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
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Black Cherry, 6 spd MT
Factory options: Convenience package, UP1, alarm, trailer hitch, passenger side arm rest,
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the cheapest piece of equipment for me is a pair of running shoes and the sidewalks around town. I find it more enjoyable to run outside and more worth while. Then again im 20 and dont have to worry about impacts on my joints yet
the cheapest piece of equipment for me is a pair of running shoes and the sidewalks around town. I find it more enjoyable to run outside and more worth while. Then again im 20 and dont have to worry about impacts on my joints yet
You are right on target when you say running is a good base excercise. I am a Diver in the Navy and have been a gym-rat in past and have used cardio equipment. We all come equipped with the best gym money can buy; our own body weight. Running or swimming is great for you and you will find that it strenghthens joints if you ease into it. Additionally, I personally use a system called TRX
for ideas on bodyweight exercises. Doing these excercises not will not only get you in shape, but focus on core strength. I do not own stock in any of these companies, they are just a few ideas that I have found that work very well.
SF Pre Runner - Flowmaster Series 50, Razors with BFG KO's, R.E.D Light Bar, PIAA 520's and PIAA 510 Fogs, AF HL Covers, Hella Dual Horns, Dirty Parts Dual Battery, aFe CAI, Vent Visors, Trail Gear Sliders, Demello Skid, AP 2" FOX Adj Res. Suspension, upper and lower Links, Shock Skids, Sway Bar Links, AP Airdam/light bar w/PIAA 510's, Coleman Rack Basket, Hi Lift, Spidertrax spacers, Tuffy Cargo Box and Ellis Interior Grab Handles.
the cheapest piece of equipment for me is a pair of running shoes and the sidewalks around town. I find it more enjoyable to run outside and more worth while. Then again im 20 and dont have to worry about impacts on my joints yet
Yeah, well, I live in Oakland. There's NFW I'm out in an URBAN area breathing in smog and running through the ghetto.
I want to accelerate my heart rate via exercise, not fear.
Sandi
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Black Cherry, 6 spd MT
Factory options: Convenience package, UP1, alarm, trailer hitch, passenger side arm rest,
side curtain airbags, California emissions package, carpeted floor mats, emergency assistance kit
I ride my mountain bike for cardio, during the winter I ride it on rollers.
I use my own body weight for a work out. Sissy squats, single leg squats, calf raises on a step, push up's, dips and sit ups (sometimes pull up's but I really don't like them).
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I made the switch to working out at home about 6 months ago. Like you the gym was no longer workable. I got the P90X workout program, and use the treadmill to keep the cardio respectable.
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 .
I have to admit, the elliptical isn't always the most popular machine, but it is very effective. It is very low impact and does have a lot of different settings (resistance, elevation, etc). At first it's a pain to go 10 minutes, but before long the 30 minute cycle goes by fast. My parents just bought one from a similar sale and paid $1000, it's a pretty heavy duty maching with all the good stuff on it.
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'08 Black Diamond 4x4 AT, FJCruiserForums.com sticker, All the bells and whistles, just installed my flux capacitor!
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