Thinking about canceling that gym membership and working out at home? With more and more people watching their wallets, you're not alone. Industry analysts say that gym memberships peaked at 42.7 million in 2006, have slipped slightly since, and are expected by some to decline further in these recessionary times. But sales of home exercise equipment have continued to grow in recent years.

We trotted, plodded, and pedaled on 40 exercise machines, testing for exercise range, ergonomics, construction, safety, and more. Take a look at our Ratings (subscribers only) for treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes—including our 6 Best Buys, and watch our treadmills buying guide video (right).

Read more about getting—and staying—fit, including the secrets of skinny people and the truth about informercial fitness machines, in our new Do-it-yourself Guide to Exercise & Dieting.