Buy a Better Home Gym

by Valerie Nahmad — August 23, 2007

The gym is great—love the camaraderie, love the energy, love the classes—but sometimes you want to break a sweat without leaving the house. Imagine treadmill runs between laundry loads and elliptical stints in your pajamas. Easy, simple, and so convenient you might actually do it.

Intrigued? Health Magazine consulted with kinesiology professor Steven Loy to get a few tips on buying the right equipment.

• Shop in workout gear and spend 5 to 10 minutes testing the machine in the store. Notice the noise—hums, beeps, and all.
• Look for details—Treadmill belts should be at least 17-inches wide and 49-inches long and motors should have at least 2 horsepower. Elliptical pedals should be wide and arm handles should move smoothly. Bike seat, handlebars, and pedals should feel comfortable and move smoothly.
• Consider how you’ll use it—The more you’ll use it (realistically), the more you should invest in it.
• Beware bells and whistles—Extras can tick the price up significantly; make sure you want all the perks you’re paying for.