It’s no secret that there is no love lost between cardio equipment and I which is why when Reader Laura asked me what she should look for when purchasing an elliptical machine, I was stumped. Social creature that I am, I much prefer to work out at the gym (bonus: they have childcare!) and when I do have to workout at home I usually concoct some kind of crazy circuit involving my Val-Slides, TRX, Kettlebell and whatever other equipment I keep tripping over. And yet, as I am so often reminded when I see people lining up Thanksgiving night for the Black Friday sales, many people are not like me. (Seriously, there is no amount of savings that could entice me to go shopping on Black Friday.) So I am starting a Help a Reader Out feature where I post a reader’s question that I don’t know the answer to and hope that via the collective wisdom of all of you, we can come up with a good solution. Combined we must have an IQ of like a million or something, right?
Here’s Laura’s quandry: Not being much of a “gym” person but still loving her cardio endorphins, she’d like the flexibility of working out in the comfort of her own home. She has decided that the elliptical machine is her torture device of choice but doesn’t know where to start to buy one. Price is a primary factor but she does want a machine with enough quality to not end up as a glorified clothing rack in her basement. She’s thinking second hand is a good idea but doesn’t know what questions to ask. Craig’s list? Second-hand store? Brand-new-but-cheap from Wal-Mart or Target? So many sweaty options.
Questions for you:
1. What piece of cardio equipment do you think is best for home workouts?
2. Do you recommend buying used or new?
3. Any particular brands that are the best? Any that she should run screaming away from?
4. What features are important to look for?
5. Where do you buy your equipment?
6. Ever buy fitness equipment from an infomercial? If so, what? (This last question has nothing to do with Laura. I’m just nosey like that.)
The Play It Again Sports stores are always a good option, if there is one in her area. Only thing is she'd have to arrange delivery.
My only advice would be for her to try out whatever she goes with. I have a manual elliptical (way better than a manual treadmill, BTW). While it's a good workout and considerably cheaper than many of the fancier ones, it just has a different feel than those electronic ones. I've had to get used to it.
Note: my answers do not match your questions:
1. I bow down to your greatness. 8 days post delivery, juggling 4 kids and you are posting. You rock (and I hope are getting some sleep).
2. I used to want home exercise equipment, like an elliptical, but with the kiddies underfoot I can't imagine them not turning it into a climbing obstacle and/or an injury inflicter.
3. What are val-slides? Because they sound cool!
I completely agree with trying the equipment out at a play it again sports or something like that. My mom bought an "elliptical" (nothing like you would see at a gym) at a garage sale, and it seriously was a piece of crap! I don't think she tried it out before!
It was extremely interesting for me to read this blog. Thank author for it. I like such topics and anything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more soon.
I bought an elliptical and loved it. It was kind of cheap, the brand was ChristTopeit (or something). I used it for an hour every day for two months and then it just broke. So I cannot recommend it to anyone. There has to be a chain – like on a bicycle – inside the elliptical, but for cheap equipment there is a rubber band instead of a chain, and in a month or two it first stretches and then breaks. As I bought it on the internet (cost me about 300 dollars), I had no receipt (I know, stupid, but I did not bother to check), so I had no warranty, and now it's in the shed so that I don't blow a fuse every time I see it. We all know that most people who buy sports equipment stop using it in a month. I guess those manufacturers have really taken it seriously and bet their reputation on that fact. Too bad, I don't think I'll ever dare to spend on an elliptical, much as I loved "ellipting away".
1. What piece of cardio equipment do you think is best for home
workouts?
Personally, I like the treadmill. It's versatile. You can walk. You can run. You can go uphill. If you have balance, you can even go sideways. I don't like at home elliptical machines because they are no where near gym quality ellipticals unless you shell out the big bucks.
2. Do you recommend buying used or new?
I've never bought any used equipment before, but as long as you are able to see it in person and try it out, you can save a lot of money.
3. Any particular brands that are the best? Any that she should run screaming away from?
My first treadmill was a NordicTrack from Sears. It lasted me three years until I had knee surgery and wound up selling it. My parents have a no name elliptical and treadmill they bought at some store I've never heard of and they are still working after several years.
