In recent years Jonathan Patz has purchased fitness equipment for his home. 

   "My biggest goal is to simply be healthy and stay in shape, " he said. "A big part of that is getting into a routine where I 'm working out regularly. Having equipment at home lets me do that. "

   In addition to being a member of a health club, Patz, a UW-Madison associate professor of environmental science, has devoted part of his home area to a number of gadgets that will build strength, cardiovascular efficiency and flexibility. He said his home gym is an important part his family 's lifestyle.

   "We 're all really busy, " Patz said. "Sometimes working out at home is our only option. I even have a spinning bike in my office. If I can bike and work at the same time, all the better. " 

   Personal fitness is a high priority for many people in Madison. But busy schedules, inclement weather and few daylight hours during the winter months make it difficult to carve out time for regular rigorous exercise. Fortunately, state-of-the-art home fitness equipment offers a variety of options and special training features that can help anyone keep fit.

   Fits workout to schedule

   Lisa Procknow, a pharmaceuticals saleswoman in Madison, owns a treadmill from Horizon Fitness, a fitness-equipment maker based in Cottage Grove. She said the home exercise machine lets her workout whenever it suits her schedule.

   "Training has become a big part of my life, " she said. "Usually I run outside, even when it 's cold and rainy. But with kids there are times when I need to be home. This will let me run when it 's convenient for me. "

   Convenience is key. "Being able to manage my own time is a big feature, " Procknow said. "We 're all pretty busy and a lot of people use not having time to workout as a reason not to exercise. If you 're a self-motivated person there are no excuses. People have to make time to be good to their bodies. "

   Treadmills from Horizon Fitness offer a fully programmable workout series with settings that will help you tone muscle, burn fat, build endurance or train for speed. A heart rate monitor tracks your training intensity using handgrip sensors or a wireless chest strap that 's sold separately. 

   A digital readout on the console reports data on your workout that allows you to observe and control your incline, speed, time and distance. The system also calculates your pace, calories expended and average speed.

   More whistles and bells

   These features are common among most exercise equipment made today. But with more bells and whistles to engage the user than in previous models, modern fitness systems are making the daily workout more fun and less of a chore.

   For 2007, Horizon has introduced two new products that feature a docking port for the Apple iPod. The T1200 Treadmill ($1,499) and the E1200 Elliptical Trainer ($1,499) will let you play your favorite tunes during your workout.

   Song selection and volume control are operated directly through the console of both machines and each has its own headphone jack. Mike Olsen, vice president of marketing at Horizon, said this feature makes an otherwise tedious workout a lot more fun.

   "People like variety in their exercise, " he said. "And variety helps maintain their interest in their fitness program. "

   Mixing things up is the best way to kick your workout schedule up a notch, and elliptical trainers are a good alternative to the monotony of treadmills. These devices offer low impact exertion that 's a lot more friendly to your joints like hips and ankles.

   These trainers simulate the action of running on two mechanized platforms, one for each foot. The platforms support the feet through a motion that follows an elliptical path, hence the name. With no heel strike, the jarring impact of running is eliminated, making the exercise more comfortable. The mechanism can be adjusted to increase speed or resistance for a more or less strenuous workout.

   Elliptical trainers like the Precor EFX5.33 ($3,899) feature 14 different training programs and 20 levels of resistance. The system monitors your heart rate through handgrip sensors or a wireless chest strap. This model also features hand placements to allow users to get an upper body resistance workout as well. Unlike a treadmill that works only the legs, this elliptical trainer and models like it offer physical conditioning for the whole body.

   To be sure, some fitness equipment can be pricey. But a variety of items are on the market now, and at a range of prices.

   Used equipment is available at several Madison-area outlets and at many places online.

   Stationary bicycles

   Stationary bicycles may be a more familiar to those new to home exercise equipment. Set on a sturdy platform, a stationary bike lets users simulate a long bike ride. Bikes are available in styles for riding upright like a standard bicycle or in a recumbent position, a reclined posture that is usually more comfortable and puts less pressure on the lower back.

   Life Fitness features several stationary bike models including the R9i ($2,750) equipped with technology for beginning users. A wireless heart rate chest strap is included and the console provides all the usual readouts. 

   Programming options include 19 standard workouts, seven personalized programs and five workouts designed to allow the user to train within their optimal heart rate zone.

   In a recumbent style, the R9i has handlebars both in front and at the sides, and the seat is adjustable to 34 positions. It 's also self-powered so you don 't have to plug it in.

   New in an upright stationary bike is the X-Bike Indoor Cycle ($2,395) from Trixter. This home trainer is likely to be favored by mountain bikers who expect responsive performance right down to their handlebars. The X-Bar is designed to articulate from side to side against seven adjustable levels of resistance. This allows the rider to engage to the upper body and core muscle groups of the abdomen while pedaling.

   The X-Bike has 11 full-body workout programs and 20 levels of workout intensity. The console readout provides all the standard data including power output. Multiple user settings allow as many as four people to record and track their training progress.

   Fluid rowing machine

   For a different workout option, First Degree Fitness provides training devices that use the power of water to create conditioning resistance. The Fluid Rower S-250 ($1,599) is designed like most rowing machines. But this rower pulls a bladed-flywheel on every stroke through water in a small tank.

   By increasing or decreasing the amount of water with the flip of a lever, the user can vary the resistance and the workout intensity.

   The machine has an electronic console that displays your training statistics. A heart rate monitor kit is optional. The Fluid Rower is easy to adjust for users of all body types and folds up for out-of-the-way storage.

   Anyone beginning a fitness program should first consult a physician. And getting advice from a personal trainer on the best use of specialized training equipment will help you get the most out of your purchase. No matter what kind of fitness equipment you plan to get for your home it 's a good idea to get some professional assistance.

   "We provide a lot of education when it comes to home equipment, " said Bill Graber, manager of 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment 1792 W. Beltline. "We want to make sure that our customers get a treadmill, an elliptical or whatever that they 'll be happy with. "

   Graber said that new buyers should always take a test ride first.

   "We suggest that people come in with their running shoes and comfortable clothes, " he said. "You should jump on as many machines as you can before you buy one. You wouldn 't buy a car without driving it first. You should get a feel for how it fits and works with your body.

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