In as much as I agree that getting outside is the best option, I also understand how you want to keep/get fit and if YOU are happy being inside, then that is what you should do.
We went through this in my family since my wife has a very busy schedule and simply won't make time to go to a gym. Being someone who worked in the fitness industry since 1988, I was very familiar with exercise equipment. As others stated, most home units make great clothes hangers and dust collectors.
But, I agree that an elliptical trainer is probably your best option. If you get a good one, it can give you a very effective workout for both upper and lower body muscles. I would look into the "semi-professional" models, ones that they often put in hotel gyms for lighter duty than fitness gyms.
The one we selected is made by SportArt. It is an "entry level" commercial unit and has all the bells and whistles you will need. Key ones include adjustable stride length, no electrical connection and long term warranty. It will cost you a little more up front but will be well worth it assuming you plan on using it long term. We have had this one for over 3 years and my wife still pounds it 4-5 days a week for 45 minutes a pop. Never had any problems with it at all.
And, it is quiet. She gets up at 6 am, turns on the news and gets her workout in but doesn't have to wake the house up to hear the TV. You will save money buying a "home unit" but I will promise you that it WILL breakdown if you really use it. The industry counts on the fact that most will not be used for more than a month or two, at best...
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I have to echo what mtbcoach says about buying a commercial grade unit. Most home use machines are built banking on limited use. If you buy a quality commercial grade unit-you will get your moneys worth (provided you use it).
I teach Health & PE and we just installed a 5000 square foot fitness center in our HS. The ellipticals are a popular machine. I'm not so good w/personal advice because I swear I have exercise induced ADHD...I don't do well on machines-I'm a runner/swimmer.
Elliptical machines are def lower impact than treadmills, but it's really personal preference. Which do you like better and which are you more apt to use? You may also want to check out BowFlex adjustable dumbells for some resistance training to go along w/your new cardio equipment. They don't take up a lot of space and you can adjust them (with just a click) to weigh either 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20 lbs.
I use the Kamasutra for my exercise program. It keeps up my cardio, tones my body, and does wonders for my flexibility. You don't have to worry about where to do your exercises because any nook and cranny of your house is fair game. Plus, if you are single, you have the option of switching out the other party when it becomes boring and monotonous.
Another up-side is that you are not only helping yourself, but also helping others maintain a healthy life-style.
95% of all home gym equipment ends up at the curb.
Run 3 miles outside, 200 jumping jacks, 100 pushups, 100 crunches, 100 lunges for 5 weeks and if you are still doing it week 6, you can buy whatever you want .
ANIMAL!
I like my big exercise ball. It seems to trim from the inside out so I still have a little more belly fat than I would like but that'll go away. Still, after several weeks' use, I look better in jeans than before. So I've got that going for me.
I use it with 5-pound weights and a DVD set that I cycle through.
I'm with some of the others on here: I'll never use a treadmill at home because the weather's great here.
I found a trail in the Oakland Hills by mistake one day. It's SO pretty and winds along this forested park. You get views of the bay that stretch for miles.
Mount Diablo is supposed to have some good hiking but I haven't tried that. Yet.
I use the Kamasutra for my exercise program. It keeps up my cardio, tones my body, and does wonders for my flexibility. You don't have to worry about where to do your exercises because any nook and cranny of your house is fair game. Plus, if you are single, you have the option of switching out the other party when it becomes boring and monotonous.
Another up-side is that you are not only helping yourself, but also helping others maintain a healthy life-style.
Where in my area can I get this Kamasutra you speak of? I'm all about helping my fellow man...
I like my big exercise ball. It seems to trim from the inside out so I still have a little more belly fat than I would like but that'll go away. Still, after several weeks' use, I look better in jeans than before. So I've got that going for me.
I use it with 5-pound weights and a DVD set that I cycle through.
I'm with some of the others on here: I'll never use a treadmill at home because the weather's great here.
I found a trail in the Oakland Hills by mistake one day. It's SO pretty and winds along this forested park. You get views of the bay that stretch for miles.
Mount Diablo is supposed to have some good hiking but I haven't tried that. Yet.
Good luck and have fun!
M
Haha. Treadmills are so boring. I think the only use I would get out of one is getting under it and pressing it.
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