4. What features are important to look for?
Does it have a cup holder? Seriously, if you are just looking for a machine to get in some cardio during Dancing with the Stars, you don't need much. I do like programmable treadmills and some equipment can be synced with an ipod or laptop.
5. Where do you buy your equipment?
As I said, I've only ever bought workout machines from Sears. If you get to them during a sale, it's much cheaper than Play It Again Sports. Actually, I bought an exercise bike from Wal-Mart about 10 years ago, but it was a POS.
6. Ever buy fitness equipment from an infomercial? If so, what?
Nope, but my mom has a nice collection sitting around. Gazelle? Check. Thigh master? Check. The ab lounge chair thing? Check. The upside down relieves backache thing? Yep, got that too. I think everything may have been used once or twice until she realized that a) it's not the quick fix they claim and b) it's a piece of junk.
I have no idea how to answer this question about where to buy quality yet somewhat inexpensive home workout equippment, though it is a good question! The one thing i would say is that I would definitely opt for a treadmill over an elliptical. Maybe it's just me, but the elliptical never really gets the heartrate up like the treadmill does and it gets old and boring to me after about 10 minutes. So my answer to question #1 would be the treadmill.
I think my two favorite pieces of home cardio would be an Air-Dyne bike & a C2 rower.
If she is set on an eliptical machine, I would say go to Sears, get the best machine she can afford, ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY get the top of the line in-home maintenance/warranty program.
I bought a stationary bike from Sears and due to the maintenance program, they basically rebuild the bike for me.
Twice.
My used exercise equipment was all "bought" from parents cleaning out the crawlspace/attic/under the stairs, etc. (Hey, honey, did you know we had this since neither of us has seen it in 7 years? Well it's taking up space, see if the daughter wants it.)
However, my parents have actually bought some of theirs used (before it was passed to me). My impression is that it's better to go with a used sporting goods store than craigslist, for the same reasons that it's often better to go to a used car store than to buy one off craigslist or out of the classifieds – you might pay a little more, but you know what you're getting. The store won't accept merchandise for resale that's below a certain level/too used. And, like with cars, it can sometimes look okay but not really run the way you want it to (and the people in the stores usually know more about the quality and can look under the hood, so to speak).
I've also heard good things about Play It Again Sports, and I think in some areas Dick's Sports will sell used equipment.
PS – I myself have one of the old Nordic Track ski machines (remember those?), a hand-me-down. I think more important though is what cardio works for YOU. If you like it and it gives you a good workout, you're more likely to use it, no matter how nice a machine it is or isn't.
One other thing to look for – programmable machines are nice when you're doing a long workout, but if it's at home, look for one where you don't HAVE to enter 50 settings and buttons to get started. I often hop on mine for 10 minutes at a time while I'm on the phone, or I'll be on and off it while watching tv. (Oh, forgot to do the dishes! Oooh commercial break, I'll go fold some laundry till the show's back on). It's not as intense a workout – like walking around on the phone as opposed to running 5 miles – but when your life gets busy, every little bit helps. I've been on some at the gym where you couldn't really start it without entering your height, weight, picking a workout plan, etc (at least not without giving the machine a seizure).
Not answering in order;
– I find treadmills give the best workout, but knees often require a break (previous injuries) so I will turn to the eliptical.
– Ask a local gym if they either sell their old equipment or if it goes to someplace for refurbishment. I know some friends who have done as much and have acquired some good quality equipment.
– Whatever is bought, make sure to test it and really give 'er… you want to make sure it's sturdy enough.
– I've bought P90X, and although I've never gone through the program as it exists, I use the DVD's when I travel or on days that I'm looking for a home workout and it's great!
My favourite piece of home cardio equipment is my elliptical, with a few dumbells and an exercise ball. Easy on the knees and works the arms and back too…if you reverse direction on it you can even work you butt.
I bought a new one, right around christmas when things seem to be on half price. I'd really recommend a new one, and invest in a good one (mine was ~$1000 half price). I have a Nordic Trak CRX900 and got a maintenance plan for the first 3 years, so that every 6months some nice guy would come and grease it up and change the wheels for me and tighten up screws. Now, because the company is big and has been around for ages, I can still order my own replacement wheels for the front of it every year and put them on myself. This machine has worked for us with nearly daily use by both hubs and me for 5 years.
