New Year's resolutions will drive scores of ambitious people to the local gym, but what if you didn't have to go? What if you lacked the motivation, but you could get all the benefits of health-club equipment in your own home? The fitness products reviewed on Consumer Guide can give you the chance to incorporate all those workouts, find what's right for you, and get in shape for the New Year. Before undertaking any new fitness program, especially if you haven't been active in a while, it is prudent that you consult with a doctor.

Bowflex Sport Home Gym

The least expensive of the Bowflex models still uses the power rod resistance of the more expensive models and offers over 60 different exercises. The Bowflex may take a little getting used to, as it takes longer to adjust the weight than more standard plate stacks, but the power rod system is much quieter -- an important consideration if you live in an apartment or condo. The cables on this home gym operate smoothly and, with the exception of abdominal exercises, the Bowflex Sport has everything to provide you with a full body workout.

Bowflex Sport Home Gym

Body Solid Home Gym EXM1500S

Backed by an impressive warranty, the Body Solid EXM1500S is a sturdy, well made home gym aimed at exercisers with both limited space and limited budget. With a compact footprint, the gym still incorporates stations for chest press, seated row, leg extension and curl, lat pulldown, and an ab crunch or mid pulley station. The machine operates smoothly and almost silently, and it's quick and easy to adjust for different exercises or to accommodate different users, making it ideal for use by the whole family.

Smooth Fitness 6.25

The Smooth Fitness 6.25 treadmill is a great package for a reasonable price. The 20-inch wide and 54-inch long belt is cushioned for joint protection. An LED console has monitors for speed, time, distance and calories burned. You can monitor your heart rate using the treadmill's handrail sensors or a chest strap. In addition to all of this, the Smooth Fitness 6.25 comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame; a 5-year warranty on parts; 1-year in-home labor coverage.


Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A elliptical machine

The Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A offers a smooth and quiet motion without any dangerous wobbles. It also features 10 preset workouts along with 2 heart rate controlled programs. Smaller conveniences include a floor leveler feature, a water bottle holder and built-in wheels to make it easy to set up and store away. The Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A is a superior elliptical that delivers a consistent home workout at an exceptionally low price.


Life Fitness C3 Upright cycle

The Life Fitness C3 Upright exercise cycle is built to last, and as it should considering its price. There is a lot packaged into this bike including 20 resistance levels and 10 programmed workouts. Five of the workouts are geared toward controlling one's heart rate. You can even keep track of your heart rate and measure your progress by using the heart rate sensors. These are built into the handlebars and a chest strap.