Eliptical Trainers?

[java]

I am trying to get in shape and am thinking of getting one of these. My issues are that I have small children so I would need some kind of locking device on the machine I get to protect small fingers. Which do you suggest? It is overwhelming the amount of information- at least I have decided eliptical vs. treadmill. But now which one? It wouldn't need to be foldable.

 

[Hercules10]

Would you consider a gym first? Many have day-care for the kids. That way you could try out the elipticals, treadmills, stair steppers and cross-trainers without dumping a load of cash into a purchase.

If you absolutely want to purchase. We have a "Play It Again Sports" store here where these machines come in. They're used machines, but only barely used. You might be able to try out several different ones.

Good luck!

 

[java]

We are in the boonies- so closest gym is about 30 minutes away(and that alone would be enough to get me to not do it!) But great idea on the used machines store I would never have thought of that! I'll see if I can find one. Or maybe I could do a shorter membership at the gym- I know they even offer free weekly ones.

 

[golfgal]

We are on our way tonight to pick up our NordicTrack elliptical from Sears, just came in. We looked and many, many ellipticals and decided on this one. The really high end ones are nice but I don't think they are worth $4000. This one is on sale for $799 and has gotten pretty good reviews other then the display panel eats batteries so you need the AC adapter with isn't a big deal. The lower end ones were just less smooth to use I guess. STill, even if they don't last more then a few years you can buy several of those before you hit the $4000 of the high end ones.

As for locking devices, I don't know what you could do there other then maybe get a bike lock and lock the handles so they don't move and thus lock the pedals?????

 

[chyam]

Let me first say that I own one, I too did the research with them versus the treadmill, and went into it with great expectations..........have you tried one? They are pretty tough! 10 minutes is about all I have been able to do and boy I have been trying! It's a great workout but IMO either buy a used one or get a trial membership at a gym and use one for a couple of days.........It's been a year now, and although I like the smoothness of it again I will say they are TOUGH!

 

[juligrl]

Okay, I'll preface this by saying that I haven't read any of the other posts on this thread so take it for what it's worth.
DH and I both go to the gym - he swears by the treadmill, I swear by the eliptical. I have no clue how accurate those little calorie counters are, but in the same span of time, with the same average speed and all other factors being the same, the person using the treadmill always registers more calories being used.
Personally, I feel like I'm getting a better workout on the eliptical because I actually work up a sweat and am beat by 10 minutes into it. But if you're a numbers person you may want to take that into consideration.

 

[golfgal]

Okay, I'll preface this by saying that I haven't read any of the other posts on this thread so take it for what it's worth.
DH and I both go to the gym - he swears by the treadmill, I swear by the eliptical. I have no clue how accurate those little calorie counters are, but in the same span of time, with the same average speed and all other factors being the same, the person using the treadmill always registers more calories being used.
Personally, I feel like I'm getting a better workout on the eliptical because I actually work up a sweat and am beat by 10 minutes into it. But if you're a numbers person you may want to take that into consideration.

Tredmills make my legs hurt. I really don't think those number things are even close to accurate but it really depends so much on your weight and what you are really doing on the machine to burn calories.

 

[java]

I have a stairmaster that I use at home- but I do always just swing my arms around to get some upper body workout ...so I was thinking an eliptical would be a nice addition. I've been just walking but it is getting coooooooolllllllddddddd.

 

[hydster]

Also be aware that for SOME people *me and dh included* the ellipticals make our feet go completely painfully numb! I'd suggest you try one out at a store or a gym or something first! It hurts so bad while I'm on the elliptical I cannot do more than 10 min but once I"m off they return to normal almost immediately.

As for the lock I haven't heard of one for them but you can probably do an internet search to see if one is available. When I look at them though I cannot figure out how you'd lock them but then I'm no rocket scientist!

 

[escape]

I have a Precor (home version) and I love it. A good friend of mine was able to purchase one from a gym at a greatly reduced price - and still in great condition. As for a locking device - sorry, can't help you there.

As for treadmill vs. elliptical, it really depends on what you want to do. You can get a great cardio workout on both but the elliptical (especially the smooth Precor model) is easier on the joints. As for being hard, I personally think the treadmill is much harder. Of course, it all depends on the settings.

 

[grlpwrd]

You might want to take a look at the reviews and info at www.treadmilldoctor.com for both treadmills and ellipticals. I have not seen a lock for an elliptical except the one's that come from the manufacturer like how treadmills come with a lock/safety key.

I have both an elliptical and a treadmill. They sit in our living room now. I use a safety gate that spans the entire perimeter around them. I read once that kids are getting hurt by home gym equipment in higher numbers now. Eventually, I will be moving them into a room specifically used as my home gym.

As for finding deals, you could check Craigslist for your immediate community and surrounding areas if you are willing to drive.

GL!

 

[sugarpie]

I have an eliptical trainer & I love it! I use it 4 or 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes, sometimes 45 minutes if I have time. It's a NordicTrack and I got it at Sears for (I think) around $500 on sale. I have a 3 year old & a 4 year old, but they've never hurt themselves on it. I'm not sure they could pinch their fingers on it if they tried.

 

[lfeikert]

We have an epliptical, too. They are though. I like it though when I use it My DD5 and DS2 play on and around it alot. Even though they've been told a million times not, too. They have never hurt themselves and believe me, if my DS could hurt himself on it, he would have by now. That's just the kind of kid he is. He actually stands on the pedal and shouts "TOO INFINITY, AND BEYOND" then jumps off and flies around the room. At least someone uses the crazy machine, even if it is a Buzz Lightyear wannabe!

 

[ZuZugal]

We have a NordicTrac elliptical from sears as well. Have had it for a year and no problems at all. It's best to actually try machines before purchasing to make sure you feel it is stable enough and that the stride is long enough (esp if you are tall.)

I've never heard of one that locks, but then I wasn't looking for that feature so there might be some out there. Maybe look on some web boards that are geared towards home workout equipment.