Page 1 of 1

Exercise Equipment

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:26 pm
by MerryKat
My DH has offered to buy me some kind of exercise equipment to allow me to up my cardio.

Help - to all of you who have tried exercise equipment. What in your opinion is better treadmill / bike? What other options are worth looking at?

Thanks

Re: Exercise Equipment

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:45 pm
by NoelFigart
MerryKat wrote:Help - to all of you who have tried exercise equipment. What in your opinion is better treadmill / bike? What other options are worth looking at?
That depends on your physical issues or health concerns.

All things being equal, a treadmill means you're walking, which means you're doing a weight-bearing exercise.

If you have bad knees, joint issues and things like that, then a bike is a decent option. My mother is pretty religious about her half hour on the bike and it's done her all sorts of good. An elliptical is also an option, but there's no use in getting a cheap one. I hate running with a deep and bitter passion, so the chances of my stepping on one are slim to none.

I do have arthritis and started really getting serious about getting fit with a non-weight-bearing exercise (swimming) and a dumbbell routine thrown in. Now that I'm a lot stronger, I throw in as much walking as my joints can take with Urban Rangering type stuff. I really do think if you can manage it, weight bearing has the better long-term effects.

I seem to recall that there's not much of a safe place for you to walk where you are, or I'd say to just save you money for a good pair of shoes. I'm not a treadmill's biggest fan, but between a bike and a treadmill, I'd buy the treadmill for the benefit to my bone density and greater building of leg strength.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:48 pm
by wosnes
I have no exercise equipment -- mostly think it's a waste of money. But if I were to have some it would be a treadmill so I can walk more in the winter.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 1:24 pm
by ThomsonsPier
I favour a rowing machine over both of them, as it works more of the body (but a decent quality one is expensive). Bikes are probably the easiest to keep in good working order and the cheapest option for a usable one. A treadmill seems like a waste of money to me, as a pair of trainers are generally cheaper and break less often.

The best piece of exercise equipment is the one you use regularly.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 1:31 pm
by Jaymiz
We have a recumbent exercise bike ((it's got a back rest and reclines a bit -- as opposed to the stationary exercise bike which has / does neither)).

I like the bike -- my husband bought it with his Christmas money a year ago. But, if I'd had my choice, I would've preferred a treadmill, solely because I prefer walking / jogging. But, on the other hand, I have bad knees, so the bike is probably better.

If you research, the recumbent bike is supposedly the better option over the stationary bike. It's a bit more expensive, yes, but worth it in that you save back problems and it's a little easier on your system. Still does the job, though.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 2:21 pm
by flipturn
Hmm, South Africa -- I would second the idea of an expensive pair of athletic shoes and a bicycle -- maybe used -- that you could use in that lovely weather. Indoor equiptment is such a monetary commitment that I would look at every option before doing that. Do you use a shovelglove? Are you an Urban Ranger or totally sedetary? I need more information before I can really help. Do you live near the beach, garden, have a dog or young children?

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 2:28 pm
by OrganicGal
I vote for the treadmill. I have bad knees and have used both a treadmill and a recumbant bike and I have found the bike actually hurts my knees more because of the constant bending and straightening I guess.

Riding a regular bike outside, doesn't seem to have the same effect for some reason. On my knees I mean.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 2:32 pm
by wosnes
OrganicGal wrote:I vote for the treadmill. I have bad knees and have used both a treadmill and a recumbant bike and I have found the bike actually hurts my knees more because of the constant bending and straightening I guess.
I've found that to be true, too.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 2:39 pm
by BrightAngel
I love my Treadmill.
I can walk anytime of the day or night in any kind of weather.
I have a TV with headphones and vcr/dvd player, on my wall about 6 ft in front of my Treadmill,
and I watch movies and favorite shows while I walk.

I also have a free style Gazelle which is non-resistence elliptical,
and I use it frequently.

