3 things to know before buying fitness equipment

The right fitness machine and equipment for you may not be the same for someone else. Keep these three things in mind to find what works best for you and your health.

Assess your health status before looking for a fitness machine.

• If you have health problems such as diabetes or heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can guide you to the best exercise routine suited for your medical condition.
• For instance, walking slowly on a treadmill might be a better choice for those with cardiac health problems than those look for a serious endurance workout through a cross-country ski machine.
• You want to get the most out of your workout, but you don't want the routine to cause more medical problems. Find a balance that works for you.

It's often difficult to test an exercise machine in a store, so visit a gym instead.

• Pick a facility that allows a one-day pass, since you're not looking to get a membership.
• Spend at least five minutes on each fitness machine, including an elliptical, a stationary bike, a treadmill and strength-training machines. See how well your body responds to the machine.
• If you have knee problems, try the elliptical. If not, try out the treadmill, stationary bike or stair climber.
• If you want to work your upper body as well as your legs, the elliptical may be your best option.
• Get a great exercise while trying out the different equipment the gym has to offer, and then determine what gave you the best balance of safety and hard work.

Exercise machines come in a wide range of prices so that most people can afford them. However, the cheaper the machine, the more likely it is that the parts may wear out faster.

• Though more expensive machines may last longer, you may not want to pay for the bells and whistles you'll never use.
• First, determine what you want out of the machine:
• Do you want a place to hold a drink or to hook up your smartphone?
• Do you want a machine with a screen that provides an exercise routine, monitors your heart rate or how many calories you've burned? You should answer these questions at any fitness equipment store.

When you're out shopping for a new exercise machine, don't get persuaded into buying something you don't really need. Do your research first and get the type of exercise machine that fits your health needs and goals, and you'll leave feeling satisfied with your purchase.