Strength training helps in burning fat, toning muscles, building joint strength, and warding off osteoporosis. A home gym is an especially effective way to achieve results in an easy-to-use and safe manner. Home gyms allow you to lift specific amounts of weights by pulling or pushing on a bar or handle attached to a system of pulleys. Most home gyms offer the following stations: chest press, shoulder press, leg extension, prone or standing leg curl, triceps extension, triceps pushdown, arm curl, low rowing, lat pulldown, pec deck fly, upright rowing, and heel raise.
What kind of warranty does it have?
The longer the warranty, the greater the confidence that the manufacturer has in its product. At Busy Body, we choose products from manufacturers that build quality products and back them with substantial warranties.
Do the cables, weightstraps or levers move smoothly and quietly?
The unit should be built to last. The cables and tubing should be heavy duty and the steel frame should be thick (at least 11 gauge). The unit should be welded together (rather than bolted) wherever possible. Check the welds and see that they are clean, neat and strong. Also, shake the unit. Does it jiggle or wobble or sway in an unstable manner? If so, you may not have complete confidence in it.
Are the seats and pads comfortable and easy to adjust?
Make sure the padding on seats and armrest is adequate; foam that’s too thin will not be comfortable. You should not be able to feel the board underneath. And make sure the padding is well-secured; watch out for cheap stapling or stitching.
Are you comfortable in each workout position?
Try it before you buy it. Give it a good workout with sufficient weight to get a feel for the pads, the mechanics and the way it fits your body. Try as many different exercises on the machine as possible. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
Is it easy to adjust for different users?
In addition, the product should adjust to accommodate all sizes of potential users. Look for easy seat and pad adjustments, preferably those that utilize pinless systems and levers rather than loose pins that cause inconvenient extra handling.
Is it expandable?
Many gyms offer add-ons that can be purchased later as you add more exercises to your routine. See if the gym offers options like a leg press, seated row, and multi-hip exercise. It may also be important later on to be able to add to the weight stack. Some gyms even offer a 5 lb. attachment to the weight stack so they can be increased in smaller increments.
Precor Space Planner
Products
Treadmills