However, a traditional exercise bike (the non-recumbent kind) puts pressure on the nerves in certain highly sensitive “areas” of the body, which (especially in men) can result in an unpleasant sensation (after a long workout session), and in extreme cases, nerve damage.

The real problem isn’t the machinery, though, it’s motivation. Staying motivated is very tough, especially if you’re planning on working out at home. If you’re not using your bike, chances are that, sooner or later, you’ll get bored or frustrated with the elliptical, and will quit using it, too. Point being, you might not NEED to invest all that money in an elliptical trainer.

The key is to keep your exercise routine from becoming “routine,” if you get my meaning. If you do the same 30 minutes on the elliptical, 3-4 days a week, week in and week out, you’re eventually going to get bored and quit.

So mix things up: if you don’t have access to a gym (and joining one can be an expensive pain in the rear), buy some exercise DVD’s and a set of light dumbells. Give the Swiss Ball a try (most of them come with a DVD or a manual). Go hiking or swimming or rock climbing or kayaking. Or heck, just take a nice long, brisk walk around the neighborhood, and mix in some running when you get up to it. Whatever, but most people aren’t fanatical enough to do the same workout every single time for years on end. It’s good to do something different, even if it’s only once a week.