I don't like stationary bikes much at all, and while I do like the feel of the elipitical when I first get on it, my feet end up going numb pretty quickly as well. I've heard that is really common. Shifting my weight helps sometimes, but not enough to make me want to keep going on the machine.

I'm with SCraver on the things that translate into real life stuff (other than the stationary bikes! lol) I love the treadmill, because it will help me be able to go for longer walks, eventually runs and hikes without getting so tired. Plus I can keep track of my progress and continuously try to beat it. :) I also love lifting because it makes me stronger for carrying things, etc.

My favorite exercises though are dancing and Tae Bo. Georgeshair, I would DEFINITELY recommend Tae Bo. It's a GREAT workout, not only does it make you feel completely worked out, but it also makes you feel powerful. I mean, I don't know if any of it would be considered real kick boxing, but while you're doing it, you really feel like you could kick anybody's butt! :)

I haven't tried zumba yet, but I'm hoping to catch a class soon, because I have a feeling I'll love that! Hehehe :) ... In the mean time, I just got a Kinect and Dance Central and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved for my birthday, and I'm realllllly loving Dance Central! Totally fun workout.

I love gym machines. It is safe to say I would probably not have lost weight without gym machines. The trauma of elementary and junior high school gym has pretty much spoiled me for any kind of group exercise activity, especially any kind of team sports. I was an uncoordinated dork and will always feel like one. And when I wanted to start exercise that was a little more energetic than walking, I was too heavy to run. When I discovered the ellipticals in my new YMCA with TELEVISION SETS attached to each, it changed my life. When I moved away from there I bought a video iPod just so I could continue. (I don't have a TV at home, so the prospect of watching my shows is an excellent motivator to go to the gym.) I also do weights at the gym, but I don't enjoy it; it's just something I have to do to maintain my health, like brushing my teeth.

I enjoy hiking very much, and have started a C25K running program. But where I live now outdoor exercise is a winter activity. It is predicted to be 111 degrees today -- it's 8am and 87 degrees now -- so I am very happy for the air conditioned gym and its machines. The gym club and its fenced grounds are also pretty much the only place here in town where I can wear shorts and not be stared at, since in this country ladies do not go outside with their legs exposed.

I know a lot of people swear by treadmills, but I can't stand them. I think it's because you're walking and walking and walking and walking....and you haven't actually gone anywhere. Walk ten miles on a treadmill, and end up in exactly the same spot you were in when you started; walk ten miles outside, and you've got scenery and actual progress.

It might just be me, but I find the treadmill boring as **** and it actually drags me down more than motivating me to do more. I like ellipticals, but there's only one gym here in town and I can't afford to join, so I guess I'm "stuck" with walking.

Same contest at work - I had to ride the bike, row and do elliptical for ten minutes a piece.

If it weren't for a friendly client beside me keeping me entertained, I'd say it was the most worthless form of exercise. According to the machines, I burned 35 calories on the bike, 45 on the row, and the elliptical did not calculate my calories.

I figured the coffee I drank after doing that put the calories right back in.

I guess my point today is if you're truly serious about weight loss, put in your all and mix it up with weights and make sure your working hard enough. Otherwise, it's such a waste of time! I bet I burned more vaccuuming when I got home!

Exercise videos and wii fit games. Can't stand them. Blech. I also hate walking on the treadmill (though running is okay) and recumbent bikes. Those things suck! Oddly enough, I'll never ride the stationary bike at the gym, but I have one at home that I'll ride while watching TV.

My favorites are snowshoeing and kayaking (though I don't get to do those anymore), the elliptical, and rowing. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a gym with a rowing machine in a long time, so I will probably buy my own. I used to row A LOT in highschool, and had the kind of arms and back strangers would stop to compliment me for. sigh. I miss those days!

Originally Posted by finn:
Why/how anyone does step classes is beyond me - I've tried several types over the years and hated them all! I have the co-ordination of a baby giraffe!!!

I can't explain why..maybe 'cuz it's fun and it's a great workout w/o having to do high school pe exercises instead...but I love step aerobics. I only step with Cathe Friedrich though because it's not too much - not so dancey and complicated.

I much prefer all strength training (machines and free weights) over cardio. Having said that, I've been doing much more cardio than strength lately.

I really like the treadmill (w/ tv please). I usually walk at a brisk pace like 3.3 w/ a crazy high incline like 9.5. I also like running outside but for some reason I allow myself to stop and walk when I'm outside. I don't allow that on the treadmill.

I also dance as a hobby and I ride my hybrid bicycle on the trails near my home.

I hate the exercise bike and the elliptical (both hurt me - my butt or my feet). It's funny - I get that annoying pedaling-but-not-going-anywhere feeling on the exercise bike but I don't feel like that on the treadmill. I wonder why that is.

Funny, I hate the treadmill - but I also hate walking for exercise - I need to go somewhere! from point A to point B :)
I love lifting, Turbo Jam and my upright exercise bike with Ifit - I can do it all while the baby is asleep and it's 90+ degrees outside.

Don't care for elliptical or stair climbers. I can tolerate the stationary bike, particularly with a movie on although music will do too.

Enjoy weights, love hiking, biking and swimming, and accept running as a necessary evil for my chosen sport. Although I *did* manage to enjoy a run yesterday, so it is possible that I will love it more as my running base continues to improve.

i hate longer runs on the treadmill. Soemthing about it just completely mentally defeats me. I've found that for me, it's best to use the treadmill for speed intervals and outdoors for longer runs.