Location, location, location!

Location- it's not just for real estate, but also for EXERCISE! If you are going to invest in a piece of home exercise equipment (which I highly recommend), please place it where it will get used. Treadmills and exercise bikes quickly become expensive clothes hangers if they are not set up in a user-friendly spot. What's ideal? In front of a television- wherever that works in your home. Listening to music or reading a book (on a bike) are great options, but having the ability to watch a show really seems to make the exercise time fly by. Please do consult with your spouse- he/she may not want your lovely new elliptical machine in the center of your living room! However, if your living room is the only room with a tv, I'd try to compromise.
In my fifteen years of practice, every time someone tells me they own a machine but don't use it, there are only a few reasons.

One- it's out in the garage (and in Texas, this means it's WAY too hot most of the year.)
Two- it got moved to a spot where it's impossible or awkward to see the tv.
Three- it's in the bedroom and it bothers my spouse (because he/she is sleeping) or it's buried under clothes and towels.
BOTTOM LINE: Treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical machines are wonderful, healthy additions to your home...IF they are placed in the right location to optimize use!