Exercise Equipment & Products that Promise You the World!

By Mandy Gibbons

It's not uncommon for people to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars trying to find that piece of magical exercise equipment that will give them the perfect body. I have had clients who have put themselves into all kinds of debt, previous to coming to me, to reach their ultimate goal of looking fantastic. So why do people torture themselves and their credit cards like this? First off because finding a quick fix to achieving a "perfect body" would be a dream come true for most people and secondly they can often feel pressured or obliged to purchase what they don't need to fit in with the "rest of the beautiful people out there".

Feeling Pressured or Obliged to Purchase Exercise Equipment You Don't Necessarily Need

"I want to look like those great healthy looking people in the ad - all year around!" Hey don't we all? :-) Look, as you probably already know many ads whether they be graphics, mags or TV ads use a lot of graphic work as well make-up to accomplish that healthy, glowing, fitness image. According to my clients and friends the worst part about some of the exercise products ads is that they can make you feel like you are inadequate if you aren't buying their products. As you can imagine if your self esteem has already hit rock bottom or even just on shaky ground, it would be easy to feel obliged to buy because you wouldn't want to "miss out" on this opportunity to achieve that body you have always dreamed of having.

Is this Out of the Ordinary, Super Fast, Mind Blowing Piece of Exercise Equipment for real?

It is so simple to get caught up in all the hype of a product that claims to offer you a super easy workout, great results and everything and anything other than a can opener. If you look at the classified section of the newspaper you will see that most of these products are up for sale within 12 months of them being bought because, like you, these people also wanted the quick fix and when they didn't get it they threw the towel in. Can you blame them?

Usually, if an offer sounds like it's too good to be true, then it probably is exactly that. Hang off a while from buying these types of products - give yourself 3-4 weeks to make an informed decision. Ask around and see if your friends have bought these products as well. Check the fine print and the payment conditions. By the time you have gone through most of this you will find that the novelty will have worn off.

Shop for programs that will offer you a real quality workout, that suits your health and fitness goals, your body fat distribution, your fitness requirements PLUS, if possible, an eating plan to suit - this will offer you better results.

Exercise Equipment Won't Help You Spot Reduce!

Spot reduction is a fallacy. You can alter your body shape by performing regular workouts using various types of exercise in your program - but that's it. So don't get caught up in the hype that a product will make you look a million bucks by only performing one exercise on one body part and you can just sit back while the rest of your body miraculously becomes toned and "looking great" all on it's own. If you are keen to sculpt and shape your physique then getting a specifically designed program and eating plan for your body type is how you will get your best results.

A Few Things You Need to Take into Consideration before Making Your Purchase

What are your Health and Fitness Goals? Are you trying to lose body fat? Do you want to increase muscle tone? Do you want BIG muscles? General fitness? Make a list of your health and fitness goals and take these shopping with you. Don't Overspend! Have a set amount of money - and that's it. Research the net for information on the products. Type in "reviews on ----" (whatever the equipment is) into the search engine and see what other people are saying about it. You can even comparison shop whether it be online or offline to get an idea of what you'll be paying before you get to the store. And if you're buying online, but want to see the product first, then go to a sports store to give the equipment a test run so there's no surprises when it arrives on your door step.

Is the Gym Equipment Simple to Use?

If you're the type of person who is put off by gym equipment that has 1000's of flashing lights and high tech functions then you are better off purchasing a piece of equipment that isn't so intimidating. Buying something that looks like a space ship is really cool and exciting but if the novelty wears off and you don't enjoy using all the functions and programs then you will only be wasting your money.

One thing you may like to do, is wear comfy clothing to the places where you are shopping for your products and ask if you can try out the equipment while you are there. Most of the equipment on the show room floors are "display items" and at many stores are available for you to hop on and try or see how the machine or it's functions work etc. This gives you a better idea of whether you think this product suits your needs.

Will Your Gym Equipment be Easily Accessible in Your Home?

The amount of times I have been to people's homes and seen their unused gym equipment gathering cobwebs - as it's sole purpose is now an indoor clothes line - has got me gobsmacked. It's such a waste of space and money. Especially if it's something that can help reach their goals if they incorporate it into part of their fitness program. From here on in don't be guilty of this. Only purchase what you need and what you will use.

Set up a place in your home where you can easily access your gym equipment. For example: A weights / resistance area eg.. dumbbells, barbells and a fitball. Make sure you've got plenty of room on all sides of where you'll be training. Are you able to forward lunge or reverse lunge? Can you do push-ups on the fitball without smacking your legs into the wall. Be sensible about it. You and I both know that if you're trying to squeeze into an area that's just not comfortable you won't be able to make good use of your equipment.

Will You get Bored with Your Gym Equipment?

It's not exactly old news that its easy to get bored with using gym equipment. If you find doing indoor cardio drives you absolutely nuts but you don't want to walk or train outdoors then watch a dvd or your favourite tv shows while you're on the treadmill etc. Use the pre-set programs, adjusting them to suit your fitness level, and before you know it the show will be over and you'll have finished your cardio session. If you feel like your exercise time interferes with "after dinner watching tv time with the kids", then why not put the equipment in the family room where the TV is. I've had many clients that get on their indoor cycles and read books. They love to read and it helps the time pass by. Once again they use pre-set programs and just pedal away until it beeps!

Research the net for new exercises and programs you can try using your gym equipment. Have a roster of different workouts you can do. There's really no excuse - you just need to make the effort.

A few last words........
Keep in mind that you want to be able to use your gym equipment in years to come and you'll need to be able to upgrade your programs and exercise routines as you become more advanced with your training. Choose wisely and don't make any rash decisions regarding over the top deals. Make sure you receive manuals and instructions with your equipment as well as the warranty plus a receipt of purchase.

Happy training folks,

Yours in fun, health and fitness

© Mandy Gibbons
Virtual Fitness Trainer

Persons who are of good health, suspect of their health or are aware of any conditions, physical deficiencies or diseases should always consult a physician before undertaking any eating or exercise program. Mandy Gibbons, Virtual Fitness Trainer, www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com.au and www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the above program or advice given in this article.