If you are ever to have a hope of competing in an event like a marathon, you need to do like the pros do and stay in shape by working out on a daily basis. We recognize that working at a clinic means you don't have much time to visit a gym or exercise in the wilderness, which is why we recommend that you get some fitness equipment and do your workouts at home. That way you'll have fewer excuses to avoid it. To keep your workouts from feeling like torture, take the time to figure out what you like before you buy. Here are some common types of equipment.

Treadmill


For people who enjoy running but find it difficult, either because of traffic, shyness, or bad weather, to get out of their houses for a jog, a treadmill can be the perfect solution. Most treadmills can fold up and tuck away under your bed or sofa, so they won't take up too much space. While running you can listen to music or watch TV to stave off boredom. Powered treadmills cost between $500 and $2,500 but there are cheaper people-powered versions that can fit a tighter budget.

Exercise Bike


Cycling is a difficult thing to do in a big city where the street outside your condo is littered with pedestrians, cars, and obstacles. The simple solution, then, is to get yourself an exercise bike and work out indoors. You can listen to music, watch TV, read a book, or even play video games while on your bike, so it's easy to stay engaged. You can get a decent magnetic resistance bike with adjustable difficulty settings for under $200 but don't expect to be able to tuck it away easily when you're finished.

Elliptical/Rowing/Step Machine


Running is one of the best ways to get full body aerobic exercise, but not everyone is able to stand it, whether it's outside around their home or on a treadmill. If you want the best exercise without the impact, you should choose an elliptical, rowing, or step machine. Step machines mimic stairclimbing while ellipticals simulate cross country skiing and rowing machines are akin to lake rowing. Any of these types of machine will cost upwards of $1,000.

Weights

One of the easiest types of exercise to do as home is muscle toning, because all you need are a set of free weights and some time. They can even hide away in a closet when not in use. Weight lifters can get a set for their home for under $100, but if you're really serious about your toning, you can upgrade to a weight machine such as a Boflex. These machines tend to take up a lot of space and cost several thousand dollars, so only get one if you're serious.