Want to bulk up in time for the holiday season? Try hoisting a load of fitness catalogs out of your mailbox.
All the catalogs listed here offer lower-than-retail prices on exercise equipment, sportswear or athletic gear, and some promise to beat competing prices (but don't forget to figure shipping costs when comparing the deals).These catalogs are free unless otherwise noted:
- BIKE NASHBAR (1-800-627-4227). For serious cyclists, this outlet sells Nashbar-brand bikes for between $439 and $1,399, as well as a large selection of bikewear, racks, tools and even a case for shipping your bike. A companion catalog, Spike Nashbar (1-800-774-5348), sells volleyball equipment. Both guarantee lowest prices.
- CALIFORNIA BEST (1-800-225-2378). Athletic shoes are the drawing card, with guaranteed lowest prices on brands including Adidas, Etonic, New Balance and Reebok. The catalog also offers clothing, camping gear, bikes and books.
- CREATIVE HEALTH PRODUCTS (1-800-742-4478). The focus is on health- and fitness-assessment products, including fitness-appraisal kits and a complete selection of heart-rate monitors. Exercise equipment, such as recumbent cycles, rowers and stair machines, is also available.
- HOLABIRD SPORTS (1-410-687-6400). More a price list than a catalog, this pamphlet offers excellent prices on tennis rackets - say, $109.95 for a Pro Kennex wide body, compared with $224 at The Sports Authority - plus bargains on athletic shoes and other exercise gear.
- SOCCER INTERNATIONAL ($1; 1-703-524-4333). Finish the fall season or get a jump on spring with a selection of soccer balls, shin guards, jerseys and shorts, plus some oddball items for soccer maniacs.
- BODYBUILDER'S DISCOUNT OUTLET (1-800-383-9300). You might save $50 or more on heavy-duty fitness equipment through this catalog. But to evaluate the deals, you have to consider local prices and charges for assembly and shipping.
For instance, a full Body-Solid Pro-Smith weightlifting gym, at $995 plus up to $90 for shipping, totals $1,085 - and some assembly is required. By comparison, Bandit Weight Equipment, a retailer in Clearwater, Fla., sells the same set for $1,150, including delivery and assembly. And at Kuc's Fitness Stores in Dickson City, Pa., the whole shebang costs $999.
If you do decide to order through the mail, be prepared: Most shipping companies deliver curbside, not to your rec room.