• Stores specializing in exer-
cise equipment often offer free
instruction. If you have ques-
tions, call the store. Be ready
to pay for a trainer if there isn't
free instruction.

• Does the equipment have the
extras you want, such as a
timer, speedometer, odometer,
or calorie counter? Are the
gauges easy to read and oper-
ate? The better machines come
with lots of extras that can add
up quickly. Decide which
ones you want — don't get
talked into something you won't
use.

• Does the equipment come
with a comprehensive warran-
ty? Warranties range from
parts-only for a year, to lifetime
coverage on parts and labor.

• Find out who will make re-
pairs if the machine breaks
down. Will someone come to
your home or do you need to
ship it cross country?

• Ask the salesperson about de-
livery and set-up of the equip-
ment. You may have to pay for
this service.

• Plan ahead and work within
your budget. If you're going
to add equipment so that you
have a small but complete gym,
buy quality merchandise for
durability, safety and extra
features.

• Exercise equipment makes
noise and some machines are
noisier than others. Will the
equipment wake up the baby
or the people in the apartment
next door? Plan ahead.

Most of the major companies
have toll-free customer service
numbers that people can call
for brochures and general ques-
tions. You can also find out
which stores in your area sell
the machines.

PHOTOS BY DANIEL LIPPITT