People need to have a "basic understanding" of what they are trying to achieve before investing in home fitness equipment, as "losing weight and getting in shape [are] not necessarily the same thing", an internet consumer blog has said.

Bestinfoproducts.com said identifying an "overall fitness goal", whether it be losing weight, improving cardiovascular performance or increasing muscle mass, is essential in helping to shape what sort of fitness equipment a person should buy.

To get the maximum benefits from their home gym, consumers should also look for as much "versatility and adjustability" in their fitness machines as possible, as this allows them to target particular muscle groups and ensures they will use their equipment regularly, so it does not become "a very expensive clothes hanger".

Ideally, home gym equipment should offer "at least 20 different kinds" of exercises, the blog says, with machines that come with exercise charts making particularly "great choices".

People should also think about how far they want to progress with their equipment to ensure it will grow with their workouts, as "there is nothing worse than maxing out" a machine and being unable to progress further.

Totally Fitness: creating your perfect gym.