The most common piece of equipment to be resold is a cardio equipment machine. With a high enough quality of cardio machine, it can go from home to home when properly cared for. Seeing as it is a more expensive piece of equipment, people prefer to buy used, but its not always the best idea. Residential cardio equipment is not made with a quality to last or take a beating. It doesn’t do well from moving from place to place and often times can be missing small parts and pieces, like screws; very important for the integrity but often forgotten, and these parts are not easy to find at The Home Depot but may take some “rigging” which is never recommended.

Treadmills

The importance here is to look at how you will most likely use it. Should you decide a treadmill will suit you better than the great outdoors, first consider the speed of use and your individual length of stride. Inexpensive treadmills and even the recent (and more expensive) minimalist treadmill, simply will not work for a tall person, long legs or long stride. It is important that you test any treadmill you consider purchasing. Next part to consider is the display and arms rests. If you’re a person that will work to increase their speed or use the treadmill for intervals, you will certainly need to invest in a treadmill that can support your weight on and off a moving track. Even if your intention is not to hop off mid sprint like some, it is important that the treadmill has the capability to support your weight should you ever need to in an emergency or catch you in a misstep. You don’t want to be found in the next YouTube fail compilation video.

Elliptical

Ellipticals are very popular for the less impact approach to cardio equipment. An elliptical is known to put less strain on your knee, back and neck while closely resembling a movement such as running. The peddles on an elliptical follow your stride from start to finish allowing gentle support throughout each movement. This circular motion also has varying availability of resistance and elevation to support a variety of fitness levels, strengths, and goals. This machine is in my opinion very particular to the individual. As a person with a long stride, many residential machines do not allow for my body to move in its natural pattern. You should test each machine to find what feels comfortable from start to finish. Adjustments on an elliptical can only be made by moving your foot position on the pedals, based on your leg length, closer to the front or further to the back, will support different body types in different ways. Ellipticals vary in design as well. A track is often found only on a commercial grade machine while a circular drum in the front or in the back is found on most residential machines. Arm connections for push and pulling movements are preference. Personally, I never use them nor recommend them to my clients.

Giselle

The elliptical wanna-be. Personally, just skip it. It looks like a great idea but let’s be real… When do you ever move similar to that of a Giselle? Never.! At best, an individual would use this motion for a fraction of a single ski stride. Not worth it. Move on!

Recumbent VS Stationary Bike

Not everyone knows the difference. A recumbent bike is the bike with a full seat (supported back). A stationary bike is the little tiny butt seat.
Each bike is capable for customization to suit a person’s height; some more so into front bearing weight and leaning ability. A recumbent bike is going to be better suited for a senior or person recovering from an injury or surgery. A stationary bike can be used for more advanced cardio with its ability to be used on the seat vs off the seat. Someone training for long distance rides or tri athletic events will likely use a stationary bike. One of the recent highlights in fitness is the new Peloton bike. This stationary bike has a customizable seat, clip in shoe option, and runs live and recorded classes through the display screen. It also has the ability to track your speed, progress, heart rate, and track all your personal records. The Peloton will inform you of new milestones and compare your rides to others in your age group as motivation. Think of that investment as a bike, class participation, and Fitbit all in one.