With the medical professional's recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, it's a great time to start thinking about purchasing some exercise equipment. There are many different types of exercise equipment available from treadmills to elliptical machines to stationary bikes. Deciding what type of equipment depends on a few key questions.

Will you use it?
Many people jump on the exercise equipment bandwagon and never end up using their equipment besides to hold dirty laundry or other clutter in the house. If you have never used a piece of exercise equipment and you don't know what you would even like, do a 2 week trial membership at a local gym or health club. Researching the exercise equipment you think you will like is a great idea to decide on what to purchase. Start with looking at activities you enjoy. If you like walking, you probably will enjoy a treadmill. If you enjoy biking outdoors, a stationary bike is the way to go.

What can you afford?
Many people dream of purchasing the $3,000 treadmill when they can really only afford the $1,000 model. Knowing your cash flow situation is critical when planning your gym. Finding quality for the cost isn't always easy so take the time to do your research on different pieces of exercise equipment. If you only have fifty dollars, try purchasing an exercise ball or a set of dumbbell weights. Resistance bands are also a great way to tone up quickly without putting a large dent in your wallet.

How much space do you have?
If you have a small house or apartment that won't accommodate a treadmill, elliptical machine or exercise bike, you may need to look into alternatives for exercising. Many people have chosen to put their exercise equipment in the garage, while this is a good concept, will you really exercise in sweltering heat or freezing cold? If you don't have the space, don't buy it.

Now that you have a few of the basic questions answered it's time to find out what kind of exercise equipment will work for you. Doing research on different types of exercise equipment is a great place to start. Finding a local gym or health club who will offer a free trial membership is a wonderful idea. You will be exposed to several different types of exercise equipment and will gain first hand experience using the machines. Of course, going to a specialty fitness retailer or exercise equipment dealer will help you understand the equipment and ask questions to trained staff members.

Before you start buying the exercise equipment, ask yourself a few key questions:

• What do I want to accomplish? Do I want to tone up, stay in shape, or is this for rehabilitation purposes?
• What is my current fitness level and do I see myself expanding on this?
• How much spare time do I have to dedicate to exercise?
• Will I get bored using this equipment?
• How many people will be using the exercise equipment?
• Do I enjoy this activity?

Treadmills
Treadmills are the number one selling piece of exercise equipment on the market. Why? They work and they are easy to use! Walking is a natural process that most people have done since they were one year old. If you have noticed all the diet and fitness fads, you have noticed that the treadmill is the one piece of exercise equipment that never changes and is always around. This is a true testament to treadmill shoppers; they know they are buying a product that has given many people results. Treadmills are great because they allow you to walk or run indoors without worrying about the inclement weather.

When selecting a treadmill you need to ask yourself how many people will be using it and for how long and how much do they weigh. Most quality treadmills start out at around $1,500 and up. A treadmill should have a smooth feeling, a steady pace, and a normal belt. Average belt sizes are 18'' wide by 52'' long. Most quality treadmills include a standard warranty that is lifetime on the frame, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor.

To pick a treadmill you should start looking online at product reviews. A few of the best brands on the market are Nordic Track and ProForm. Nordic Track is the number one selling brand of treadmills on the market. They are given high reviews for smooth cushioning, quality build, and excellent warranties. ProForm offers the best value for budget treadmills. They are manufactured by ICON, the same manufacturer of Nordic Track.

Elliptical Machines
Elliptical Machines are quickly becoming one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment. The elliptical machine is a great piece of exercise equipment for many people looking to rehabilitate their joints. It is a stationary piece of exercise equipment that is easy to use without causing excessive pressure to the joints. Elliptical machines are primarily driven by the legs, with the arms pulling on handles. You can adjust the intensity or keep the movement easy for beginners or those looking to rehabilitate muscles or joints.

Most elliptical machines range from $200 to $5,000 dollars. To pick a good elliptical machine, you should look at the stride and motion. The stride should be at least 21'' and the motion of the machine should feel smooth and quiet. Your elliptical machine should not feel jerky and shouldn't make a lot of noise. It should sound like a small breeze instead of a squeaky train!

Again, ICON manufactures elliptical machines and they have great reviews from customers and health clubs that use elliptical machines.

Stationary Bike
The stationary bike is a great piece of home exercise equipment. Stationary bikes offer a quiet cardiovascular workout in the comfort of your own home. When selecting a stationary bike, you need to look at the seating position and resistance level. Depending upon your situation, you may want a stationary bike that has a seat so your can lean your back against it. Most people choose the standard seating position as if you were on a real bike outside. The resistance level of a stationary bike is also another factor to keep in mind. If you purchase a stationary bike and decide the highest level of resistance is too easy, you are stuck with a piece of exercise equipment you may never use. Be sure to try out the stationary bike before you purchase them.

Stationary bikes are not as expensive as elliptical machines and treadmills; their average price range is $150 to $2,000. Depending upon the added features you get, you will pay more for the brand and manufacturing.

As with the treadmills and elliptical machines, ICON again beats many competitors to be the best brand of stationary bikes on the market. Do your research online to compare several types and try using one before you buy it.

If you can't purchase any of the above pieces of exercise equipment, you can start small. Step machines are relatively inexpensive and provide a great workout to your lower body. A step machine is small and doesn't require as much room as a treadmill or elliptical machine.

Resistance equipment is also a great piece of exercise equipment. They require little space and don't make a large dent in your wallet. Free weights and resistance bands are the most popular types of resistance equipment. With free weights, you need to have proper supervision because they are more likely to cause injury to its users than other forms of exercise equipment.

Beware of fitness fads that you may see on TV. If you honestly think you can get a toned stomach by sitting at the couch with electric shocker attached to your stomach, you are wrong. Fitness fad items are not the highest quality and not the most user friendly. Be cautious about what you purchase and always look at product reviews before buying an piece of exercise equipment.

Spend time at the gym or health club using the equipment before you buy it. Nothing can compare with first-hand experience. You need to be confident in the exercise equipment you are buying and be sure that it will work for you and that you will enjoy using it. The best thing you can do for your new purchase is keep it clean. Just like a car, some exercise equipment requires oil to be placed in it for a certain number of hours use, be sure you provide proper maintenance to your new investment. Any piece of exercise equipment is beneficial to your health if you use it. Don't purchase a treadmill and let it sit in the garage, place it in a room where you will see it on a daily basis and remember to use it. With all the different types of exercise equipment available, be sure you are making an investment not only for your health, but for your families health as well. You can significantly change your future will 30 minutes on the treadmill a day!