You’ve stuck to your New Year’s Resolutions and have slowly adapted to a healthy lifestyle.  The numbers on the scale are reflecting this.  You feel better.  The energy levels are up.  You’ve already established the fact that going to the gym isn’t possible.  The decision has been made that working out at home will be more convenient.  That’s as far as you’ve gotten.  It’s a thought.  An idea.  With all the equipment out there you don’t know which one to purchase.

You’re not alone.  I went through this almost two years ago.  I saved my pennies and waited for the deals to surface for home fitness equipment.  It’s an investment.  Who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on something that is eventually going to turn into a coat rack or collect dust in the basement.  I did my research.  I asked friends and family who owned fitness equipment what they thought.  Which equipment did they prefer?  I don’t have a lot of spare time throughout the day so I wanted a full body workout in minimal time.  My final decision was an elliptical machine that I purchased from Workout Warehouse. 

If you’re seriously considering purchasing some fitness equipment for the home, here are a few things to consider…

*The most important thing is try before you buy.  That doesn’t mean visiting your local Sears store and trying out select pieces of fitness equipment for a minute or two.  My suggestion is you buy a gym membership for a month or find a friend or family member with fitness equipment that you can use.  Give the equipment a serious test run for several weeks.  Asking for advice on what others like is useful, but that piece of equipment works for them.  It might not work for you.  Once you buy your piece of equipment, you’re stuck with it.  If it’s something you hate, you’re not going to use it.  I loved my elliptical machine and I saw visible results, however, after a few months I wished I would have gone with my first choice of a treadmill.  I love to walk, jog and use arm weights.  That’s hard to do on an elliptical machine.

*Buy a piece of equipment that you thoroughly enjoy using and can see yourself still using after six months.  If a stationary bike makes you miserable and you dread sitting on it, you’re not going to stick to a daily routine.  If you’re under the impression that having it at home will make it easier to stick to it, you’re wrong.  Having it at home just makes it more convenient.  Getting on it and enjoying it is what’s going to make it a success.

*Establish what you want to get out of  workout and do your research.  Are you looking to run a marathon down the road?  Do you want to build muscle?  Is toning up and shaping your body your ultimate goal?  If a killer cardio workout is what you’re aiming for than you don’t want to purchase a weight set.  Those who are doing the Couch to 5K program would be better off purchasing a treadmill.  Get a piece of equipment that fits your needs and will grow with you as you reach and maintain your goals.

*Stay away from the ‘too good to be true’ items.  A belt that sends electrical currents to your stomach muscles will not give you a six pack of abs while you’re slumped on the sofa watching TV.  Enough said.  From experience, the only way to get into shape and tone is to get up and move.

*A large piece of fitness equipment may not be your most favorable choice or maybe you don’t have the space.  Another option are accessories and videos.  Pilates is one of my favorites and sometimes popping in a DVD and getting out my mat and weights is what I’m in the mood for.  Gaiam has a huge selection of items available from yoga equipment to exercise videos from Jillian Michaels, Ana Caban, Leslie Sansone and The FIRM Instructors.

Whatever you choose, you’re headed in the right direction.  Incorporating a fitness routine into your healthy lifestyle is a smart choice.  Saving money with great deals on fitness equipment is a cinch!  Check out Workout Warehouse for some killer sales on elliptical machines, treadmills, bikes and more!  Shipping is free if you pay in full.  Sears is still offering up to 40% off all fitness equipment with free delivery and assembly on select Sole items.  You’ll also get an instant $100 savings with purchase of any Sole treadmill or elliptical.  And last, but not least, you’ll find top values for healthy living on the Walmart ‘Get Back On Track‘ pages.  Scoop up some super deals on treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, strength and weight training, boxing and fitness apparel.