This is a guest post by Adam.
If you are overweight, out of shape, or simply interested in being more health conscious, you may be thinking of buying some kind of fitness equipment. Unfortunately, most equipment doesn’t come cheap. So, if you’re looking to get a good deal on fitness equipment there are a few things you should think about before you buy.
Does It Work?
It seems like there is always some new kind of fitness equipment coming out that is supposed to make you lose a ridiculous amount of weight in a short period of time. You want to be wary when buying these kinds of things. Do your research. Read reviews online. Talk to friends and family, and find out what equipment worked and didn’t work for them. Remember, you can’t always believe the hype of infomercials and other advertisements. You are much better off listening to someone who has used a product than someone who is trying to sell a product.
What Type of Equipment Is Right for You?
Everyone is different. Your goal (losing weight, bulking up, building lean muscle, etc.) will determine what kind of equipment is best for you. If you are looking to burn fat, you should probably go with something like a treadmill or an elliptical-equipment that will give you a cardio workout. If you are looking to gain some muscle, you should go with something a little more weight oriented. It is important to figure out what your personal goals are so that you don’t waste money purchasing equipment that can’t give you the results you desire.
Do You Have to Have It?
Before you go and spend a fortune on workout equipment, make sure that you really have to have it. There are exercises that you can do without equipment that could produce the same results. So check things out-talk to a trainer or someone you know that has lost weight. See if they have any advice, and if they think you need specialized equipment to achieve your goals.
Shop Around
It’s never really a good idea to go to only one store or look at one website. You should always look around to see what kinds of deals different companies are offering. While you are at the store, you may want to ask a sales associate if they know if there are going to be any sales coming soon. It can be upsetting to make a big purchase and then see it on sale just a week or two later. Consumer reports can also allow you to easily compare the different products that are on the market to find what you are looking for. Finally, don’t forget to visit comparison shopping sites, such as Google Shopping or Pricegrabber. These sites can show you which stores carry a product and how much they charge for it.
Garage Sales and Thrift Stores
There are a lot of places to find used fitness equipment, namely garage sales and thrift stores. Many people lose their motivation after buying fitness equipment. When this happens, they will often sell the lightly used equipment for a very good price. You may also be able to find deals at pawn shops and other stores that sell used merchandise.
Shop Online
While shopping, you should definitely check out Craigslist, auction sites and other sites where people sell their own merchandise. Craigslist is a good place to look because there is a variety of equipment. When looking at thrift stores you usually won’t have much of a selection. Craigslist, on the other hand, has a lot of people selling a lot of different things. It’s convenient too-you don’t have to go to 10 different stores hoping to find what you are looking for. It’s all right there on your computer screen. Other online marketplaces, such as Amazon.com, also provide good prices and often offer free shipping and other coupons or promotions.
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