Shopping for home exercise equipment can be as overwhelming as shopping for a new car. There are many models and features. Be prepared before walking into the equipment store. This will save time and money. Many options exist to suit different budgets. Exercise equipment ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Don't pay for features not needed. Simple equipment pieces can be just as effective as fancy, computerized ones.

Before shopping for exercise equipment do your homework:
* Decide what kind of exercise you want to do. Will it be aerobic or strength training or both?
* Identify the type of equipment you want. Aerobic equipment examples are treadmills, rowing machines, stair climbers, cross country ski machines, and stationary bicycles. Strength training equipment examples include free weights and resistance machines.
* Try out the equipment for a couple of months before making a purchase. Go to a club or borrow a piece of equipment from a friend. Does the exercise meet your needs? Do you enjoy it?
* Decide what extra features you want on the equipment. Some may not be necessary for your needs.
* Choose the type of strength training equipment you want to purchase. Train with free weights and resistance machines. Learn how to operate the machines correctly. Learn safe exercises.
* Determine the space in your home for using and storing the equipment. Take measurements if necessary.

Now you are ready to shop for exercise equipment. Wear athletic shoes. Ask lots of questions. Test the equipment long enough to see if it will be comfortable and user friendly. Be sure aerobic equipment is sturdy, well-balanced, smooth operating, and not noisy. Does it fit your body size and weight? Check for smooth edges and properly padded areas on strength equipment. Know the servicing needs of the equipment before making any purchase. What is its life expectancy, durability, guarantee?

Once the equipment is set-up at home, be sure it is child-proof. Think of the safety of the kids and pets as well as the safety of the equipment. Now you are ready to exercise with your new home equipment.

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