How to Decide Which Home Gym Equipment to Buy

At last! You've decided to buy equipment to build your dream gym at home. A home gym means no more driving to the gym during rush hour or having to deal with icy, snowy roads in the winter. No more annoying gym music or having to wait in line for your favorite machine. This guide to home gym equipment will help you figure out what to buy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. What are your fitness goals?
   
   Think about what you want to achieve with your home gym. If running the Boston marathon fills your head with thoughts of horror and dread, then it's probably a given that you shouldn't waste money on buying a treadmill. Is a muscular build what you desire? A Smith machine, with its safety components, may be worth the money if you tend to train alone.

2. What types of equipment can you afford to buy?
   
   Can you really afford that deluxe treadmill? And if not, will the cheaper model satisfy you or do you need to look into buying a cheaper type of equipment? Getting into shape at home doesn't mean having to break the bank. Decide which pieces of home gym equipment are must-haves for your fitness program and figure out if they will work into your budget.

3. Where will you house your gym equipment?
   
   Decide where your home gym equipment will go. Determine if there is really enough room for those workout items you want. Will that Smith machine or elliptical trainer fit in your rec room? If you buy a DVD player and $100 worth of the latest exercise videos, will it all end up collecting dust because there's not enough space to do those aerobic dance moves?

Tips & Warnings

• Try out the equipment before purchasing it.
• Ask someone you trust for equipment buying advice. This could be a friend, family member, or a gym employee.
• Look over the item's warranty carefully. Find out what is covered and for how long. Ask if there is an extended warranty option.

[Sondrac]

on 9/2/2008 Since I am not a fitness nut, this will not help me, but it sure will be of great help to those who are not lazy like me, and get out and excercise.. Well written and easy to understand. 5 stars