1. Chapter 10: Becoming A Wise
Consumer
McGraw-Hill/Irwin © 2012 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

2. 10-2
Are you a wise consumer of
fitness products?
• Consumption of fitness related products
has exploded in the US
• Being an educated consumer:
– Learn the facts
– Shop around
– Practicing consumerism

3. 10-3
What do you need to consider
when buying fitness equipment?
• Wide range of equipment is available with
prices ranging from $5 - $60,000
• Physiologic results are not dependent on
how much money the individual spends

4. 10-4
Free Weights vs. Machine
Weights
• Numerous options from
various companies
• Free weights:
– Less expensive option
• Machines:
– Relatively safe
– Expensive
Figure 10-1

5. 10-5
Stationary Exercise Bikes
• Cost will vary based on
stability and
involvement of
computer-based
system
• Types
– Single action
– Dual action
– Sitting position
• Standing, seated,
recumbent Figure 10-2

6. 10-6
Treadmills
• Belt stretched between two rollers
– Manual – less expensive
– Motor driven – more expensive
• Speed and incline changing abilities
• AC or DC driven motors
– AC driven treadmills operate at full speed all
the time and can be dangerous when starting
– DC models can be run at different speeds

7. 10-7
Stair Climbers
• Levers attached to resistance
device
• Resistance can be provided by:
– Flywheel
– Hydraulic piston
– Drive train
– Wind resistance
• Models:
– Stairs are linked
– Dual action (arms and legs)
– Series of stairs
– Computer/programming involvement
Figure 10-2C

8. 10-8
Ski Machines
• Offers aerobic benefits of cross-country
skiing
• Dependent vs. independent “skis”
• Resistance:
– Electromagnetic flywheel
– Belt/pulley system with flywheel
• Monitor for HR, resistance, speed, calories

9. 10-9
Elliptical Exerciser
• Non-impact, elliptical shaped
stride machine
• Requires standing and
striding forward or backward
• Designed to change incline
angle of ramp
• Cost may range from $200-
$3500
Figure 10-2E

10. 10-10
Rowing Machines
• Designed to mimic actions of rowing a boat
or sculling
• Sliding seat with moveable handles to
generate a rowing motion
• Generates force with legs and upper body
• Home and fitness club models are available

11. 10-11
Passive Exercise Devices and
Techniques
• Passive motion machines:
– Designed to allow the individual to sit while the
machine moves the body part
– Claimed to aid in endurance
– Benefits: Possibly relaxation
• Motor-driven exercise bikes:
– May have some value in increasing circulation
– Not effective in elevating heart rate
• Vibrating belts and rolling machines:
– Falsely claim to help tone muscle and improve
posture

12. 10-12
• Massage:
– Can be therapeutic
– Used to stimulate circulation, aid in relaxation,
and loosening muscles
• Rubberized or inflatable suits
– Pressure is said to break down fat tissue
– Weight loss from a rubber suit will be due to
water loss not fat
• Electrical stimulating devices:
– Utilize low amperage current of sufficient
intensity to cause involuntary muscle
contractions

13. 10-13
Spas, Steam Bath, Saunas
• Widespread use in health and fitness
industry
• Therapeutic benefits of hot tubs/whirlpools
– Relaxation
– Will not result in weight loss due to fat losses
• Re-hydration is critical following use due to loss of
water
– Must be cautious due to full body immersion
• Temperature should not be above 100o
F

14. 10-14
• Precautions for spas, saunas, or
steam baths:
– Avoid use if pregnant or have skin infections
– Do not use any of these without cooling down
after exercise
– Wash off all oils or lotions before use
– Never drink alcohol before use
– If you feel faint, get out immediately
– Always have someone with you when using
any of these

15. 10-15
Tanning Beds
• Beds/booths with an array of long tubes
that produce ultraviolet light
• Prolonged exposure to UV light can:
– Predispose an individual to skin cancer
– Result in premature skin aging
• Must use extreme caution from either
sunlight or artificial sources

16. 10-16
How should you choose
appropriate clothing and shoes
for exercise?
• Clothing for exercise in hot, humid
conditions:
– Should allow for maximal dissipation of heat
through sweat evaporation
– Minimize heat gain from the environment
– If sweat remains on the skin, heat loss will not
occur

17. 10-17
• Clothing for exercising in cold weather:
– Goal is to produce semi-tropical environment
to prevent chilling
– Should not restrict motion or limit heat
exchange
– Should be lightweight clothing that can be
layered, allowing for changing temperatures
– May need additional clothing during warm-up
– Hat and gloves are also useful in maintaining
heat

18. 10-18
Shoe Selection
• Toe box:
– Come in varying widths
– Be aware of friction or
pressure
• Sole:
– Should absorb shock and
be durable
– Should provide good
traction
• Heel counters:
– Prevents medial and lateral
roll of foot
• Arch support:
– Durable but soft and
supportive to foot
Figure 10-5

19. 10-19
What do you look for when
shopping for a health club?
• Easy to get caught up in the health club
industry hype
• Should offer good instruction in an
aesthetically pleasing environment
• You do not need to join a health club/gym or
hire a personal fitness trainer to achieve
fitness goals
– May not be affordable for most college students

20. 10-20
• Before choosing a health club, look at the:
– Type of facility
– Location
– Equipment available
– Programs offered
– Hours of operation
– Qualifications of personnel
– Types of membership contracts
– Trial period
• Always use common sense

21. 10-21
Running, Biking, Walking,
Triathlon Clubs
• Clubs, both locally & nationally, bring people
together with similar fitness and activity interests
• Benefits:
– Social environment of like-minded individuals
– Easier to train in a group, meaning increased
motivation
– Good information sources for equipment, training
techniques, training routes and locations

22. 10-22
What to look for in fitness magazines,
books, DVDs, and websites?
• Must be aware of misinformation
• Sources of info can be overwhelming
– Many excellent resources, however, are available
• To make wise choices you must be informed

23. 10-23
The Bottom Line for the Consumer
• Responsibility lies with the individual
• Must make commitment to your fitness
program
• Be cautious, ask questions, be well-
informed
• Make decisions based on facts and goals,
rather than marketing
• If joining a club or purchasing equipment
motivates you then so be it
• Don’t neglect the principles