Join the fitness revolution and get moving! Over the last few decades, millions of Americans have started exercise programs to promote personal health and fitness, so it is time to jump (or kick or run or stretch) right in!

If you find the local fitness club crowded, intimidating, or inconvenient, how about a home gym? Home exercise equipment can offer privacy and convenience, but choosing the right equipment takes some effort. A smart shopper will investigate the overall use of the equipment as well as durability, safety, and space required for storage.

When choosing home exercise equipment, it is important to understand your individual needs and the exercise benefits of each machine. For example, if you want to increase muscular strength, you would purchase weight machines. A treadmill might be the best choice if your goal is to increase cardiorespiratory endurance. Evaluate your needs and choose equipment that will achieve your goals and keep you motivated.

The durability of exercise equipment also is important. The old saying that "you get what you pay for" is true with exercise equipment. If at all possible, try out the equipment, either in the store or better yet at the local health club, to see if it is sturdy and well made. Remember, you want to purchase something that will last as long as you do!

Safety is most important for you as well as others. First, check out all the features of the equipment. For example, is the seat comfortable, or will it cause back pain after long workouts? Is the equipment and exercise you perform using it "joint friendly" (easy on your joints)?

Next, consider other people who might be around the equipment. Although the equipment is not intended for children, look carefully and see if it is "child proof." You may want to share exercise time with children, but it may be difficult to effectively watch children and work out at the same time. Naturally, children should not be allowed to play and climb on equipment, but many children are attracted to equipment and injuries can occur. Are there small parts that can be easily broken off, or areas where small fingers can be trapped or injured? Children do not understand the movement of machines and the potential danger involved, and innocent curiosity might result in tears or even a trip to the emergency room. Proper storage is a must, preferably in a room that can be locked. Always pull the pins from weight stack machines when not in use and remember to store free weights in an area where children cannot tip them over. When not in use, make electric treadmills and stationary bicycles inoperable by unplugging them.

Cost, size, and even how to get it home from the store and into your house are other important issues to consider when purchasing home exercise equipment. Talk to friends or coworkers who use equipment in their homes, or consult a personal trainer to help identify your goals and what might work best for you. Exercise magazines or publications like Consumer Reports also offer valuable information for setting up your own personal health club.

Finally, here are a few suggestions to consider before purchasing some of the more popular exercise equipment:

Home Gyms: Make sure it offers enough weight-range to grow with your fitness needs and that it offers all the muscular exercises you desire.

Cardiovascular fitness machines (treadmills, stationary bikes, climbers, ski machines, etc.): Consider whether the machine you are interested in offers both upper-body and lower-body exercises. You may want your treadmills to have "grades" (inclines) and it should have an emergency stop button. Handrails should support your body weight should you lose your balance.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 630 North River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60188; 847-823-7186; www.aaos.org