Here are a few pieces of equipment that I think are overpriced, or overhyped. Or just bad. Some of these things have a purpose, but I just think that they aren't worth buying if you have a limited budget, or have limited space in your house:
1. Ab Roller. I have one of these. You can do one thing. Ab roll. Its just not worth having, especially with so many great ab exercises out there that don't require an ab roller.
2. Treadmill. Don't get me wrong, I run on a treadmill three times a week at the gym. But, unless you LOVE running on a treadmill, there is a strong chance that your treadmill is going to be used as a second closet instead of being something that inspires a great run. Then, you'll feel guilty. Then, you'll hate that thing. Its also expensive, and takes up a lot of room. Just run outside. Or join an inexpensive gym. They all have treadmills.
3. The Step. Having something to step up on is actually great for making exercises more challenging, or doing some cardio in your home. However, you can find something else to step on. A low bench, a stair, a low solid table. I would say this is just something I like to get creative with. If a step makes you more comfortable, go for it, but if you are on a tight budget, skip it!
4. Shake weight. Well, obviously. Do I really need to go into why this is a pointless, and extremely embarrassing piece of equipment?
5. Anything that claims that you don't have to do anything to shed the pounds. Or anything that is just going to shake your fat right off your body. Or anything that you have to make 3 payments of 29.99. Also, just anything that is only good for one exercise.
I have the step pictured and I love it. But then again, I have like 20 step aerobic videos that I do at home! It is overrated if you don't do step videos. I found that the wooden stool I bought for the kitchen works fine for leg step ups and such.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I don't have any step videos, I mostly just need steps for step ups and other similar exercises. For me, its just easily replaceable, but I could see if you had a lot of videos having the real thing would be worth it.
DeleteClaire, I have to say, the treadmill, even though I don't love it is a great piece of equipment to invest in if you are a mom. So many times I have a run planned and a kid gets sick and has to be home all day and my run is shot. But also weather considerations and time considerations make it a great investment if you are really serious about your fitness. It is also great if you are working through an injury. So much easier to test it on a treadmill than getting stuck out there and having to limp your way home.
ReplyDeleteI think if you are a person who regularly runs on a treadmill, and you have the money and space, a treadmill is a good option. I'm a mom who runs on a treadmill regularly (at the gym), so I can see its use. But, I think you have to know that you are a person who can regularly run on the treadmill before you invest in one. You are right about how helpful it can be when you're in a tight spot though. Thanks for commenting!
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