Buying a Stair Climber is a significant investment. These machines tend to be used at a gym rather than domestic use. They are not cheap and should not be confused with Steppers or Lateral Thigh Trainers. Separate Buyers Guides will soon be available to help you with these devices.

Why do I want a Stair Climber?
You may have already decided that you want a Stair Climber, but just pause for a second and write down your reasons.

Remember, the machine will occupy a reasonable amount of space and will remain in the garage, bedroom or lounge for a long time each day without being used. Therefore, you want to make sure that you will use it, that it meets your current and future needs, that it will fit in comfortably with your surroundings and you like the look of it.

How will I use the machine?
Depending on how you’re going to use the Stair Climber will depend on the type you should buy. If you’re going to use the machine at a low intensity a few times a week then you could buy a cheaper machine with a less resistance. However, if you’re looking to do some rigorous workouts then you’ll need to spend at the higher end of the market.

How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the machine will influence the type of Climber you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend the better the build quality, the more functions you get and aftercare service.

How much space have I got?
Stair Climbers occupy a significant amount of space. Therefore measure the amount of space you have available and compare this with the dimensions of the machine you’re thinking of buying. Remember that you will be standing on the machine, and therefore you’ll want to make sure that you’re not going to hit your head on a light fitting or ceiling!

What resistance system do I need?
Most of the Stair Climbers have a self powered generator system that provides the resistance. You should make sure that the machine can provide resistance levels that match your current and future needs.

What maximum user weight should I get?
Most manufacturers specify the maximum user weight for their machines. As a guide, choose a machine that has a Max. User Weight of around 20kg (45lbs) more than the heaviest user. This will help to reduce the workload on the climbing mechanism.

What are the programmes and how do they benefit me?
Good quality Climbers come with a number of different workout programmes. The number of programmes and type of programmes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most popular type of programmes are hill training and heart rate zone.

The programmes can benefit you by giving you a varied and challenging session that will keep you motivated.

What is heart rate training?
Heart rate training programmes work by changing the intensity of your workout to keep your heart rate at a specific level. You will normally have to enter some personal details via the console, for example, age, weight, gender. The machine will calculate an estimated maximum heart rate and control the workload by altering the speed and/or incline.

Your heart rate is monitored by the machine via hand grip sensors on the Climber or a chest strap that sends a signal to the console.

How much warranty can I expect?
Most manufacturers will cover parts and labour for the first years. If you’re going to be using your Climber a lot then look for a warranty cover that has a longer period.

Try before you buy.
It may not be possible to try a Climber before you buy it, but you should at least go down to your local fitness store and have a look around. You can always ask your friends for their experiences and they may be able to give you some pointers.

Buying a piece of fitness equipment can be a daunting task. There are many different types of equipment to choose from, never mind the various brands and manufaturers.

The main criteria is to get the right type of equipment that suits your needs. If you’re going to be exercising on a regular basis then you want something that you’ll enjoy, that gives you a training benefit, is simple to use, feels comfortable and is pleasing to look at!

Within this section, I’ve written up some general information that will help you to make an informed decision when buying a piece of fitness equipment. After reading the buyers guide you should be able to understand what the equipment can do for you, how it works and typical functions included.

Buyers guide - cardio
Elliptical Trainers
Exercise bikes
Treadmills
Stair Climber
Rowing Machines

Buyers guide - fitness accessories
Body fat monitors (coming soon)
Fitness balls (coming soon)
Heart rate monitors (coming soon)

Buyers guide - strength, toning
Benches (coming soon)
Free weights (coming soon)
Multi-Gyms
Resistance bands (coming soon)

Exercise bikes are very popular at the home and in the gym, but buying an exercise bike can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a machine that will meet your needs.

Why do I want an exercise bike?
It may seem like an obvious question, but why do you want one? Answering this question will help you decide on the type of bike you need and the functions that you require.
Most people want an exercise bike to keep fit and lose weight. Providing you train at the right exercise intensity then there is no doubt that the exercise bike can help you achieve those goals.

Who is going to use it?
Once you’ve established that you want to buy an exercise bike then consider who is going to use it. If other people are going to use it then look for a bike that has an adjustable seat position (vertical and horizontal), handlebars and foot straps. You should also make sure that the resistance levels are appropriate for all users. Read more »

Buying a multi-gym is a significant investment and can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands and types to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a multi-gym meets your needs.

Why do I want a multi-gym?
It may seem obvious, but make sure you ask yourself this question before you decide to buy a multi-gym. They’re not cheap and you’re probably going to have to set aside a significant area of your house or garage to accommodate it.

However, there’s no doubt that if you invest in a multi-gym you can save yourself a shed load of money rather than joining a gym.

Read more »

Buying an elliptical trainer can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a machine that’ll meet your needs.

Why do I want an elliptical trainer?
You may have already decide that you want to get fit and that you want an elliptical trainer, but, just pause for a second and write down your reasons.

Remember, the machine will occupy a reasonable amount of space and will remain in the garage, bedroom or lounge for a long time each day without it being used. Therefore, you want to make sure that you will use it, that it will fit in comfortably with your surroundings and you like the look of it. Getting the right machine could save you a gym membership.

How will I use the machine?
Depending on how you’re going to use the trainer will depend on the type you should buy. If you’re going to use the machine at a low intensity a few times a week then you could buy a cheaper machine with a less powerful motor. However, if you’re looking to do some rigorous workouts then you’ll need to spend at the higher end of the market.

How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the machine will influence the type of elliptical you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend the better the build quality, the more functions you get and aftercare service. Read more »

Buying a treadmill can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands and treadmills to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a treadmill that meets your needs.

How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the treadmill will influence the type of treadmill you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend, the better the build quality, the more functions and aftercare service you get.

How much space have I got?
Treadmills occupy a reasonable amount of space. For safety reasons, you should also have an additional run off area at the back of the treadmill of around 3 meters. If space is an issue, then consider a folding treadmill. These have improved dramatically in recent years. The more reputable brands are of solid construction and have excellent functions. Read more »

Buying a rowing machine can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands and rowers to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a machine that will meet your needs.

How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to it will influence the type of rower you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend the better the build quality, the more functions you get and aftercare service.

How much space have I got?
Rowing machines occupy a reasonable amount of space. Therefore measure the amount of space you have available and compare this with the dimensions of the rower you’re thinking of buying.

If space is an issue then consider a folding machine. These have improved dramatically in recent years. The more reputable brands are of solid construction, and have excellent functionality. Read more »