Choosing fitness equipment is an important but tricky process.The key is doing research and using your own personal experience to work out what equipment you'll actually use on a regular basis. Here are a few proven tips for finding great exercise gear for your home (and saving some money in the process):

• Decide what your primary fitness goals are: weight loss, muscle building, heart health, flexibility, etc. This will help you focus your search.
• Decide on your budget. This will help you narrow down your search even more, saving you time and frustration.
• Find out how much space in your home you have to work with. (You might give up the idea of having multi gym in one bedroom apartment…)
• Go to a large gym and test a range of equipment, like rowing machines, treadmills, and free weights. Remember to keep the weights very light - you want to get a 'feel' for each piece of equipment so you can figure out which ones you like the best. Make a list of your top 5 pieces.
• If possible, visit a local fitness equipment store and see what they have to offer. If they have the gear you like, ask if they're running any promotions now or in the near future. Never buy exercise equipment at normal "retail" prices unless money isn't an issue.




• Never make an "impulse buy" at a sporting goods or fitness equipment store or over the phone. Salespeople often tell you anything just to get you to buy!




• Always choose equipment that you take pleasure in using. Many of the cheaper products seem like a good deal at the time but you'll soon tire of strange, annoying movements and/or poor materials and unstable construction.