You’ve just turned the TV off, but that “But wait, there’s more!” phrase keeps ringing in your head. Infomercials on home exercise equipment are a dime a dozen, so it’s pretty easy to be swayed by that catchy, manly voice on air. If you’re looking to buy one for yourself, first think about these things:

Identify your fitness goals. Do you want to trim certain areas of your body, or are you looking for a good cardio workout machine? Search among the various exercise equipment to see which one will help you best achieve your goals.

Will you enjoy using the exercise equipment? Is it safe to use alone?

Does the equipment look sturdy enough to last?

What storage options does the equipment have? Is there enough room in your place to stash it away when not in use?

At the end of the day, it will all boil down to whether or not you will actually use that piece of equipment. Whether it’s a treadmill or a stationary bike, it will be utterly useless if you don’t use it. Once you get results, then you’ll be able to determine the value of what you bought.

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