Equipment at home...
 

Around the end of the year or start of 2010, I'm wanting to get some cardio equipment to use at home...that way I can work out in the comfort of my own house, and maybe even take away my husband's excuse for not working out, as well.

Anyway, I've got a recumbent bike I bought at a garage sale, that I've been using for more than a year now. I like it, but it's not a workout on par with what I get using one of those upright bikes with the arms that swing (like this, if I can post it...http://www.target.com/Stationary-Bik...&node=12994571). I use one of these at the little, run down workout center I go to every morning NOW, and it's breaking down fast because it's so old.
It's also not as good a workout as the elliptical trainer I use at the same center.

We'll have enough money to spend a good chunk on a good machine. I'm considering one of the upright sort of bikes, an elliptical or even a stair machine (though I've never used one...just seems like it'd be good exercise).

Anyone HAVE these at home? What would you suggest?

I don't have a bike or elliptical at home. Our basement den is pretty small and treadmill seemed like the best bet for us considering overall cardio and space. I spent a good chunk on my treadmill and do not regret making the purchase. I love working out at home as I can do it in my underwear :lol: and any time I want. Elliptical, both hubby and my knees hurt when we tried it so we decided against it.

I'd say an elliptical might be a good workout (if you like working out on it). Another idea would be a treadmill. I'm looking at it from an overall workout point of view. Get something you know you will use. Maybe try going to a gym as a trial member and trying out all the machines to see which one of them do you prefer more.

I've considered a treadmill before...but it makes my knees and legs hurt BAD while the elliptical doesn't. Crazy how different we all are...

I have an elliptical (Nordic Track Audio Strider 960 I think) and I love it. If you like the elliptical and can afford to spend more than I could at the time, the Sole machines get good reviews. Nelie mentioned another good one, too, but I can't remember the name... I also have a treadmill and a recumbent bike. I find I use the elliptical more often because I tend to quit on the treadmill too easily, but I push through on the elliptical. :)

How much is a 'good chunk of money'? I would suggest you not look at ellipticals unless you have at least $1000 to spend. I have a LifeFitness and I love it. It has been going strong for 3 years. Sole's are the cheapest I'd recommend and I think they start at $1300.

We might could push it that far, Nelie...but not sure....

If NOT...what type of cardio equipment WOULD be decent at less than $1,000?

Ellipticals are complicated machines so they tend to cost more. The cheaper ones generally don't have a good lasting quality but then again many people buy ellipticals and only use them a few times.

Since a treadmill is out, I'd look at getting a bike. There are a lot of good options. Even a spinning bike might be fun.

I like the upright sort of bikes, like I mentioned before...never considered a spinning bike, though! Thanks for the suggestions!

Thank you PintoBean for sharing that site. I've been thinking a treadmill might be in my future but was totally overwhelmed with trying to figure out what the right thing to buy would be and that site looks perfect!

Peg

I have a spin bike and a Stairmaster. I love my stairmaster and my dh loves the spin bike.
I find the Stairmaster gives me an awesome cardio workout without the impact. They are more than a $1,000 though.
If you like biking a spin bike might be something that you would use. I believe ours was around $900. Another good thing about a spin bike is that there are not a lot of parts to break down. There are also some good spinning dvd workouts as well.
Good luck with whatever you decide :)

Originally Posted by p7eggyc:
Thank you PintoBean for sharing that site. I've been thinking a treadmill might be in my future but was totally overwhelmed with trying to figure out what the right thing to buy would be and that site looks perfect!

Peg

You're welcome :D. Also, check out Runner's world website. They both helped me a lot.