A beautifully toned and fit body is everyone's dream, but in today's stressed and strained world it is not only aesthetics that count, but one's health.
Many people just do not have the extra finance to join a fitness centre and pay monthly fees for the use of their equipment, so the answer is to have your own personal gym at home.
Before launching into a home exercise equipment buying spree, it would be a good idea to find a gym near you which offers a free trial period, so that you can go along, try out all the machines and then decide what home exercise equipment you would like to own.
Although this equipment may be expensive, a good rule of thumb is to start out small to see if it gives the desired results and if you continue to use it.
Everyone will, of course, start out with the best of intentions, but few take it seriously enough to continue to use their home exercise equipment long term.
If you do, then you can slowly go on to more complex, and possibly pricier, machines.
Bear in mind before you buy home exercise equipment that you need to find space to set up and use the machines; and you will also need storage space for when they are not in use.
There are numerous types of home exercise equipment on the market and making the correct choice can be confusing.
Set out below are some of the machines recommended for home use.
The only two non-mechanical pieces of home exercise equipment are a skipping rope, which is excellent for a highly intensive cardio-vascular workout.
All you need for a complete workout - besides the skipping rope - is good balance, strength and agility; and so-called resistance equipment, such as weights.
Simply weights are to be found relatively cheaply - or initially you could even use a tin of beans in each hand! The least expensive of all home exercise equipment are the various types of balancing equipment.
Balance exercises are designed to improve your agility, co-ordination and core strength, thereby reducing your risk of injury.
Rowing machines give a full body aerobic workout by using both the upper and lower body, but one needs to learn exactly how to use this machine, as improper use could lead to back strain.
Treadmills are also popular for indoor aerobic exercise.
They allow you to walk or run as long and as fast as you like, whatever the weather or time of day.
Buy one that is solid and has a smooth action, and which comes with a wide belt and a safety shut off switch.
  There are also models which can be inclined to make the exercise more strenuous.
Bicycles ensure a non-impact cardiovascular workout and are a good option for those who are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
By their nature, bicycles mostly work on the buttocks and legs.
Step machines also work on the lower body.
  They ensure a low impact aerobic workout and build up and strengthen the lower back and leg muscles.
The above is only a small selection the exercise equipment available, but take one aerobic step at a time, build up your strength and health - and then progress on to the more advanced machines.
Become a home exercise equipment junkie - it's good for you!