How do you know what is the best type of fitness equipment and the best place to buy it from?
I like the bowflex commercials and so forth for example. Plus the pilates gym stuff looks good and then the treadmill or cycles look good. I see them for sale everywhere! Qvc has some of the same products as advertised on the products own webpage for example. So where is the best place or store to buy equipment from? I see many at Wal-Mart, Sears, online... everywhere. I want one for strength training/toning and one for cardio. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I want to invest in something that will last and give me good results.

I needed cardio with little to no impact so I purchased a Gazelle Elite Glider (Fitness Quest) I really like it & I can do toning on it as well.
My husband really likes his Total Gym Platinum because it uses his own body weight as resistance.
He almost got the Bowflex, but they were recalled because the bows had broken of some of them & they are big & bulky. They almost need a room to themselves.
As for choosing the right one, I think it is up to you & what you are looking for in the equipment you buy. Also, the room you have to accomodate the equipment. And price of course....

What home fitness equipment offers the best results?
I want to purchase a single piece of workout equipment that offers aerobic activity but will also tone muscle. I want to burn fat and calories and tone my muscles without bulking up.

I have been running on a treadmill in our apartment complex gym, and love the results. But I was wondering if something like an elliptical machine would offer the same results or better without the wear and tear on my body caused by running?

All you need are dumbbells. Use light dumbbells to make the treadmill harder. You can also do high intensity interval training like that. Then with heavier dumbbells you can do a full body basic weight lifting routine a couple times a week to tone your muscles. Don't worry, you can't bulk up without steroids. You will gain some muscle, but you won't look big at all. It will also help you gain bone density and keep your joints healthy. This will help you avoid osteoperosis and stiff joints when you get older.

I do like elipticals. I do my intervals on those. You just switch between a high and low setting. Why not get get both. Adjustable dumbbells are cheap anyway.

What is a great piece of fitness equipment for an amateur?
I am looking for in home equipment for cardio. I have never owned a piece of gym equipment. I am on a budget and definately don't want a treadmill. I have quite a bit of weight to lose and am in my twenties. What would be good for me? An Elliptical, Stair Climber, what else? Also, what is a good brand to look for that is not overly expensive

A jump rope helps alot and its cheap, builds cardio and burns calories. And you can take it anywhere.

Fitness equipment?
I am focused and can workout outside of a gym. Gyms are really expensive in my area. I already run often I am looking to add some equipment to workout on that is fairly portable and small. Suggestions?

Free weights

Is there any way to get training in the repair and service of fitness equipment online or in MI?
I would like training in the service of fitness equipment and I live in Northern, MI My mother and her Husband Bought a Fitness center and they need a repair man, the guy they have now lives 100 miles away.

Here are some possibilities. Hope it helps