Some of these are often built into or come with fitness equipment like treadmills or elliptical trainers. But often those types raise the price far beyond what a separate accessory would cost, while sometimes not being as good.

A good example is a heart monitor.

Some treadmills have a heart monitor built into the handles or available as a separate chest strap that feeds information into a central console at the front. But they can raise the price by a couple of hundred dollars or more. By contrast, a good separate accessory may be no more than a modestly priced watch, say about $69.

Several models, in fact, actually look and have features very much like a digital wristwatch. With sensors built-into the strap and/or case, these types offer a convenient way to measure the pulse or heart rate. You just strap them on like you would any wristwatch, press a button or two and the monitor shows the figure in a small LCD display.

Separate heart rate monitors are often more accurate than those built into a treadmill or elliptical, too. Chest straps, for example, can provide a very precise measure of the pulse. You just snap them on at the top of the rib case and the device transmits data to a reader/display unit.

Any good one will not only tell the time of day, but also offer a timer so you know how long to work on any given exercise. They should also be able to store multiple readings so they can be recalled later. Seeing a trend is often better than a single number. In fitness, the recovery rate (how soon your pulse returns to normal after vigorous exercise) is often a better gauge than a single pulse rate at a given time.

Body fat gauges are another case in point.

Measuring weight is easy with scales. But that can provide only an approximation of body fat percentage by using the BMI formula. [Mass in kg / (height*height) or (weight in pounds * 703) / (height in inches squared)] BMI is a valuable number, since it's correlated with many health factors. But the body fat percentage is a more direct indicator.

There are a wide variety of body fat gauges on the market, many of which resemble a set of calipers with a small LCD display incorporated. You squeeze the calipers against a fold of skin, say on the abdomen or upper arm, and the display shows an easy-to-read figure.

The gauge should be able to adjust for gender, age and other parameters that make the number more personally meaningful. Storing multiple readings is helpful so you can monitor changes. An audible beep to indicate when you're pressing with the right force is helpful, too.

There are dozens of helpful fitness accessories that will help you get the most out of your gear and your workout. After all, exercise isn't an end in itself. Optimizing health is the goal. But optimizing your workout with accessories is one great way to do that.

An elliptical trainer can only provide those benefits, though, if it contains some must-have features.

In any piece of fitness equipment safety comes first. That's provided by a sturdy frame and quality parts. It's no accident that those attributes also give you a good deal for your money. Look for an elliptical made from good steel alloy and high-impact plastic or composites.

The handrails should feel like the Hulk could not rip them off. The stepping pads should be able to withstand an insane six-year old jumping on them until he's sixty. Ok, that might be an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

At the same time, all those parts should be smooth and quiet. That isn't just a matter of not being annoyed while you listen to music. Quality parts are quiet and vice-versa. They're reliable and long-lasting and continue to perform like new even after years of use.

But beyond the basics, ellipticals have several unique features that will distinguish a great one from a merely good one.

Adjustable resistance and inclines will help you get the most out of your workout. As you use the machine over a period of time your strength and coordination levels will improve. That's the whole idea. The machine should let you start out at your level, but keep up with you as you rise.

One important feature that ties into that is stride length. Since ellipticals, by design, allow you to emulate walking they have to be set for some stride length. Get one appropriate to your height, leg length and natural stride. Some are as short as 14 in/31 cm but 21 in/47 cm is the average. Taller individuals will want to look for something larger, of course.

Even though you need the right stride, be prepared to stretch yourself a bit. You don't want to feel awkward forever. With an elliptical many people do at first - that's natural. But you want the machine to have the capacity to challenge you. A longer stride length is a factor in making that possible.

The arm handles (not present on all models, but very handy to have, no pun intended) let you get a good upper body workout while you walk. If their resistance can be adjusted, that's a great feature. Here again they should let you work them at your beginning level, but not be too easy as you gain muscle.

Look for quality that fits your body style and workout goals and you're bound to find something that suits your needs.

A weight, whether in the form of a free weight or a stack on a machine gives you the opportunity to exert a varying degree of force. That makes it possible to tailor your workout to your level.

Weight training improves strength over time, while tuning the cardiovascular system which reacts naturally to supply muscles with what they need. As you build strength you are improving coordination, creating a stable body environment for joints and making the heart work, which improves overall health.

Resistance bands offer similar benefits, along with some of their own.

