Exercise equipment question - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

RNMOM · 01-02-2008, 12:05 PM

So if I could only have one piece of exercise equipment, what would I want. My dh has his exercise bike in the garage and uses it faithfully. Because of our subzero weather around here and short daylight hours, I'm too chicken to go out and run...which is my favorite. I think a treadmill would bore me to tears. I'm not sure what to look into. Elliptical? Treadmill? Weights?

Ideas and reasons please! thanks

GONNABE165 · 01-02-2008, 12:22 PM

In my opinion I would go with the elliptical - you get an all over workout and its anything but boring

Kim_Star060404 · 01-02-2008, 12:52 PM

I'm big on having some form of resistance equipment at home. They don't take up much space and I feel like they're indispensable. I have a treadmill and it is such a space-hog and so not worth it. I have both a resistance band and changeable hand weights and couldn't live without at least one of those. I think cardio is very important, but I also believe that you don't need any equipment to be able to do it. I walk and work out to several dvds I own and also from streaming video online. I could also walk outside if the weather were nice, or jog, or whatever. Plus, strength training builds muscle, which burns more calories at rest than fat, and that's a huge plus for me!!

Also, maybe it was just the gym atmosphere, but I hate cardio equipment - it's so monotonous. Same thing, day in and day out. With my weights and resistance bands, I can find ten ways to work my triceps and try a different one every time. Plus, I feel it's definitely more affordable!

SunshineRunner · 01-02-2008, 01:23 PM

I just bought my mom a rowing machine for Christmas - from amazon - it was cheap ($116 plus free delivery!!!) had 4.5 out of 5 star reviews on average with tons of great reviews....it is not my choice of workout, but it does provide a full body workout and will get you sweating...and the cost is at least 1/2 price of an elliptical...if not more. If you are interested, pm me and I'll send you to the link for the one I bought her.

atxgirl · 01-02-2008, 01:26 PM

well I would say dance dance revolution on the playstation because I swear it worked wonders on my thighs but that might not be what you had in mind.

So...I will say the elliptical, while I also like the stationary bike I think the elliptical is easier on my ankles, knees, back and for sure my bottom than the bike is.

femmecreole · 01-02-2008, 02:01 PM

I've been researching the Fluidity thingy the last few days. Still thinking about it after seeing the old infomercial the other day. Most reviews I've read are positive. I HATE exercising...hate,hate,hate it.

SkinnyDogMom · 01-02-2008, 02:13 PM

I had a rowing machine years ago---hated it. I had an exercise bike years ago--it became a clothes hanger. We currently have a top of the line treadmill---like it, but it takes up a huge amount of space and is very heavy, so it isn't practical to move it from room to room. I would have chosen an elliptical as they were my fav at the gym, but DH wanted the treadmill. We are moving into a smaller house the end of the summer, so I have no idea where we will be putting the huge beast--the treadmill.

CyndiM · 01-02-2008, 02:21 PM

How about a mini trampoline? We just got one and love it. We also have a treadmill, an elliptical, hand weights, stretchy bands, and several videos. I've just gotten in the habit of throwing a movie in the DVD player whenever I work out so that adds variety

cottagebythesea · 01-02-2008, 07:38 PM

I'd go for the elliptical. You get a whole body workout with just one machine. Make sure you invest in a good one, though, otherwise they have a tendency to need repairs often.

THINBYJUNE · 01-02-2008, 07:57 PM

I have a treadmill and love it. I also got new hand weights for Christmas that are completely self contained (you flip a switch and it changes the amount of weight so you don't have to keep switching them). Before I decided on my treadmill though I went to Sports Authority and "played" on every piece of equipment they had. By the time I left I knew the treadmill was right for me and the sales people were surprisingly O.K. with me turning the showroom into a mini-gym for a few hours.

tomandkara · 01-03-2008, 06:41 AM

Elliptical in front of the TV. That's what I wish I had! You have to invest in a good one, though. My sister had a middle-of-the-line one and it's not nearly as nice as the ones at the gym. I'd rather save up for an extra couple months and get a spectacular one!

Kara

pamatga · 01-05-2008, 05:39 AM

I have always been active but one thing I will tell you is that your needs will change. Sometimes, like moving to a smaller house, it will be external reasons. Sometimes, you will get bored or your body will, and you will want to change. So, when you are shopping and you aren't certain about what you want, maybe a gym membership would be cheaper in the long run until you decide what you would like to "invest" in.

The cheapest is walking or running but do invest in the best pair of shoes you can and get them fitted by an "expert".

I think, gym memberships like to a specific health club or even the Y are the second cheapest because they are the ones who put all that money into the equipment. Also, they have staff who can help you get started doing the exercises the "correct" way.

Finally, at home workouts and equipment. Dvds are the cheapest. For variety, they can't be beat. And you can always pause them if you have to pee---unlike when you are a gym. "Excuse me madam, will all of you stop what you are doing while I visit the bathroom?" Hey, it's all that water we're drinking.

If you aren't sure you want to get free weights try heavy cans you can easily grasp your fingers and hands around. Remember with these you will outgrow the weights so before you buy a lot of lighter weights consider using canned goods initially.

At home equipment is the most convenient but again space is the biggest issue. I bought a $900 treadmill that is a monster to move but the walking part folds and locks up so actually it doesn't take much more space width wise than a chest of drawers. I bought it through HSN on installment payments. My DH and I love using it. It is especially great for rainy or cold days.

So, when you are shopping, think about how your needs are going to change (and they will) and spend your money accordingly. Then, the only burn you will feel will be in your muscles and not in your wallet!