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[Sandi_k]

My gym closed down in November, and it's time to get back in gear. I've checked out all the remaining alternatives, and they're either in "sketchy" neighborhoods, are CROWDED (so that you wait 45 minutes for a machine), are expensive, are out of the way (and thus inconvenient) or all of the above. So, I spent Friday-Sunday checking out equipment, both in-person and on-line.

I was originally thinking exercise bike or treadmill. Then I saw how big the treadmills really are, and I remembered that my Physical Therapist doesn't want me using exercise bikes because of the "leaning on the handlebars" tendency. Also, it does nothing for the upper body or circulation.

So, now I'm looking at ellipticals. While it certainly *is* low-impact (for the neck and ankles and knees), it's also important to get one that's well made and will last.

Holy moly - "well made" apparently = $1700 or more. (I found a well-respected model available for $1K on costco.com, but its stride is shorter than optimal for both me and DH to use).

Gulp. That's definitely more than I thought I'd spend. But if I used it, it could be worthwhile (*especially* if DH started using it, now that he's post back-surgery). I'm just afraid I'll buy it, and never use it.

And yes, I've looked at Craigslist and Play it Again, Sports. These things really seem to either 1) never come on the market, or 2) come on the market for a significant % of the original MSRP.

The local equipment place said thay will be having a Presidents' Day weekend sale. Let's hope it's huge.

So - anyone use an elliptical at the gym? Is it addictive or something you grow tired of quickly? It may be worth noting that the times I've successfully worked out, lost weight, and kept it off was when I used cardio exercise equipment...

TIA.

Sandi