As you increase the amount of stretch, the band pulls back with greater and greater force. To get a feel for the amount of that force consider a highly stretched rubber band. It travels a lot farther when released than a limp one.

Resistance bands help increase bone density, as the body reacts to the strain by releasing biochemicals that add calcium. It's very indirect, but the effect is real, even while it's gradual. That effort increases the metabolic rate as the body supplies oxygen to tissues.

Beyond the valuable workout benefits there are convenience benefits to exercise bands, too. They're ultra-easy to store, since they'll fit into a drawer or on a closet shelf with no problem. Lightweight and ultra flexible they are even easier to handle than small dumbbells. And a lot safer.

In both cases - band or weight - the muscles have to work against forces directed against them. But now look at the differences in how those two types of force are applied. They tend to operate in different directions.

The difference in those two directions creates an opportunity to work different muscles in different ways. Both help enhance strength, but using both gives you a much wider variety. That leads, in turn, to a workout that is more comprehensive.

For those who are recovering from an injury, whether from a previous workout or more long term, an exercise band can be a little easier to use in some circumstances. You can insert a foot into the handle of a resistance band, then take up the other end with your hand. Or, you can use both feet to stretch the band. That gives a range of exercises it would be hard to duplicate with weights, unless you invest in some expensive equipment.

Free weights on the other hand, say in the form of small dumbbells, can offer a great way to do some curls even in a wheelchair. It's possible to use a resistance band that way, but it can be more difficult, depending on the type of injury you have.

Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses and the ideal workout program will incorporate both to get the best of both worlds.

Dumbbells typically come in the form of a short bar with a weight on each end. Some are one-piece molded plastic (usuallly neoprene). Others have discs that can be swapped out, added to and so forth. The integrated style have the advantage of being low-cost, very sturdy and relatively safe to use. But you'll often want several pair of different weights, offsetting the savings. Adjustable free weights allow you to choose how much weight you want to work with, but require a little time and sometimes a tool to make the swap.

Both offer an excellent range of motion that can be approached by very few weight machines. They allow you to move the mass any way you want so you can tailor your workout. It's difficult to find a machine that will allow you to do curls, wrist work, deltoid development and more. When you can, it requires having more than one station on a weight machine, which increases its cost.

But, dumbbells can be a little riskier to use. While caution is required with weight machines, too, they make it less likely to slip and hit yourself with the weight. A weight machine offers a stack that slides up or down a fixed pole or an in-built resistance mechanism and it's practically impossible to topple them over.

If you curl a free weight fast and hit yourself in the chest, you won't be the first one to get a bruise that way. Many a foot has experienced the force of a dropped dumbbell, too. Getting ones made of neoprene helps only slightly, since 20 lbs dropped on your toe hurts whether it's made of metal or not and the material is not spongy.

Free weights, since they're quite a bit smaller than even the smallest weight machine, provide the ultimate in space savings. A weight machine will take up about as much space in a room as a treadmill, sometimes more if it has multiple stations. Dumbbells can easily fit under the bed or in the closet.

They're also very flexible. Many models allow the weights to be attached to a barbell, which increases the value of your investment. Just remove them and slide them onto a bar that may be up to several feet wide and you can have an entirely different kind of workout.

Weight machines offer a different kind of flexibility, though, one that can particularly benefit the novice. With a weight machine it's very easy to design a workout that is tailored to very specific muscle groups. Free weights make it a little more difficult to control the movement to hone in on just the ones you want.

If you're on a strict budget, it's best to start with a small set of dumbbells. Non-interchangeable plastic models sell for only a few dollars, but even a set that can be loaded up to 50 lbs or more can be had for a few hundred. A discount weight machine will start at that price and go up from there.

Also, if you want the most flexible workout possible, free weights are the way to go. Weight machines have some terrific benefits but dumbbells provide the greatest possible range of motion for the most varied workouts.

Low-impact fitness gear to the rescue!

There are half a dozen different kinds of fitness equipment that offer the ability to build strength and coordination, improve balance and optimize joint health. Cardiovascular health and lung capacity are not neglected here, either. Several of the items discussed below offer those benefits as part of an overall low-impact exercise program.

Rowing machines, for example, offer a full body workout that gives tremendous cardiovascular benefits with little stress on the joints. On the contrary, a rowing machine helps improve joint health by keeping supporting muscles strong and encouraging lubrication.

Stationary bikes or spinning cycles also provide a great cardio workout as they emphasize development of the hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes. They really work the muscles that stabilize the knees and provide similar benefits to ankle joints.