I placed these in a back part of my family room
so I can share time with my husband while he watches sports on HDTV,
Now I spend time with him,
while exercising and watching whatever I like (with the use of my headphones)

I'm planning also to see whether or not I like Shovelglove..
Am waiting for my long-handled 4 lb sledgehammer.
The place I ordered it from isn't responding,
(not from here but from a link I saw here in a forum discussion)
My husband now says he can easily build me one,
so I don't have to start out at 6 lbs.
We'll see.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 3:39 pm
by cornelia
I have an Image 9.5 Elliptical. Easy on the back. I can control the resistance........see how far I've gone, etc. Lots of bells and whistles. I enjoy it.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 5:22 pm
by JillyBean
We hear all the time about how walking is the best overall exercise there is. That's why I'd vote for the treadmill. I have a treadmill and I use it during the winter and on rainy days. I prefer to walk outside when I can, so it's not getting much use this time of year.

If you go with a treadmill I would suggest getting one that has the features you will use on it. I love the fans on mine and the fact that it inclines, and I can program a couple walks of my own. I never use the pre-programmed walks or the function that lets me connect to the internet for a workout, so that is just added fluff. I put on some bouncy music and the time flies by.

The best piece of equipment though for you, is going to be what you will use! It doesn't do any good to buy something and then just dust it off every other month. :roll:

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 6:34 pm
by DebbiAnn
I vote for the treadmill also. I dont have room for any equipment so I have to go to the gym. I take a book on tape and only listen when I am working out. I like mysteries and it is a big instentive to get me going.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 7:43 pm
by kccc
Just Jill wrote:
The best piece of equipment though for you, is going to be what you will use! It doesn't do any good to buy something and then just dust it off every other month. :roll:
That's the BEST piece of advice ever! :)

My sister gave me a treadmill she didn't use. I soon realized that I like to walk OUTDOORS, and if I can't, I'd rather do something other than a treadmill indoors. I donated it to a charity yard sale.

My "exercise equipment" is aerobic and yoga tapes/dvds. I do have some exercise toys - yoga mat, balance ball, etc. - but don't do machines.

But there are people who LOVE them. So, buy something you think you'll love.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 8:47 pm
by Shirls
Merry, I'd go for the treadmill. As you mentioned elsewhere, lovely as our weather is here in South Africa, walks alone outdoors are hazardous. There is a gorgeous Trim Track not far from where I live and it used to be great striding along the path under trees beside the river. It was totally measured and every so often you'd get to a "station" with a patch of grass where there were insnstructions for various strength exercises. But it's fallen into disuse now: too many people were getting mugged and raped among the trees.
Much the same applies to a bike. I wouldn't like to contend with our crazy taxi drivers on the roads. Or did you mean a staionary bike?

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 10:42 pm
by flipturn
Oh gosh, I didn't pick up on the "not safe" part, I'm so sorry. Do you have access to a library? Perhaps you could check out some of the DVD's that people have referred to, or maybe download a few things. I just hate for you to buy a treadmill without thinking about some of the alternatives. Maybe I am remembering the equipment that I have purchased in the past and didn't use enough to justify the price. Now I swim every day for an hour at the Y and love it.

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 4:19 am
by noSer
Just be sure whatever you get is comfortable. My in-laws gave me their exercise bike (they got a recumbent) and the seat is so horribly uncomfortable that I can't use it. Except as a clothes hanger, of course. :lol:

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 8:50 am
by jules
My current exercise equipment is a set of adjustable dumbbell handles w/ plates, and an 8 lb. sledgehammer. I do have some exercise DVDs and mostly have been using the qigong ones.

My dream exercise equipment includes a barbell, power rack :twisted: , adjustable bench. And my dream cardio: a stationary bike, and a rower.

Unfortunately, even my beloved shovelglove has been set aside for past two weeks. First a very nasty cold, and then my damn shoulder acting up again. lol Health seems to be improving but I decided Friday that I should give the shoulder until Monday. (I just really, really hate some S days. of the Sick variety.)

jules

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 6:57 pm
by ou812
I'd just buy a good jump rope and learn to jump. It takes a bit to learn, but once you do the benefits outweigh the machines. You can get a more intense whole body workout, you can do it in just about any room, its not noisy, it takes little space and you can take it with you wherever you go. It is really a fun workout. It will get you in really great shape. There is a reason that boxers use them. :)

Gazelle and DDR

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 7:11 pm
by Airen08
I love my Gazelle for when I want to watch TV and work out at the same time. If I'm in the mood for some dancing and good music, I switch to my Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on Playstation 2 with my dance mat. I wouldn't do any other form of exercise for me since I get bored very easily and HATE to workout. The Gazelle and DDR I don't even feel like I'm working out - they're too much fun!

