On average, Canadian adults spend $238 a year on exercise equipment, according to the 1995 Physical Activity Monitor. Men spend $349, almost three times as much as women, who spend $133. Equipment does not come with commitment, however, and without adequate planning, it can end up collecting dust.

Edmund Burke, editor of Complete Home Fitness Handbook (Human Kinetics Publisher), says that developing a home fitness centre is just a matter of answering some basic questions, knowing what to look for in the type of equipment you want and test driving the equipment before buying it. As with any major purchase, it is important to be as well-informed as possible. Here is a three-step plan to purchasing exercise equipment.

Determine your goals
Determine your physical activity goals first. Your goals will dictate what equipment to select.
If your goal is to develop cardiovascular endurance or lose weight, you will be choosing among stair climbers, stationary bikes, ski machines, treadmills and rowers. Treadmills and stationary bikes have the easiest learning curve. Ski machines and rowers are harder to get used to, but they offer superior full-body workouts. If you're looking instead for strength and muscular development, you will be focusing on dumbbells, barbells and multistation gyms.

Shop around
Buy the best equipment you can afford. Cheap gym equipment can be a waste of money if it leads to unpleasant workout experiences. You don't want machines that require complex rearrangements of cables and niggling adjustments between sets. Nor would you want machines that could catch clothing or body parts.
Consider buying good used equipment. New items can be costly. According to Burke, a minimalist setup can cost anywhere between $500 and $3,500 (US). Another affordable way to ease into a home gym is to buy equipment for either your aerobic or your strength training and choose activities that don't require equipment for the other component. For instance, choose brisk walking for aerobics and purchase equipment for strength.

Choose the machine that suits you best. You will be more likely to use it regularly. Equipment should be comfortable, easy to use, and it should fit your body. Try out equipment in a local gym for several weeks before buying. What you like in the gym you will probably like at home.

When you know what you want, shop around. Inquire about discounts and upcoming sales. You will find a better selection of high-quality equipment and more professional service at a specialty store than at a discount or department store. Before you commit to buying equipment, test it for several minutes in the store.

Make the most of your equipment
Once you bring your equipment home, install it in a pleasant room where you won't feel cramped or constrained while exercising. Make sure you know how to use the equipment and avoid injuries.

Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, have a bottle of fluid handy, and start slowly. Make your exercise enjoyable: read, watch TV or listen to music while you actively work toward your goal.