What should I look for when purchasing cardio equipment for my home gym?

When purchasing cardiovascular equipment for a home, you must first think about your goals and how that piece equipment will fit into your workout program. If you are looking to achieve weight loss or to just improve your fitness level, you will need equipment on which you can exercise at different intensities. You will be completing some steady-state (low intensity) training days as well as days with high-intensity intervals. Can this piece of equipment handle the intervals? Is it easy to adjust the workloads (speed, incline, watts, level)? Can it go to high enough levels to create the intensity you need as well as be able to go at a low intensity for your recovery periods? You will also have to think about whether you like the mode of exercise enough to stay on it for long periods of time. If you don’t like cycling, it might not be wise to get a stationary bike just because it fits into your designated workout space. Another thing to consider is if you are able to run or walk outside, then you probably do not need a treadmill. In this case, maybe a bike or elliptical would be better for cross training. After deciding on the piece of equipment, quality is the most important factor. You want to make sure the equipment will hold up and be dependable for you.

I recommend taking your time to make your selection.  After you decide on the type of equipment you will be purchasing, go to several stores to try them out for size and comfort.  You will be as surprised as I was how differently they all "feel".  I went to a store that specializes in fitness equipment because I wanted someone to assemble and deliver the unit for me and I didn't mind paying for that convenience.  The staff at a store like this (as opposed to a discount or big box store) can answer any question you may have about the equipment and how the various models and brands compare.  You'll be able to try out as many as a dozen models side by side with various stride lengths, (or seat adjustments or belt widths etc.) to find the one just right for you.  Even if you don't buy at this store, the information you can gain will be very valuable.

What I always tell my clients when they are looking for home cardio equipment is make sure you are going to use it.  Most of the time have good intentions of buying fitness equipment for the home but after a few weeks never use it.  Another thing you want is to buy commercial.  Home based equipment uses cheap parts and if you dont get the warranty you will be out of money.  So go to the manufactures website to get the used commerical equipment for a fraction of the cost.