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Free weights are usually handheld and include dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells.
Resistance Training Home Gym Equipment
Multi gyms are the most common form of resistance training and are a modern alternative to free weights, designed to increase muscle mass and definition. Resistance training is often viewed as being safer than using free weights and is often used to help people recover from injury by rebuilding muscle and joint strength after an injury. Multi gyms are quite large but they allow you to perform dozens of different exercises and work out the whole body. can be great for regaining joint strength after an injury. Resistance training, like free weights is designed to build muscle, not to increase cardiovascular fitness. It should be used in combination with cardio workout to help you increase fitness, tone your body and lose weight.
Things To Consider When Buying Home Gym Equipment
Goals
First and foremost it is important to consider your personal goals when buying gym equipment. Do you want to increase muscle mass and definition or do you want to lose weight and burn fat. An ideal home gym would be a mix of cardiovascular training equipment and free weights/resistance machines but not everyone can afford to buy all of this equipment or has the space to store it. If you buy the right piece of equipment or combination of machines it is more likely to be used rather than sitting in the corner gathering dust.
Budget
Buying home gym equipment can be very expensive; however, it does not have to be. Buyers can use the internet to find the best deals available or buy second-hand equipment that will do the same job for a fraction of the cost. You should also consider whether machines are required at all. Smaller pieces of gym equipment such as free weights, resistance bands, or walking weights can provide you with a good workout that will help you achieve the same objectives. Do you really need a running machine when you can open your front door and run around the park?
Space
We strongly recommend measuring the available space before purchasing any home gym equipment. You’ll be surprised how much space a cross trainer or multi-gym needs so you don’t end up taking chunks out of your wall or furniture. If you do not have a great deal of space available you will find an exercise bike is likely to take up the least amount of room. There are also lightweight running machines and cross trainers available (Try Walmart) but while these are cheaper, lighter and take up less space you’ll generally find them to be less durable and of a lower quality.
Interests
Choose home equipment you’re most likely to use, otherwise, it’s going to end up gathering dust and you won’t meet your personal objectives. If you find running difficult, try a cross trainer instead. If you hate cycling, don’t buy an exercise bike. If you have no interest in learning to use free weights safely and properly, try a multi-gym or resistance bands. Exercise needs to be interesting and enjoyable if you’re going to stick at it. You should also mix up your routine – try running in the park a few times a week instead of using the treadmill all the time.
How To Save Money When Buying Gym Equipment
Second Hand Is Good
Exercise equipment is one of the most commonly found items on websites like Craigslist and Ebay. Quite simply, a lot of people buy equipment with good intentions and never use it. Others move home and find they no longer have room for their home gym. You’ll find great deals for second hand equipment and don’t be surprised to find savings of over 50% on large pieces of equipment.
Negotiate
There is always room for bargaining when it comes to expensive home gym equipment, especially if you buy more than one piece of equipment in a single store. You can save as much as £100 or more if you haggle well, or pay in cash. If they cannot adjust the price, look for free delivery and installation services, or free extended warranties.
Wait For The Sales
If you can wait, hold off until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to shop for gym equipment online. Manufacturers also release new models in September and October so you can get lower prices on older models at this time of year. Some gym equipment stores also hold annual sales or quarterly sales so check their websites or stores for updates.
Look For Imperfections
Ex-display models or machines with slight flaws and scratches are subject to a lot of discounts, from 10% to up to 50%.
Compare Prices Online
Many gym equipment retailers will offer price-match services, so if you have a particular model or brand in mind, you can compare the prices among local and online retailers. They can also give you a refund if they do price drops within a period of time after your purchase.
The original version of this article appeared on our sister website TheMoneyDaily.com
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