Stay away from cheaper ones if you plan on using them daily – most people I know who bought cheaper ones (less than 500) had theirs break after 6 months of daily use. Also – some machines have weight restrictions, so if you're bigger, make sure you get one that will support your weight. Otherwise it'll definitely break on you…
I would recommend magnetic resistance, as the resistance involving actual bands tends to break much more often, and having a heart rate monitor is also nice. I must admit mine has some built in programs but I haven't tried them very much. And somewhere to put your water bottle or a book is also handy…
I got mine from Sears (they had the best sale at the time) but any good fitness place like Flamans would be good. Stay away from "deal" places like Walmart for big equipment-they tend to have cheap stuff. Places like Play it Again Sports and Flamans let you try out stuff before you use it to see what you like, which is cool. I'm shorter so I tried out a few models before I found one I was comfortable on. If they have a 1 month no fuss return that is cool too, cuz you might get it home and find you hate it…and then you are stuck with it.
Bigger stores are better for things like exercise balls and resistance bands, which I love.
I've considered the TRX off the TV…but I'm still saving my moola for that.
We live in a little house. So, I'm personally a big fan of *not* buying home equipment that takes up a lot of space and isn't portable enough to put in a closet or on a shelf.
My own home gym consists of some weights, a ball, one of those step things, and my TV … I've got lots of videos of my favorite in-gym workouts … personal recommendations TurboJam/Turbokick videos, the 30-Day Shred, and those 10-minute yoga/pilates videos. Also like Jari Love's weights workouts, and the Yoga Booty Ballet ones, too. The Leslie Sansone walking videos are kind of good, too, especially starting out (though she's a bit chirpy after a while!)
Another recommendation … outdoor/free resources … local parks have wonderful trails, there's jungle gyms, etc …
Trying these less expensive, less commitment options will allow her to establish a routine and see what she's into (cause it sounds like she really doesn't know yet, which is totally fine, but not a good place to make a choice from!) … and then, she can also figure out what her needs are and go from there.
Treadmill #1
Wind resistance pedal thingy that you mount your own bike on 🙂 #2
I bought a recumbent stationary bike mde by Schwinn for $150 brand new from Sports Authority. The trick is to wait until the end of January/beginning of February when they go on super sale trying to get rid of inventory after the New Year's Resolution crowd has waned. I'm sure they'd have the same on ellipticals.
-Joshua
I bought a treadmill last year when I moved from the South to the Midwest. It was the perfect piece of equipment for me because it allows me to continue to run when the weather is horrible and the campus gym is closed. We bought new from Dick's Sporting Goods when it was on sale and paid about $800 for it. It was expensive- but you can spend way more- and we viewed it as an investment in my sanity. The most important thing to me was that it was sturdy and fairly quiet and fairly inexpensive. I bought new because I've heard people say you really want to have that starting warranty. Plus they delivered it and set it up- which would have been basically impossible for my husband and I given our small car, 2nd floor apartment living arrangement.
And for what it's worth, I've run on it with two different downstairs neighbors and neither one has complained about noise so far.
I'm so not a gym person so I can relate. I bought a second-hand fordable manual treadmill. It takes some getting used to after using the fancy treadmills at the gym, and it might not be be the best device ever (and it's stuck on incline), but I have at least 2 good things to say about buying it second-hand :
1- it's very cheap (50$) and I can fold it and put it in the closet when I'm not using it, which is great since I'm an undergrad living in a small apartment!
2- The lady who sold it to me was incredibly nice: she threw a couple of yoga and pilates DVDs in the deal since she wasn't using them any more, and she kept in touch by email afterwards to see how my weight-loss journey was going and to give advice and support.
However I admit I'm not an exercise addict and I just started to gradually add more exercise in my life, so I'm not the type to do jump on the treadmill everyday for long stretches of time. Right now, if I do 10 minutes now and then I'm proud of myself! I'm not sure how sturdy it is and how long it would last if I used it everyday. So this is the perfect equipment for me but I might outgrow it some day, if I become an endorphin addict.
