While home exercise equipment might not be the rage it once was it is still a great option for working out in the privacy of your own home.  Whether you are going to spend your hard earned money on an elliptical machine or a smartphone app make sure you do your homework. Like Karla Bowsher of MoneyTalksNews.com who breaks down the best-rated models with the best prices:

Pedometers

• Mio’s Trace: $35 retail, $30 at Walgreens (free shipping) and Walmart (free shipping if you spend $45-plus)
• Omron’s GOsmart HJ-112: $35 retail, $20 at REI (free shipping) and Amazon.com (free shipping if you spend $25-plus), $26 at Buy.com (free shipping)

Smartphone apps

• AccuPedo for Android: $4 (There’s also a free version, which the developer suggests testing before paying for the pro version.)
• Pedometer PRO GPS + for iPhone: $3 (there’s also a free version)

Treadmills – nonfolding

• Precor’s 9.31: $4,300 retail, $3,600 at Precor and Amazon
• Sole’s S77: $2,500 retail, $1,900 at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Treadmills – folding

• ProForm’s Performance 600: $1,000 retail, $800 at ProForm
• Horizon Fitness’ T202: $1,000 retail, $800 at Horizon and Amazon and Walmart

Elliptical machines

• Octane Fitness’ Q37ci: $3,100 retail
• Octane Fitness’ Q37c: $2,600 retail.

Spring is right around the corner, but are you ready for your bathing suit?  Getting in shape is usually a New Year’s resolution that everyone tries to keep, but can’t.

One way to keep you on track is to bring the gym home.  If you have the room and don’t feel comfortable in a fitness center setting, buying equipment can be the cure.  The following items are what every home gym needs to be effective: treadmill, home gym machine (Bow-Flex), free weights, resistance bands, and stability ball.   Using a combination of all these items will allow you to accomplish the exercises you need to get in shape.

Now that you have the tools to succeed. You need a blueprint to make the new you.  All you need is a computer and a search engine to find a workout routine that fits your needs.   Here are some basic steps to follow when creating your plan.

• Formulate Goals
• Define what type of exercises you will do
• Set an exercise schedule
• Start to eat healthy
• Keep progressing (increase your levels every two weeks)

Ready to start, search Mercantila.com for deals on the equipment you need!

http://www.mercantila.com/