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:55 am
by MerryKat
Wow guys thanks for all the great answers and advice. I have a few new machines to add to my list to have a look at. I have tried DVD's but I am so unco-ordinated taht I ended up feeling frustrated and irritated with myself and got very little benefit from them. I need something simple like walking or riding.

Sorry I did not think to give you more info - so here goes.

I am not a great exercise fan (never have been) and at school was an expert at dodging exercise class and any sports. I hate being hot and sweaty.

I have done weights and body weight exercises in the past with great success and I have started back with them. I know these work for building muscle which helps speed up the metablolism. I do 14 min in the morning which is a mix of yoga stretches for warm up and cool down and then some weights and body weight exercises. These are working and I have some pleasantly sore muscles from yesterday's workout (and have had every day last week).

However I know I need some cardio in the mix for optimum benefits, but fitting it in is the difficult part.

I get up at 5.15am to do my weights and then my day starts at around 5.30am getting DH and son's ready for their days and I am out the house by 7am to drop my boys at school and at work by 8am. I cannot walk at lunch time as there is no where to shower after a work out and not enough time to go anywhere like a gym. In the evenings by the time I have left work 4.15pm, fetched the boys and gotten home 5.15pm, done homework, made dinner, bathed boys and eaten it is around 7.30pm.

I don't have time in this routine to go to gym or and it is not safe to be out walking or riding by myself, but I could squeeze in 20min on a piece of exercise equipment while dinner is cooking and the boys are in the bath.

This is why I am looking for some form of exercise equipment. I understand walking / riding outside is the best, but I just am not able to fit it in for various reasons.

To all of you that were asking for more info, I hope this helps.

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 10:44 am
by Jaxhil
For me personally, I have both an exercise bike ( a Schwinn that adjusts gears on its own-and is almost completely silent-great for early morning workouts!) and a treadmill, which has built-in programs I never use. I mean I don't use the *programs*, lol, not the treadmill! I like my bike better-it's less boring, lol, and I can actually read while I ride if I am so inclined. It's also quiet enough to watch TV with others in the room and not disturb anyone. It has pre-programmed "rides" and it's nice to use those when I don't feel like putting in any effort to adjust the settings. I do like my treadmill, but lately my feet have been bothering me so I have not been using it much.

I wanted to recommend one workout DVD that I just did yesterday for the first time~it's Jillian Michaels' "30 Day Shred". It's relatively inexpensive (between 10-15$) and includes 3 workouts, levels 1,2 and 3, each about 20 minutes in length. She combines cardio with strength training in very basic moves. I don't like fancy workouts with lots of complicated moves either-just the basics please! This one delivers! Very basic moves, anyone could keep up with it. Plus the time is so short it doesn't feel impossible to finish, lol. You can see tons of reviews for it on Amazon.

(and for the Schwinn bike, too, if you decide to go that route!). The one I bought was about $300, which seemed like a lot to me-but now that I have it, it was worth every penny compared to cheaper ones I've had! It's like the ones they have at gyms, albeit less fancy, lol.

Good luck deciding!

Re: Exercise Equipment

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:59 pm
by kelela92
I'm new here. :) Second post of the day.

I agree with the PP that said buy what you'll use. For myself, I chose an elliptical. Why? Because at the time, I lived on the 3rd floor of an apt complex and a treadmill, I'm sure I'd rock the ceiling of the ppl below me. So, if the equipment is going on a second floor or higher, with people underneath, you may want to take that into consideration. I figured the pounding of me running, wouldn't be fun for anyone.

