Calling All Fitness Gurus!

[tinksmommy]

If you had to buy one piece of fitness equipment, what would it be?

I'm trying to decide what to buy in the next few months. I have a stationary recumbent bike, but I know that's not enough for me. I've been looking at both treadmills and ellipticals. Also I don't have a clue what to look for as far as features go.

Help!

Comments

[go_dawgs]

Hands down - elliptical machine. First of all, it's easier on your knees and back. Secondly, if you use it right, you can work your entire body. For instance, the elliptical machine at my gym has a x-train program where you do a minute just pushing with your arms, a minute just pulling with your arms, 2 minutes going backwards, 5 minutes lower body only, etc. And if you concentrate on *just* pushing with your arms, it's a really good workout.

I like the treadmill if I'm doing other stuff like weights or situps, but if I could just have one piece of equipment, it would definitely be the elliptical. And since you already have a stationary bike, that will take care of your lower body.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask! I've done lots and lots of research on exercise equipment since we joined the gym. :)

[tinksmommy]

Thanks, Keli. =) That's the way I was leaning, but I didn't know if that was the real right decision. I've been trying to do research, but there is so much to absorb. Like I said, I know nothing about ellipticals. I keep coming back to these two models:
Reebok® RL 545

[go_dawgs]

If I had to choose from those 2, I'd pick the Reebok because it has impact absorption. To me, that's one of the most important things, because working out is pretty tough on your body. Either of those look like really good pieces of equipment.

Changing things up is a good thing, but I would work on setting small goals for yourself. Don't think about what you'll be doing in a year. Think about what you'll be doing tomorrow or early next week. Like, set a goal that you'll work out 3 times next week (or whenever you get the machine) and then work from there. I think setting unrealistic goals (i.e., I'm going to lose 50 lbs next year!) is really stupid, because it creates a desire to procrastinate and get off track.

If you don't like working out, I think the elliptical machine is one of the more "fun" work-out machines. It's low-impact and somewhat interesting. No matter what, everyone should do some kind of exercise - and if this will get you back to exercising, then definitely get it. :)

That's just my little rant for the day. :)

[tinksmommy]

Thanks again, dear. :) I'm going to keep looking around because I don't want to settle on something 2 months before I buy it.

I like what you said about setting small goals. I really need to learn to do that better. I'm bad about planning too far ahead and then kicking myself when things fall apart. Hmm, I guess the Baby Steps principle applies here, too. Must remember that.

[chelle_n_kaili]

Ive heard lots of people like the Gazelle!
Kelly (kelipoo) has one and I think she said it was $100 at Walmart.

[tinksmommy]

I looked at those once upon a time, but I'd be too afraid of falling off!! I like having something solid under my feet.

[camberne]

Hee, I wouldn't know!! I hate nothing more than working out... hmmm, well, I hate headaches more, but it's a close race!

I just wanted to pop in and say Hi. :)

[tinksmommy]

Hi, Alice! :)

[gotmywish123]

We got an eliptical last month from Sears. We decided to go for the $500 one because it looked safer and there was nowhere for Holly to get her fingers caught. I cant wait to use it...

[tinksmommy]

What brand did you get? I'll have to look closely to see if there are any dangerous parts before buying anything. Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes safety isn't the first thing on my mind. Bad mommy!!