I bought an elliptical and I love it much more than I thought. I can train at any hour, any weather, no sunscreen, in pyjama, no time lost to go to a gym and change clothes. The real luxury for me was escaping the gym pollution (pop lights, neon musics, dumb TVs, allergizing air conditioning, impatient people pushing around, etc). Well, tastes and colors…
I visited shops and gyms. When I tried the light and cheap versions in shops, I found them not very stable, some were already damaged. Also, I found the cheap ones offered more opportunities to hurt yourself. I had already given up the idea of a treadmill at home as I find that all are potentially dangerous for a Blonde.
The pro category with all the gadgets is too expensive for me, and electronic gadgetery requires maintenance. So I took the simplest model of solid and steady equipment (the machine must weight more than you).
Mine is really basic, magnetic strength, no electric supply is needed. I can change intensity. I can change inclination with a tool. They had that sort elli in gyms a few years ago, and you still see some that survived that era.
The meter is basic too and that's not important. You don't even need any, as you can use a podometer or a heart-rate monitor, and as many kitchen magnet timers, or even a recorded "bip bip" to do an HIIT program.
I have checked the local on-line shops during 2 months to find a bargain, so I got it new at 30% of the average retail price, free delivery as the shop is in my town. The only problem is I had to assemble it myself. I made a mistake so it has no wheels, and I don't want to re-do it all to add them. Anyway, I was not going to roll it around. It stays in my bedroom.
If your friend can't afford a solid elliptical, a good rower is much cheaper and you need less space in the room to store it. I got one 20 years ago, my sister still uses it.
1. What piece of cardio equipment do you think is best for home workouts?
I bought a treadmill because that was my favorite piece of cardio equipment at the gym. I also felt that it was the most versatile.
2. Do you recommend buying used or new?
I bought new. Just seemed like less hassle.
3. Any particular brands that are the best? Any that she should run screaming away from?
Don't have an answer for this one, but if she has some brands in mind she can always google some consumer reviews and see what people are saying.
4. What features are important to look for?
I looked at power and weight restrictions, and the size of the deck. I also wanted something that would be quiet and easy to fold up and move out of the way. Some treadmills have all kinds of fancy pre-programmed stuff, but I never used that at the gym so I didn't figure I'd use it at home either.
5. Where do you buy your equipment?
I bought my treadmill at Sears. The sales rep was very helpful. I was able to see how they folded up/down, and turn them on to see how noisy they were, etc. I had looked online before I went to the store to get an idea of what they had and what I wanted as well.
6. Ever buy fitness equipment from an infomercial? If so, what? (This last question has nothing to do with Laura. I'm just nosey like that.)
I bought a set of The Firm DVDs and weights. No complaints.
Val Slides rock! Now if only I could get them away from my kids, who seem to think they're toys. Or maybe I'll just follow their example, lol!
I would avoid the cheaper brands found at Target and Wal-Mart. As much as I love the prices, their large electronics just don't last very long. You'd be better off going on Craigslist.
I've bought a couple of things from infomercials and, for the most part, have been very happy. The products I buy don't promise miraculous results with little effort, and most of them have been workout DVDs.
Oh, and my mom still uses her 25 year-old Nordic Track. It's noisy as all get-out, awkward and unwieldy, but she likes it! (Of course, she JUST replaced her microwave after 20 years, and still doesn't know how to use her DVD player, so…)
We bought a treadmill off craigslist for $200 and definitely got a great deal! It's an iFit treadmill and worth every cent.
Recently though I got P90X and have been using that exclusively. The sucker really works you out! I heard good things about insanity too.
I've been thinking of buying a recumbent bike because it's small enough to not be crazy obtrusive and would be nice on days when it's horribly cold and snowy and I just don't wanna leave the warmth!
I've heard good things about Play It Again Sports…
I bought a new elliptical at 2nd wind 6 years ago when I had my first child and didn't have a gym membership. I definitely love it and have gotten a lot of use out of it. It is an Octane Fitness. It is very simple to use and still works like new. I would try out the ellipticals since each one feels a little bit different. There are some at the gym that make my feet go numb or hurt my hips, so don't feel silly getting on the machines at the store and trying them out for awhile to make sure the machine is right for you.
I now have 4 children 6years and under and they all know the rules very well that they can't even climb on it or push the arms because they can get hurt. I also have it positioned in my house so that no one can walk behind it. I can see what is going on in front of me and not worry too much about the kids.