Stair stepping is another low-impact exercise and stair steppers are usually less expensive than many other items in the home gym. They keep knee-stabilizing quadriceps firm as they help shape up the calves and give an all-round good cardio workout.

For those with a little bigger budget a treadmill is a superb piece of low-impact fitness equipment. Walking in general is great for health. But sometimes sidewalks can be a little hard on the ankles and knees. Also, you may want to keep your workout indoors for reasons of safety or convenience, especially if you tend to exercise in the evenings. Treadmills are the perfect low-impact item to help you achieve those values.

An elliptical trainer is the latest must-have addition to the home gym, but it's not just a fad. Over the years since their introduction they've proven their worth. They help improve coordination, develop leg and back muscles, and optimize the cardiovascular system. But, unlike the outdoor exercises they emulate an elliptical doesn't stress the joints.

Even a weight machine can provide a whole set of low-impact exercises that build strength, tone, curb body fat and burn calories. Weight machine exercises do put some stress on joints, to be sure. But there's a big difference in effect on the knees between, say, a leg-press that works the hamstrings, calves and quads and the pounding that jogging entails.

There are a variety of reasons that finding low-impact exercises can be near the top of someone's fitness goals. Recent surgery or other medical condition, advancing age, or a dozen other life circumstances can make it important to take extra care with joints and bones. Fortunately, there are several items of fitness equipment that make it easy to satisfy those goals.

Most people will first think about getting a treadmill. That's an excellent choice. They provide superb cardiovascular benefits, help strengthen and tone several muscle groups and can burn calories like mad. But, because of the cost, this might not be the piece of gear to start with first.

An aerobic rider is a good place to start, even though that piece of gear is not absolutely essential. It has real benefits for those just starting out and a used one can be purchased for less than $50.

To build muscle and improve coordination and joint stability, a good set of weights is a must. To save money, it's possible to start small with a few neoprene dumbbell sets of varying weights. But soon, you'll want to graduate to an interchangeable outfit, especially the type with plates or discs that can be used either on dumbbells or barbells.

If you have the budget (and interest) you might take the plunge and go for a weight machine or home gym. That investment is better made after you've used one at the public gym at least a few times, though. Once you decide to go for it, make sure to get one with at least a few stations. You don't want your interest to wane out of lack of variety after only a few weeks or months.

A good weight machine will cost at least a few hundred dollars, probably closer to $1,000 or more. That's a substantial investment, but a good machine will work for you and keep your interest for years. You can build strength in every muscle group and a good one will have enough variety to perform a few dozen different exercises. Some will even include a rowing machine as part of the unit.

An elliptical trainer is another favorite, even though they too can be pricey. They provide not only excellent cardio benefits, but make possible a whole range of exercises. The emphasis is on leg development, but with a good pair of handles you can also work back muscles, deltoids, pecs, biceps and more.

One alternative, or addition, is Nordic ski machines. They may seem like a specialty item, since they're designed to emulate cross-country skiing and you may not be into that. But the types of motion used are similar to that employed in using an elliptical trainer. Emphasis is on leg development, but with simulated pole motion you can get a range of back and arm exercises too.

The most important aspect of outfitting a home gym, though, isn't the dollars you spend or the gear you get. Those aren't unimportant, but they're not the key. The key is to get quality gear that you will enjoy using.

According to numerous official studies the major reason most people stop working out is lost motivation. That can be brought on by injury, lack of variety or other factors. A good home gym plan will keep you using that gear you spent so much research time investigating and money buying.

Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate when you want to go for a ride on your bicycle. Sometimes, you just don't feel like going anywhere. Often, you can't spare the time to get dressed, cycle a few miles, and get back before you have to leave for an appointment. These situations and many more all provide the opening for one of the fitness enthusiast's favorite pieces of equipment: the stationary bike.

For a cost that, today, is often much less than a good 10-speed or mountain bike, you can get a stationary bike that provides a great workout. Cardio, quadriceps and calves, and more are common benefits of using one. Want to burn calories like mad? Want to work up a healthy sweat and lose that extra body fat? A stationary bike is one of the best ways to accomplish those goals.

The same benefits are available with spinning cycles. In fact, the differences between the two are relatively minor. Spinning cycles usually have a gear mechanism that more closely approximates a real outdoor bike. A spin bike also tends to be a little larger and shaped more like a standard outdoor model. Often they cost a little more.

