What exercise equipment do you own?

[Pumbaa_]

I am thinking about buying either a treadmill or an elliptical machine and wanted to see hwat thoughts were on the two. I want to spend less than $600 (preferably less than 500) and wanted to solicit opinions.

So who owns what (if it is used as a clothes rack taht does not count )?
Thanks!

 

[DixieDreamer]

We have a good exercise bike - programmable so it is challenging and provides different work outs. DH and I both use it. It was just a bit over $600 new.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

We got a new treadmill (a.k.a. "The Dreadmill" ) last November, but it speeds up and slows down unexpectedly. Someone is coming from Sears Tuesday to adjust it. (I called on day 89 of a 90 day warranty. ) It's a ProForm and I think we paid around $600, on sale.

We also have a Cardioglide, and in the past when I was doing really well with using the treadmill, I'd get off the treadmill and do some time on that...plan to start that up again soon. DH likes the Cardioglide...can't stand using the treadmill...I "like" both.

 

[perfectmatch300]

We have an exercise bike. It's pretty low impact which is good for me, and I do get a pretty good workout on it. I wish it had some of the bells & whistles on it that some of the better models have, but it was given to me so I guess I can't complain too much.
I wish I had something a little more versatile. All you can do with this bike is ride it, so I have to add other things to my workout to tone the parts of me that the bike doesn't work.

 

[welovedis]

I own a few pieces of equipment now that I am selling since I joined my gym last year. I own a good Image treadmill (was about $1700 new), an old exercise bike and a Total Gym 1000. The treadmills all vary and have lots of different things you can do--mine has many pre-programmed workouts plus I can program my own and one for DH too. It has a great incline and a nice, wide belt so it was very comfortable when I used it.

My bike is older and has the handles that move when you ride it. No bells or whistles really just a basic bike. The total gym was a total waste of money as we never had a good place to use it-probably used it about 20 times altogether so we are putting it in our garage sale this spring.

The ellipticals are great, I use one 3 xs a week and the calorie burn can be pretty high--I use the one at the gym at a low level and burn about 300 calories in 20 minutes. If I was going to buy something for home now I would probably buy one of these.

If you are seriously thinking about buying either a treadmill or elliptical, you need to look around. I always did my research online to see what I could get for my $$$, then headed out to the local stores to see what they carried. I ended up buying my treadmill from a local store that sells to health clubs as I wanted something that would last with a lot of running. The price was higher but came with a good (free) service & maintenance plan.

Best of all, try the equipment out--use the treadmill for 10 or 15 minutes, same thing with the elliptical--you really need to see what you are getting for the $$$.

Just my .02 worth, HTH!

 

[saturday97]

I had a bike that I loved using, but I had some trouble with my knees (unrelated to using the bike) and started walking instead, so I bought a treadmill.

My feeling is that I have always liked to walk, it is easier on my knees, and no matter what kind of a mood I'm in I can usually talk myself into a few minutes on the treadmill (versus other equipment that I have to really psyche myself up for).

 

[nativetxn]

I used to have a Nordictrak ski machine and I loved it so much but the computer died and it just isn't as much fun if you don't know how far you've gone

So I gave that to my brother. Now I have an elliptical trainer, still getting used to that, don't like it as well as the ski machine.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Free weights, an exercise ball, exercise mat and an exercise bike ... the other stuff I go to the gym for

 

[Pig Pen]

I have an "air walker." It's in my living room and I use it during TV time. Keeps me out of the fridge for 40 minute stretches...

 

[believe]

I use the gym at work for my firming and abs. At home I use videos and small weights. I love to walk outdoors, so that is my other form of exercise.

The snow/ice storn this weekend kept me from walking outside, this drove me nuts. I will be looking for a treadmill very soon.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Thanks for all the info. We have decided to get an elliptical machine. Less stress on the joints and hubby liked it too. So now I just have to be anle to dig out and go shopping!