If you're keen on the idea of setting up a home gym, you'll want to explore all the different options you have available to you.  It can end up being very expensive to install a really good home gym so it's important that you take the time to do your research as you don't want to end up buying equipment that ends up sitting around gathering dust.

Treadmill

A treadmill is often the first item of equipment that people think of.  It's a really good choice too as they offer you the ability to strengthen your cardiovascular system as well as strengthening and toning numerous muscle groups.  They are also fantastic if you want to burn up those calories!  However they are one of the most costly options so might not be something you want to consider at this stage.

Aerobic Rider

If you are wanting a cheaper option then you should look at the aerobic rider.  This isn't considered to be an essential item of home gym equipment however there are a number of reasons why you should consider buying one plus you can easily buy a used one for no more than $50.

Dumbbells

Cardio isn't the only type of exercise you should be doing of course.  You should also aim to increase your muscle strength and therefore a set of weights will be a must.  If you're just starting out and don't have much money then there are neoprene dumbbell sets that you can buy.  However after some time you'll find that these aren't enough and so you'll want to upgrade to something more advanced.

Weight Machine

The best option if you have the money and space is to buy a weight machine.  However it's a good idea to be familiar with this kit before you buy one yourself.  Try it out at a local gym to see what you think of it.  When buying a weight machine, make sure it's got lots of different options so that you can work out your whole body and keep you interested in working out.

A weight machine should cost at least a few hundred dollars.  Of course, the best deal is to buy a second hand one that is still in good condition.  You should be able to use the machine to work out many different muscle groups in your body and the ability to carry out different routines to keep your interest going.  It's also good to alter your routine every few weeks so that your muscles don't get used to doing the same exercise over and over again.

Elliptical Trainer

The elliptical trainer is also a very popular item of gym equipment and is also one of the pricier pieces that you can buy.  However they are truly excellent for working out your cardiovascular system and there are different exercises that you do on them.  You are mainly using your legs with the elliptical trainer however if you make use of the handles you'll also be able to work out your deltoids, biceps, back muscles and pecs plus much more besides.

Nordic Ski Machine

Another item of equipment to consider is the Nordic ski machine.  They are designed to emulate cross-country skiing which may or may not be your thing.  However they can also be used a bit like an elliptical trainer.

The important part of planning a home gym is to think carefully about what you are buying and whether or not you'll still want to use the item of equipment in months and years to come.  There's no point in spending lots of money on something that is little more than a novelty item.

Exercise bikes can be purchased in a range of types and costs so there is sure to be one to suit both your exercise needs and your budget. The three types available are upright, semi-recumbent and recumbent exercise bikes. Using an exercise bike is an excellent form of cardio-vascular exercise, will tone your muscles and will also help to reduce your weight by burning calories. This type of exercise has also been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. A recumbent exercise bike is as popular nowadays as a treadmill and is as efficient at burning calories and toning the body.

When using a recumbent exercise bike you will be seated close to the floor with the feet on the same level as the chest. This is a comfortable position to exercise and many people prefer it to the more upright position of traditional exercise bikes. This position is also very suitable and easy for beginners. Most experts agree that recumbent exercise bikes are safer, easy and pleasant to use and you are much more likely to continue to work out. Although ideal for beginners they are suitable for everyone at all fitness levels as the resistance has a wide range of settings from almost no resistance at all to extremely difficult, suitable for the dedicated athlete. One can easily simulate up hill pedalling and sprinting and you can even add weights and do reps while pedalling for an upper body workout.

A recumbent exercise bike will have a wide range of built in programs to keep you from becoming bored and give up! You can adjust the type of workout you need from a lazy, gentle pedal while reading a magazine to a strenuous, uphill slog depending on your mood and level of fitness.

These types of exercise bikes are also safer as they put less strain on the back and knees. You will be sitting in a comfortable position with a good posture, unlike on an upright exercise bike where you may be hunched over , causing enormous back strain. Unlike many other types of exercise there is much less strain on the knees and joints so they are particularly good for those of us of more mature years. With an upright exercise bike you can stand in the pedals when the going gets tough which is very bad for the knees. You can't do this with a recumbent bike so you can't cheat in this way!

A recumbent excercise bike is easy to adjust to your height and resistance level.They come with a range of accessories, such as a heart rate monitor, LCD display and a range of programs and are available from around $300 to over $2000 depending on the quality and range of accessories and programs.