Choose the right equipment to get you from fat to fit

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's tough to work out on a treadmill that's being used as a storage closet, as Eric Kaneda of Lihu'e, Kaua'i, discovered.

Kaneda is walking his way to fitness, thanks to a New Year's resolution. Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser

1. Boooooring.
2. I hate that (blankety-blank) thing!
3. I'll do it tomorrow.
4. It's too hard to assemble.
5. The ironing is in the way.

Getting fit is at the top of most lists of New Year's resolutions. Today there will be lots of shoppers heading for fitness departments, buying up treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. But will they use them for fitness or for storage?

The classified pages always have ads selling exercise equipment purchased with good intentions. So how can you be sure you'll invest in the right one?

Before her purchase, Erin Furuya of Nu'uanu did everything right. She tried a variety of machines, deciding a treadmill would be the best solution to help her reach her fitness goals. She borrowed one from a friend for a month to see if she would really use it. She did.

Furuya chose a model based on her space needs (it's in her living room, so it has to fold up), noise level, the degree of incline (plenty) and its ability to be hooked up to her computer so she can design walking programs to break the monotony.

Furuya also fit a walk into her regular schedule: An elementary school teacher, she unwinds after school by walking three miles while watching "Oprah."

Joann Stepien of Kailua was once given a Health Rider (they were heavily advertised on TV, and required moving your arms and legs in a back-and-forth motion) by a friend. "It didn't work for me because it was extremely boring," she said. "The motion was annoying and I didn't see any results, so it gathered dust until I donated it to Goodwill."

After years of working out at a health club and with personal trainer Dave Chong, Joe and Francine Gedan of Round Top

Drive knew exactly what they wanted i and would use. They waited patiently until the club updated its cardio equipment and put its old but still serviceable stuff up for sale.

The Gedans bought a Nordic Track, treadmill, spinning bicycle and weights, turning a hallway in their home into a "workout alley."

Although they kept their club membership, they work out at home because "it doesn't pay to go to the club for a half-hour workout," Joe Gedan said. Now they use the equipment "when we get up in the morning, and first thing we can get our hearts working, even if it's just for 10 minutes. It saves a lot of time."

Chong said his biggest beef with home fitness equipment purchases is that "most people simply buy things they don't enjoy. Then, since they don't really like it, they don't stick with it." His choice for home workouts? "A stability ball and some dumbbells, which will allow integrated, whole-body training without breaking the bank."

Getting started

The ideal situation is to hire a personal trainer ($40i$100 an hour) to come into your home and help you set up a routine and the equipment required to maintain it. If that's not within your budget, ask a friend to take you to a health club so you can try out the various forms of equipment to find the best fit.

The first question to ask yourself: What are my goals?

Do you want to lose weight? Develop muscle tone? Gain strength and add muscle mass?

While most workouts offer many benefits, it's generally true that cardio equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines, jump ropes and stationary bikes offer the greatest weight loss benefits.

Stability balls, Therabands and multiple repetitions with light weights will help tone your body, while heavier weight systems, dumbbells and barbells assist with developing strength and muscle mass.

It's also important to consider your current health status, said Eric Okamura, owner of Fit 4 Life. "Elliptical machines are hot now, but if you are a heart patient, it may be too intense and a treadmill or stationary bike might be better." He also suggested buying something you can "grow into," enabling you to increase your workouts as your fitness level rises.

Personality test

Doug Crowell, coordinator of exercise and sports science at Kapi'olani Community College, suggests matching personality and equipment. An accountant, he suggests, would probably succeed with a treadmill, because it offers direct feedback on distance and speed and measurement of heart rate and calories expended.

On the other hand, people who are more interested in freedom of movement, spirituality and self-expression might hate the rigidity of a treadmill. A dance, yoga or tai chi tape might be more suitable.

A person who enjoys the playful aspects of fitness might prefer a stability ball alternated with a funky dance tape or a jump rope. "Workouts should be fun," Crowell insisted. "Find something that fits with your sense of yourself."

People who require social interaction while working out would be more successful in a health club environment or setting up a buddy system for walking or biking rather than the lonely pursuit of fitness on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Finding a good fit

Okamura pointed out that most home exercise equipment is designed for a 5'9", 165-pound male. If you're a 5' 1". 120-pound female, it simply may not fit and could cause unnecessary injury. His recommendation: Have it adjusted by a professional rather than unpacking it and assembling it at home alone.

Sharyn Smith of Ahuimanu visited Sears Ala Moana in search of a machine. She and her husband had tried their neighbor's treadmill and decided it is ideal for their needs. They have been unable to do their daily outdoor walk because of recent rain on the Windward side. A treadmill would also help when they come home late from work and it's too dark to venture outside.

Sales associate Travis Rose, a former college basketball player who has a personal commitment to fitness, helped her with her decision. He encouraged her to try several models for comfort.

For walking, Smith can use a lower horsepower model, with narrower tread and less sturdy suspension system. However if she and her husband plan to graduate to running, their treadmill needs will change.

Since muscle mass helps raise metabolism and offers protection against osteoporosis, Rose recommends a treadmill with a considerable tilt to help build up leg muscles.

Another consideration with any machine: Will it grow with you and your family? Some cardio machines and weight systems have serious limitations. If a weight system has a limit of 150 pounds, what happens when your kid joins the high school football team and needs to lift 250 pounds?

How many people will be using it? Some equipment requires a lot of adjusting. How difficult is it to make those changes? Can everyone who will be using it manage the adjustments?

Know yourself

Most modern treadmills and some other equipment can be folded up and rolled away. That sounds great if you live in a small space, but, Rose warned, "If you tuck it in a closet, you may leave it in a closet."

Consider past injuries. It's always best to check with your physician before beginning any exercise routine. Some equipment that requires repetitive movements in one direction, such as elliptical machines, can cause overuse injuries, Crowell warned.

Rose said he always encourages people to try different machines and several brands of each.

An elliptical machine requires more coordination but offers a full-body workout.

A recumbent stationary bike puts less strain on the backside and the knees. Some stationary bikes enable you to push and pull with your arms while pedaling with your legs, offering a simultaneous upper and lower body workout.

Crowell said stability is critical. If a treadmill, elliptical or bike wobbles while you're on it, don't buy it. It should also offer a smooth ride. If it feels like trudging through mud, it's not the right thing for you. "If it's not stable, it's not a good piece of equipment."

Check the service arrangements and warranties. Today's better equipment may have a 10-year warranty.

The basic rule when buying home fitness equipment is: If you like it, you'll use it.

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5464.