Home workout regimens have been popular for decades. It started with at-home exercise equipment like the Thighmaster and the NordicTrack, and as time passed the home workout crowd divided into those who want to invest in equipment and those who care more about the pace and style of the workout.

Let’s face it, exercise fads come and go almost seasonally, but sometimes a fad is just what you need to leap into action. If you’re hoping to start exercising as part of your New Years resolution, then the smarter financial move is probably to get the right exercise content — stuff that will motivate you and keep you improving — instead of investing in an expensive piece of equipment you might not use. The trick is to recognize that this will likely be a short-term thing for you and protect against over investing. Here are three popular home workout routines that will likely get you going, ordered from least expensive to most expensive:

Popular Home Workout Routines

Each of these are really popular right now, but are they worth the money? Tell us what you think in the comments section at the bottom.

1) Zumba® Exhilerate™ - $75

Zumba studios are popping up all over the country right now, and the company was recently touted as “Company of the year!” on the cover of INC Magazine, but if you’re not interested in dancing in front of strangers, you can do it in the comfort of your home thanks to Zumba® Exhilerate™.

2) RIP: 60™ – $135

Endorsed by popular MMA fighter Georges St. Pierre and NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the RIP: 60 program uses a few simple suspended handles that hang from any door in your house to help you get a good workout using nothing but your own body weight.

3)P90X® – $140

This one’s been around for a few years now, and has lasted longer than many others. Why? Because it’s really intense, and by all accounts, if you can get through it, you will get in shape. Beachbody, the company behind P90X, employs reps who sell the videos, the gear that you need to do P90X home workout routines, and other dietary supplements. You can order online, but depending on who the rep is in your area, it’s probably worth it to find out what kinds of price breaks are available.

Free Home Workout Options Are Everywhere

The thing about the above home workout programs is that they’re popular because they’ve worked for many people. They have big reputations. But are those reputations worth the price tag? The answer to that question is that it depends on who you ask. Sure, lots of people will tell you it’s totally worth the investment. Others will say your money would be better spent by getting a gym membership, personal training sessions, or even one of the home workout machines that are equally popular right now.

So if you’re on the fence about investing in one of the above home workout systems, take a deep breath and spend a little time Googling for free home workout options. You may find exactly what you want online. Here are a few free resources to get you started:

• Shape.com – This site is chock full of women’s fitness routines in text and photos. All of it is free.
• MensFitness.com – Here’s a similar site for men, which is jammed with free workouts and email newsletters to keep you going.
• YouTube.com – Although you know it to be the home of pretty much everything on video, you might not think to follow popular YouTube personalities for workout routines, advice and info.

What are your favorite home workout programs? Have more free resources that should be included? Share your thoughts below.