STORY:

An impulse to get in shape often results in the purchase of expensive exercise equipment. But often the equipment winds up in storage because it is either too boring, uncomfortable or even painful to use. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) exercise physiologist Jane Roy, Ph.D., says the best investment might be a good pair of exercise shoes.

WHO:

Jane Roy, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the UAB School of Education’s Department of Human Studies.

WHAT:

For people just beginning an exercise program, says Roy, a low-tech approach to fitness such as walking or climbing stairs is an inexpensive way to discover which exercises best suits them.

“The problem is that people often equate expensive equipment with results,” says Roy. “It doesn’t happen that way, and many times people find that they don’t use the equipment because they don’t have the time or the motivation. … After consulting with your physician, the best investment might be a good pair of exercise shoes. The pavements are free and people have been walking and running for thousands of years. You don’t necessarily need a treadmill.”

Try climbing stairs or using stairs for lunges. An inexpensive pair of barbells or exercise bands can be used for resistance training. “Then if you find that you enjoy a particular exercise or that you need more of a challenge, then consider buying the more expensive equipment.” Other people may discover that they prefer working out at a gym or fitness center or playing on a sports team instead.

But before buying a treadmill or any other exercise equipment, Roy says people should first consult with their physician. Roy has tips on what to look for when buying exercise equipment.

CALL:

For interviews, contact Gail Short at (205) 934-8931 or gshort@uab.edu.