I can remember a few holidays in my past when friends and family would try to help supplement my attempts at a healthy lifestyle. As well intended as they were, I often would find myself wondering how to get rid of some useless piece of equipment that I couldn't even give away in good conscience. My only consolation? At least I didn't buy it! 

As the health and fitness industries have grown in recent years, many have tried—and have succeeded, mind you—to make their mint on some niche of exercise equipment. I've seen/used/attempted many of these over the years, in clients' homes and even in the stores. I find it's best to have an informed opinion, and I've come up with a few simple rules of how to avoid the mistakes millions have made.

First of all, look for some red flag words. If the equipment says lounge, or easy, or anything that denotes a lack of effort, just stop and think about it. Have you ever read someone's story in O Magazine, or Self, or Men's Health, about how a guy lost 120 lbs. and got totally ripped with absolutely no effort, basically lounging his way to supreme fitness? How about that mom that got back her bikini body by lying on her couch and expending practically no energy at all?

Yeah, me neither. Getting fit should be somewhat difficult; otherwise frankly everyone would be a supermodel.

Next, how versatile is it? Does the tool you're ready to spend your effort and money on have more than one function? Does it have multiple exercises or levels at which you can work, or is it a one trick pony? This matters more than you might think. The human body is extremely adaptable. After a time or two, almost anything you do can affect less change in your body, as it's become "routine." 

When examining this, just use your common sense. Let's say the advertising is for doing simple bicep curls. If it claims that doing that one movement can tone your thighs, strengthen your calves, make your abs show beautifully and fix your hair in the process, buyer beware! 

And try not to be lured by the gorgeous glistening bodies demonstrating the exercise on TV. Of course they look good doing it, they're fitness models! They're tan, toned and oiled up—perfectly primed to show every slippery inch of their chiseled physiques as they pump their pecs for your delight. But let me tell you, those people use a lot more than whatever they're demonstrating. They work their butts off.

Well, I've probably eliminated about 80% of what's out there now. Sorry if you're looking over your shoulder at that "clothes hanger" in the corner of your bedroom with recognition as you read this. So what is the answer? The truth is, the easiest and cheapest way to get fit at home is the tried and true, the methods that have worked for decades. 

My grandfather had racks of dumbbells and barbells in his basement 30 years ago, and I could still use those today. In fact, there was only one thing he owned down there that I'm sure he regretted buying. Remember that belt thing that you'd strap around your midsection and would shake the fat right of your love handles? There were several shirts and jackets hung on that thing. It was probably also the most expensive piece of equipment in his gym.

Believe it or not, buying what really works is actually the cheapest route to go.  Unfortunately, it also will require the most effort to use. Go figure. There is no device you can plug your body into that will make you extremely flexible and centered, but buying a yoga mat and video might help. There is no Pilates machine that I'm aware of that will engage your core for you and tone your thighs. But learning some techniques and buying a swiss ball could make a difference. Neither of those cost much; they just require effort.

And that doesn't cost a thing.

Tim Reynolds is the owner/operator of THE GYM ON SPRINGFIELD, a personal training studio in its third year of operation on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood.  He lives in Maplewood with his wife, Suzanne, and their two children, August and Sinikka.