How the Wrong Sports Equipment Can Destroy Your Workout

Although there are plenty of exercise or fitness programs out there that don't rely on any equipment, good gear greatly can expand your options and challenge you in new ways. By the same token, the wrong sports equipment can rip apart everything you are trying to accomplish, making selecting the right products a high priority for any athlete.

Increased Injury Risk

Probably the biggest problem you have when it comes to fitness equipment that's not up to par is an increased risk of getting hurt. Sometimes, the injuries are slow to happen, such as if the poor balance of your running shoes gradually wears on your knees. Other times, the injury occurs suddenly, such as if your resistance band snaps and recoils back on you. In either case, products that are unsafe are simply unacceptable. They are potentially fatal and result in dozens of lawsuits every year.

Decreased Comfort

Whether it's a poorly placed seam or a handle that's not very ergonomic, bad gear usually isn't very comfortable to wear or use. That lack of comfort detracts from whatever exercise you're doing. You end up focusing on the equipment rather than on your form and breathing, which can have a huge influence on your performance and overall results. You also don't enjoy what you're doing as much, which can make you view exercising more negatively and increase the likelihood that you'll eventually abandon your program. Test out or try on new gear in person if you can--the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you order from catalogs or magazines only if you've seen and tried the gear, a guideline easily extended to cases where you want to order sports equipment online. Never settle for a product that doesn't feel good!

Getting Stranded

Bad sports equipment often breaks down, failing to meet quality standards on durability. At a minimum, this forces you to put your workout on hold and shell out extra cash or time to replace the product. At worst, it leaves you out on the trail, such as if your bike chain snaps. Cell phones often can get you out of trouble here, especially since most now come equipped with at least a basic GPS application, but there are many outdoor areas where reception is poor. Even if you can get in touch with someone or find your way, it might take a long time for them to arrive or for you to hike back.

Conclusion

Poor sports and exercise equipment can sabotage everything you're trying to accomplish with a good training program, putting you at risk for injury, leaving you uncomfortable and physically stranded. The only way to avoid these issues is to do your homework. It's essential to learn (with your physician's help) about the unique needs your body has and to be very discriminating as you're analyzing your equipment options. Reading product reviews and looking at the background of the manufacturer helps enormously. Remember through this process that staying safe is well worth paying a little extra for the quality, personalized gear you need.

John Doran is an athletic trainer with a keen eye for creative techniques. When not working with athletes, he enjoys blogging about the ins and outs to a successful fitness program for the everyday person and aspiring athlete.