Elliptical trainers are fast becoming serious competition for the traditional treadmill. Part of the reason is the boredom factor. It can be hard to get enthused about a workout day after day using only a treadmill. But the other aspect is that ellipticals simply provide a great range of motion for a great workout. They challenge endurance and coordination and really help keep you sharp.

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.

Basketball, tennis, soccer and more are all great ways to exercise. They require only inexpensive equipment, get you out in the fresh air and provide a full body workout with huge cardiovascular benefits. But sports like these can be very hard on the joints. They stress the knees and ankles and may be inappropriate for older people or those who've recently had surgery or given birth.

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.

When you want to get the most out of your fitness routines, you'll start thinking about equipping a home gym. Since it can represent a substantial investment, you'll want to take it in stages, making wise choices at every step.

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.