If you do go that route, be sure to try some out. Check out the length of the "step" and how far apart the steps are. Some of them for me, were very awkward and unnatural. One big thing to keep in mind, is the height of the equipment plus you standing on it.

A couple other reasons for my choice was my bad knees, the elliptical doesn't bother it, and unless you buy a high-end treadmill, most of them don't really have good cushioning. And I can burn about almost 300 calories in 20 minutes.

Those are my reasons. Its quiet. No pounding to bother anyone below me (or who may share a floor). Easy on my knees. And burns calories faster than anything else I do. :)

Good luck. And whatever you buy, do lots of research on what you need. Expensive doesn't always mean good/reliable, but cheap typically means less features.

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 8:20 pm
by Jaymiz
MerryKat wrote:I have tried DVD's but I am so uncoordinated that I ended up feeling frustrated and irritated with myself and got very little benefit from them. I need something simple like walking or riding.

However I know I need some cardio in the mix for optimum benefits, but fitting it in is the difficult part.

I don't have time in this routine to go to gym or and it is not safe to be out walking or riding by myself, but I could squeeze in 20min on a piece of exercise equipment while dinner is cooking and the boys are in the bath.

This is why I am looking for some form of exercise equipment. I understand walking / riding outside is the best, but I just am not able to fit it in for various reasons.
You sound like the perfect candidate to try Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs. Seriously -- I know you said you feel uncoordinated with the usual workout DVDs, but I beg you to reconsider, and give the WAtP workouts a chance... I consider myself to be HIGHLY uncoordinated, and yet, Leslie's workouts are simple & easy! You do four moves: walking in place, side-steps, knee-lifts, and little kicks (not like Tae-Bo!). If you can do those four moves, you can do the whole workouts, and you can walk anywhere from 1 - 5 miles in your living room (or wherever your DVD player is located).

As far as time goes, they're also very convenient! The 1-mile DVD only takes up 20 minutes of your time from start to finish, warm-up to cool-down. And, it's a great combination of walking & aerobics! So, while you think walking workouts are too "simple" and won't do you any good, these really get you working, and you feel great when you're done!

I am a huge fan, as you can see! I started using these WAtP videos in 2005, and they've been the best (and easiest) workouts I've found so far. I tried others before, but found them too intense or too complicated for me to follow. I love Leslie & her group -- they're very down-to-earth, too!

http://www.lesliesansone.com

Best of luck!

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:07 pm
by Dawn
The only problem with in home equipment is just don't know if you will use it or not. I had a treadmill and loved it but when it died I just couldn't afford the $700 to replace it. I since have tried a stationary bike, which totally hurt my back after only five minutes. Tried adjusting it everyway we could but it still hurt my back, and I don't have a bad back. Also tried the Gazelle - just never could get into it. So disappointing to spend that money and it just didn't work out, but since I had such a good experience with the treadmill I thought it was worth a shot.

I know what you mean about the dangers of walking out in this crazy world. Our neighborhood isn't dangerous, but there are a fair amount of stray dogs and my husband has a little bit of a phobia. I think he was eaten alive by a pack of wild dogs in a past life - seriously. He is so nervous the whole time we walk that is just isn't worth it. But, we did find a great area to walk in that he does feel comfortable. It's a five minute drive and it's a 3 mile route that we take. Its 1.5 miles up hill and 1.5 back down. It takes about an hour and we are huffing and puffing a good deal of the time. So it's a really good walk, not just a simple stroll.

So maybe you could find a better place to walk and take a friend for company or a book on tape or something like that. Back to the in home equip - due to weather or it getting dark early at certain times of the year, it is good to have it. I think the treadmill is good. You can go as fast or slow as you feel like. On days that you really don't feel like working out at all, you can slowly walk on the treadmill while you watch the news for 30 min - soooo much better than doing nothing.

Re: Gazelle and DDR

Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 6:33 pm
by tgp157
Airen08 wrote: SW: 290
CW: 259
GW: 150
Started No-S on 3/1/08 at 290
Wow, Airen!! You've lost 31 lbs since 3/1/08 doing NoS. Good for you, that is amazing. :P :!: