Are you too shy to go to the gym, or do you just want to lose a few pounds before a room full of strangers see you sweating it up in your gym clothes? Is it the cost of a gym membership that is keeping you away? Either way there are a multitude of exercises you can do at home to help you lose weight, and tone up.

Pilates is a good exercise that you can do at home. Since Pilates improves your core strength, agility and flexibility it will make you feel you're very best. A Pilate workout transforms your body, building strength without the bulk; it creates a sleek and toned body giving you slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It will work for you regardless of your age or body condition.

If it's your abdomen you want to work on there are many exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. Your abdominal muscles are your core. The stronger and tighter your abdominal muscles, the more confident you'll feel. Besides the ever popular sit-ups and crunches, you can do lying leg raises. Lie on your back raising your legs approximately 12 inches off the floor and hold, counting to 5. Make sure your spine is pressed against the floor. Repeat until you can feel it in your abdominal muscles.

Looking to do some upper body toning? Get yourself a set of dumbbells. There are many different toning exercises you can do while you're sitting in your kitchen chair. Work your biceps, triceps, and wrists. Dumbbells are great to train with because you have to control the weight. With dumbbells you use your smaller stabilizer muscles in every movement. A great thing about dumbbells is that they are small and easy to store.

Maybe you're thinking about investing in a machine for your home. The elliptical trainer is one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment on the market today. The elliptical simulates walking and running without heavily impacting your joints. This cross-trainer offers a great cardiovascular workout of either light or heavy intensity depending on the resistance you set your machine at. The elliptical trainer is a great tool for weight loss.

Precor is the leading brand for home fitness equipment. Their equipment is designed to move the way you move. Whether it's an elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, stretch trainer or a strength system, Precor has them all.

Regardless of what type of machine you have or how many sit-ups, or bicep curls you can do; it's more about getting active. Even going for a brisk walk around the block is beneficial to you. So get yourself a pedometer and start walking.