Personal taste and the desired workout style will dictate whether to purchase an upright or a recumbent model. But whichever variation you prefer, a good one will offer at least the same minimal set of features.

The seat should adjust to fit your height and comfort, and provide the kind of workout you want. Most should sit about hip height while standing. The pedals should also fit your leg length and feel comfortable at a standstill and while in motion. The bike should be easy to get on and off without snagging clothing, bumping your knees and so forth.

For safety, a cover on the gears and/or chain mechanism is helpful. People workout in different types of clothing. You're unlikely to get spandex leotards caught in one but a loose pair of sweatpants is an accident waiting to happen without some kind of protection. Chain guards also help keep oil from splattering or contacting your clothing.

Adjustable inertia/resistance is very desirable. Just like a 10-speed, different gears make it easier or more difficult to pedal. A stationary bike or spinning cycle should offer the equivalent. That way you can vary your workout at the beginning, in the middle and at the end. It also makes it possible for novice fitness enthusiasts to start at the right level, then use the same equipment as they build up strength and stamina.

Sturdiness and quality construction are a must, just as they are for any piece of fitness equipment. You'll be spending anywhere from $50 for a mini-version that just offers pedals to several hundred for a full-sized model that should last for years. You want to get your money's worth.

Extra features can be very handy. A built-in heart rate monitor is always useful. A place to attach a magazine or rest an iPod never hurts either. Fortunately, there are a wide range of models available in all price categories, with a variety of extras.

The most important criterion for any fitness item is safety. In this case that comes primarily from sturdiness and reliability. A solid steel alloy frame will stand up to much more punishment than the average aluminum one. If the treadmill uses plastic composites in the mechanical sections (as opposed to just the controls), they should be aircraft quality. They should be as good or better than metal. The hand rails should be rock solid and stay that way for years.

Cost is always a factor, of course. A high-end treadmill may cost as much as $3,000 or more. Some of that price is the result of several 'nice to have' electronic features that make the treadmill easier to use. But one major factor is whether it has a motor and of what quality.

Manual treadmills make you move the roller from a dead stop to whatever speed you'll 'run' or 'walk' at during use. That can take a lot of force and you may not want to waste your energy on that initial stage. A motor will get your treadmill running gradually at the speed you want to workout. But a quality 2-hp motor - reliable, quiet and long lasting - will add 10-20% or more to the total cost.

Other components of the treadmill should be equally high quality, even for one in the $2,000 range. The belt and rollers will get a lot of use over the lifetime of the machine which, naturally, you want to be very long. They should continue to look and act almost new for years. Some slight wear on the belt from your feet and/or shoes is normal. But rippling, uneven movement and so forth that occurs six months after your purchase is not acceptable.

At the same time, the whole assembly - motor, belt, rollers - should be ultra quiet and stay that way for many years. That isn't just a matter of annoyance or interference with your music or TV though that's a factor. Stability, smoothness and lack of noise go hand in hand. Quality parts will produce a quiet, reliable 'ride' for a long time, just as they do for autos.

Once the basic safety, reliability and wear factors are satisfied other attributes can take center stage.

You may want a folding treadmill for convenience. If so, they should fold and unfold relatively easily, and the hinges (here we go again!) should be sturdy and high quality. Keep in mind that even a folding treadmill will still be fairly heavy. The feature is to allow freeing up floor space when it's not in use. It's not for the purpose of making the machine portable. Though it does help when you move your home. The ability to adjust the incline can also be very handy since it allows you to adjust the kind of workout you get.

Multiple controls are nice to have features, but sometimes that can mean VERY nice to have. Numerous pre-sets, an accurate heart monitor, programmable variations, a bottle holder, a magazine rack and more are all great ways to get the optimum out of your treadmill.

Do some homework and you're bound to find a treadmill that meets your standards.

Picture a platform with a seat. Now imagine something to grab onto and pull backwards against resistance. That's a rowing machine in a nutshell. But from that elementary starting point, the designs vary widely.

Some machines look a lot like a rowboat of the type that might have been used at Cambridge University in the 19th century. With long oars set in a guide, a crew of six or more could glide through the water at a speed they hoped was a little greater than their rivals at Oxford. Today's adaptation puts the boat in drydock and shortens the oars, but the look is much the same.

More up-to-date designs will eliminate the oars entirely, in favor of arms that pivot and provide adjustable resistance, to give just the upper body workout you want. Some go so far as to not have arms at all, simply using ropes with handles to give you something to grip and pull.

