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How to Buy Exercise Equipment for the Home 1998 (1998)

A 1997 national study of more than 1,600 households discovered that exercise equipment is regularly used in 32.3 million American households - 33% of all homes in the U.S. Another 17.6 million homes (18% of the total), have exercise equipment that isn't used regularly. Why did Americans spend an estimated $5 billion on home exercise equipment in 1997? Convenience was mentioned by 65% of users, improved health by 43%, weight loss by 26% and privacy by 22%. Do people really have to buy exercise equipment to achieve these goals? Of course not. But for millions of Americans, clearly, home exercise equipment helps. It can be used rain or shine, day or night, at a moment's notice. Mechanical features encourage proper form and help maintain consistent levels of exertion. Feedback systems measure progress and provide motivation. The overriding benefit of exercise equipment - as opposed to free-form exercise - is that the equipment is made for its purpose. People use exercise equipment for the same reason they use any machine (a lawn mower, say): because it provides efficient, effective and satisfying ways to achieve goals. This 16 page guide, based on information from companies that make exercise equipment, is intended to help consumers make buying