I am a gym rat so. plus I don't have $$ to buy the hard core stuff. But, I would go treadmill for the versatility of walking/jogging/hill walking/hill jogging/side stepping & more.
I am always nervous about buying used.. if you do, make sure & check out the warranty. That is a biggy!!!!! You want a warranty that is useful!
Also on the treadmill, make sure the belt is wide enough & it has side rails.. just in case, they will be important!
Saying that, a person needs to buy a piece of equipment that they will use. If she is not gonna like the treadmill, than it is a waste of money.
Me, never bought from an infomercial!
PS: How is the baby?
I considered getting an elliptical when we bought our house, but everything that was cheap enough for me to consider just looked too cheap for me to use. I went for a cheapo gym membership a mile away and have been happy with it. When I was considering just getting a cheapo one, I was looking at new as I couldn't find any used that didn't scream "falling apart". But if you can transport it, Craigslist might be a good bet.
I personally can get my sweat on with just a yoga mat, a ball, and some hand weights. Add a DDR pad in there and you can make some mean circuits.
I would check Craigslist for a piece of cardio equipment. The Precor elliptical machine is a great choice. People are always buying equipment that they don't use and selling it later. Your reader could probably find a good deal.
As far as buying a piece of equipment from an infomercial. No way. I would never buy anything I hadn't tried first.
I've been lusting after a Precor elliptical for years, but they are mega-expensive. I'm hoping to score one used someday.
Good luck, Laura, and hope you find something great!
I used a Keys Treadmill that was bought new from Play it Again Sports. It worked well (too well) for several years… I actually wore the belt out. I loved it – but I gave it up in agreement during recovery from an ED. Since then, I acquired an elliptical from Dick's Sporting goods. I never thought I would like one, but I do. It is much better on my aching knees too.
I run outside, and use the elliptical too.
I think it is a MUST to try out the equipment. Especially ellipticals. So many have different foot and leg alignment.
I have a cup holder and a magazine rack on mine. I can burn 45 – 60 minutes (without even realizing it) while reading and working out.
I am not a gym person, I like privacy. Gyms are good motivation though… you have all these people around you, helping you to push just a little bit further.
I have a full home gym and find that I use the treadmill most. Second to that for cardio is the elliptical. My bike is the 3rd because the home ones are just not as smooth as the really expensive ones at the gym so it torques my knee too much.
I bought my husband a trx last year and he loves, loves, loves it. I prefer weights.
We have bought at Fitness Warehouse and Sporting Good Stores. For Treadmills, I look for wide and long treads (I am tall) that are nicely cushioned (bad knee) that can handle running (some max out too slow).
Infomercial purchase – Nordic Track many moons ago. It sat in our townhouse gathering dust and laundry until we sold it – I think I used it once.
this might not be a typical piece of exercise equipment, but i bought a backpack for carrying my child (after giving birth)… i was seriously struggling to lose weight while breastfeeding… could not shake it… and couldn't do anything more than walk because my boobs were outta control huge with milk (as a runner this just KILLED me, not being able to run)… and the backpack was genius… seriously could walk up hills and burn burn burn… lost 15 kgs in 15 weeks… i have since bought a treadmill to get the last niggly bits back into shape (since weaning the little one)… i bought a treadmill new from an exercise store becasue it really is a must to try it before you buy it… there is such a huge difference in equipment and some are such bad quality and if you like the gym equipment you will be sorely dissapointed with some of the "at home" stuff if you don't try it first… it will ALWAYS cost more than you want to spend too… the cheap stuff is just that, cheap and nasty… i love my treadmill now though… i find it so hard to get to the gym now, as a mum…. gyms with childcare are a rare breed in my parts and beyond my budget!
I love my eliptical and have been using it regularly for over 2 years. I bought a higher end one as I felt it would be worth the investment in the long run. I also calculated that it would cost about 2 yrs of a gym membership, so in 2 years it payed for itself (in my mind anyhow!).
For me having programs were important. It was also important that it be able to change the resistance automatically.
We bought a Precor new at a local fitness equipment store (fitness depot) and have been happy to it.
You can’t work you abs or dance and get a great body. The only way to lose weight around your tummy and build your abdominal muscles is motivation and getting started right away. Now without letting your upper body down, twist so you left elbow and right knee touch.
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I was curious if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?