Materials have evolved, too. Gone are the elegant but sturdy woods of yesteryear. Today's rowing machines are manufactured from nearly indestructible alloys of stainless steel and modern composites. The ball-bearings, gears and more should last a lifetime in a good rowing machine. They should also be so quiet you barely hear a whisper in the background.

One of the biggest differences, though, is in the resistance method. Most use either a piston, magnetic force, air resistance or water inertia.

The piston resistance type uses hydraulic cylinders attached to the arms. The motion may not be as smooth as other methods, but these tend to be less expensive. Magnetic resistance models use electromagnets to provide a counter force to your pull. They're smoother and very quiet, and usually adjustable, but they're often larger.

Air resistance rowers react to the rate of pull, increasing as you move faster, but they can be noisier. Water resistance rowing machines also change as you pull faster and can be adjusted by adding or removing water to or from a tank. They take up more space than other models, though, and they are heavier.

Any model will give a good all-round workout. While the emphasis is on upper body development, including all the back muscles, the pecs, the biceps and triceps and more, a rowing machine actually works everything. Hamstrings and glutes get a workout because at the same time you're 'rowing' the 'oars' you are either moving the seat back and forth (some models), or getting a good isometric workout (stationary seat models) for the legs.

Because of all this resistance and movement, a rowing machine offers a terrific cardiovascular workout, too. The pulse rate will increase, body temperature will rise slightly and the sweat can pour off. All those help keep the heart, lungs and blood vessels in top shape.

Because of the effort involved, with large muscle groups working hard and the heart pounding away, the opportunity to burn many calories is always present. You'll find that the numbers for a vigorous workout are equal to a good long run or a lengthy spinning cycle routine. Rowing is a great way to firm up the whole body and keep body fat percentage down.

In the days of old, rowing machines looked a lot like a rowboat on land. Today, they've evolved into high-tech wonders that provide an excellent workout. Still, many of the same basic fitness goals are achieved. All that for a price (usually between $599-$799) that is typically far below what you'd pay for a good treadmill or elliptical.

A combination of the tried-and-true with the latest in contemporary design at a great price... what more could anyone ask?

Sometimes that gear might have gone by another name in earlier decades. But by whatever name - exercise mat, Swiss ball, resistance ring and more - they are must-haves to do any of the Pilates exercises around today.

Pilates Mat

A mat is fundamental, but the style used for Pilates is a little different from some others. A yoga mat, for example, is lighter and not built to stand the same stresses. A Pilates mat is thick, comfortable and provides a durable surface and cushion.

With a standard yoga mat, you might feel the floor when standing. But with a Pilates mat, even when lying on your spine and doing a pelvic curl you won't feel the wood of the gym floor. They're well padded and stand up to use year after year.

A Pilates mat should be at least a little wider than your body and about a foot longer. Typical sizes range anywhere from 72"-86" (162cm-194cm) long and about 21"-39" (47cm-88cm) wide. Models that roll up easily and provide carrying straps are very convenient.

Pilates Ball

An exercise ball used to be known as just that. A large, round rubber ball, it was sometimes (mis)named a medicine ball. But, here again, a true Pilates ball will be just a little bit different.

Exercise balls of yesteryear were designed for tossing or rolling. Pilates balls are designed to roll you. As you lie on your stomach or back to perform exercises, they provide a firm cushion but one with a lot of give. They're made of durable fabric that won't leak or wear after years of use.

They're also designed to accommodate accessories that are often used with Pilates exercises. Bungee-cord style resistance bands are a case in point. They're wrapped around and underneath the ball, so you can lie on your back, grasp a handle in each hand and perform the exercise. That would be much more difficult with an ordinary exercise ball, since (among other things) it would cause the ball to become unstable.

Pilates Ring

Pilates resistance rings (sometimes called magic rings or other names) are a little more distinctive to Pilates programs. They incorporate some of the features of a resistance band, but offer attributes that are unique, as well.

They typically come in the form of a circular ring about 10-14 inches in diameter, usually with a pair of cushions for the handles on opposite sides. That provides a piece of equipment that can offer a wide variety of Pilates hand and arm exercises to stretch or compress, which helps tone and strengthen.

Like many exercises, it's possible to do a number of Pilates routines with no equipment at all. But safety, convenience and getting the optimum from your workout make these must-have items.