For those out there who want the benefits of a cardiovascular workout, but don't live in a town or city that is conducive to getting that workout on the street, getting a stationary exercise machine is almost a necessity. Not only can running on the roads be very dangerous, but the cost of going to a gym to use their stationary exercise machines is sometimes very prohibitive. In this case, it is smart to get something like a treadmill or stair machine that you can use in the comfort of your home. Not only are these machines cost effective, but they are much more convenient.