It's getting to be that time of year again! The time of year when people thinking about bringing their best qualities forth. Often that means improving their physique. Home exercise equipment is a popular option especially for people with busy lives. Going to the gym is some times impractical and cumbersome. It takes almost more effort to go to the gym than it does to work out. Buying exercise equipment is a popular way to tone down, shape up and increase your metabolism. Oh and did I mention it would make an excellent Christmas gift too? ;)

Treadmills and Ellipticals are popular home exercise equipment. They help condition and promote cardiovascular health. Consumer reports indicate that Gym memberships peaked in 2006 and are on a slow steady decline. Treadmill sales continue to grow each year. What are some things to look for when purchasing a treadmill? Look at the space it fits into. Will the treadmill have to fold or will it be stationary? Also look for the comfort feel of the treadmill. Make sure it is sturdy enough for your body frame. Believe it or not you will be eventually running on it. Also be sure to look at the warranty. Decide if an extended warranty is necessary. Often they yare not!.

Ellipticals are another form of home exercise equipment that have grown in popularity. Elliptical give a similar workout but eliminate the impact brought on by the treadmill.They too are a a good work out for the cardiovascular system. Ellipticals are good for creating balance and for people who have the extra weight. Ellipticals can work out many other body parts such as the glutes and the legs and hips. Turning up the resistance allows for a more intense workout. Some elliptical allow for backwards motion, which works out a whole set of other muscles. Consumer reports recommends a Norditrack or an Audio strider brand. Use the same guidelines as the treadmill when making your purchasing decision.

 Weight training is another popular form of exercise.  You can do countless exercises with the small weights.  There are several exercise videos on the marker to instruct you on how to make the most benefit form your weights.  Jillian Michael's of Biggest Loser fame is sure to inspire you to push yourself to the max.  Speaking of pushing yourself to the max be sure you purchase a floor mat.  The mat will offer you extra cushion when you are getting down and dirty with your sit ups and other excruciating floor exercises.

If you are wanting something a little more intense and have the room and the money for it then Bowflex is a good choice in home exercise equipment. One reviewer gave it his highest marks simply because it encompassed everything he needed in a workout. The bowflex offers resistance with out the possibility of straining your muscles or sustaining injury. ( unless you bought one in 2005.. those are being recalled ;) )

 Bowflex's cheaper cousin is the Crossbow.  It sells for a fraction of the price but has about the same exercises as the Bowflex.  I had a crossbow oat one time.  It does offer good resistance but I felt my movements were jerky and and not as controlled.  Like the Bowflex the Cross bow is a headache to try and put together, but well worth the effort.

The Total Gym by Chuck Norris offers a total body workout in 20 minutes. No doubt you have seen the advertisements on TV where Chuck and Christie Brinkley are showing off their bodies and how their machine keeps them in shape. I found good reviews on it stating it was user friendly and fun to use. This device will help you build muscle and will also help you with your aerobic workout. The bench is sturdy and can incline for tougher exercises. And It folds up and is easy to put away for home exercise equipment.

Maybe you are not so much interested in obtaining home exercise equipment to help you tone up as you are in controlling your own body. Pilate's teaches you how to balance your self and tone your muscles. To do Pilate's you don't necessarily have to use machines although there are some available. There are instructional books and videos to help you learn at home.

 Zumba is the latest dance/workout fad.  It promises to have you slimmer and happier after a few  workouts.  if you feel better about dancing around in your living room than purchase a few of the DVDs.  Maybe you can get a friend to do it with you.  I find this kind of exercise routine to be tiresome if not motivated by a group.

 One of the simplest pieces of workout equipment you can own is the exercise ball.  This oversize durable  ball can provide you with many activities.  It is good for keeping balance, working on posture, doing sit ups and crunches.  Most exercise balls come with a whole list of exercises you can do.