It’s not easy to stay in shape these days. Our busy lifestyles tend to put the fitness routines we need at the bottom of our ‘what is important list’. Unfortunately, we all lack the motivation when it comes to regular exercise. We are often too tired at the end of an exhausting day. It seems to be all we can do to drag ourselves home from work and collapse. Just the simple act of movement makes us groan in pain.

Every time we turn on the television there is an advertisement for yet another piece of exercise equipment that is guaranteed to get one fit and lean in no time, with minimal effort on our part. Now, one could spend the money on a gym membership, but that would mean actually having to leave the house. Too much effort required. It is easier to order equipment, set it up at home, and contemplate using it! Let’s take a look at what is available.

Now, do you want to look like the guy or girl in the Bow Flex ads? (Who, by the way, never seem to break a sweat while doing all those different workout routines?) According to the ads and info, the Bow Flex Home Gym can exercise any part of your body. Back, legs, abs, upper chest, you name it.

How about the Total Home Gym? That sounds promising, doesn’t it? A gym at home. You will never have to leave. You can get physically fit in the comfort of your living room.

Then there are all the various types of treadmills available. From a simple, walking only version, to one that will record your heart rate, respirations, speed and resistance, and will even tell you how much more you can take.

Elliptical machines work your legs and build up your endurance.

Bicycles come in many types also. Some just require you to sit and pedal away the pounds, and others are designed to give you a real workout, with adjustable speeds and resistances.

There are other things like gliders and walkers available, but you can get the same results by simply going for a walk in the fresh air.

Smaller pieces of equipment can be had for under $50. The Door Gym is something that fits in the door frame and works your abs, allows you to do chin ups for upper body strength, or pushups.

Practicing yoga is a good way to become physically fit. The only equipment you will have to invest in would be a mat, and a strap for resistance exercises. Oh, and some really comfortable clothing.

If you are going to invest a lot of money in fitness equipment makes sure you are going to use it. Many people spend thousands of dollars and then find that they really aren’t motivated. The equipment gathers dust, and is eventually sold in a yard sale for a fraction of the price they paid. Fitness equipment can be something as simple as a stair stepper or as complicated as a home gym but whatever you choose; you have to use it for it to be effective.