Choosing home exercise equipment is the easiest thing in the world -- if you know what you're doing. If you're not careful you'll fork over your cash or sign your credit-card slip and only later realize you're stuck with an expensive knickknack. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for home exercise equipment:

1. Make Goal-Oriented Buys
Choose a piece of equipment that will compliment other activities you do. If you walk regularly, consider buying a stair-stepper, elliptical machine or stationary cycle. And remember, there is no one magic gadget that does it all. The complete home gym includes a cardiovascular piece, some strength-training equipment and a place to stretch.

2. Measure, Measure, Measure
Make sure you have room for the equipment you're considering. Does it fit through the door and around those tricky corners of your spiral staircase? If space is a problem, look for movable, collapsible or smaller equipment. For instance, you can now get a pair of dumbbells that takes up no more space than a flower vase and adjusts from 5 pounds up to 65 pounds. Fitness balls, jump ropes, steps and tubing are also good, compact choices.

3. Be Realistic: What's Your Exercise Level?
An exercise that looks easy when an Olympic athlete demonstrates it on TV can be tough when you try it out yourself. If it requires a high level of coordination and fitness to get the most from your workout and you're starting from scratch, consider other options.