Advice on cardio equipment

S

Shanesmommy

0
I found this site about 2 weeks ago and I'm addicted!!! Just reading some posts and replies (especially from the regulars) is motivating. I've adjusted my dieting to 5 meals a day, trying to include a carb and protein in each. I've added weight training to my workout schedule, although I am taking baby steps.

For cardio workouts I'm either riding a stationery bike on days I just can't get out or on nice days I'm walking roughly 1-2 miles. The walking outside has been rough because the weather hasn't been cooperative (I'm in Pennsylvania). Also because I have two small children ages 5 and 2. I only have a single jogging stroller. Although I could easily buy a double, I feel that at 5 years old, my son needs and enjoys walking, but it means I slow wayyy down for him to keep up. In the summer, he'll be able to ride his bike along with me, but for now, the path we walk on is still a little snowy.

Anyhow, with all that in mind, I'm looking at buying an elliptical trainer. I used to have one about 10 years ago but sold it when we moved. I loved it and honestly don't know what possessed me to sell it. I've also owned treadmills but didn't like that they were so loud and right now I can't afford what I want in one. What are your opinions about ellipticals, pros and cons and would you recommend any particular one? Keep in mind that I'm looking at $250 or under. Any thoughts on any fitness equipment would be more than welcome!
 
for £250 you could get an old no-good eliptical trainer or...

a second had set of weights,
a yoga mat,
swiss ball
running shoes
skipping rope
aerobic step
and a good brand new book on the best ways to exercise
and still have money to pay for a personal training lesson.

Steer clear of machines!!!!!

You must have seen The Terminator!!!
 
Great job

First of all, congrats on changing your eating habits AND adding weight training to your workouts. Two vital elements to a better you :) " Baby steps" are the right way to begin lifting weights. Let your body get acclimated to this workout "change", then you can worry about about more weight or different exercises or whatever. I wish I could help you with advice on a elliptical, but I truly have no clue. But as MOK stated it would probably be an older used one. As far as the cardio you are doing now, when you are on the bike, vary the speeds of your pedaling every 60-90 seconds or so. When you can get outside, do the same with your walking, various speeds. (I live in Pa. also) Keep up the good work.
 
I'm not sure about buying an elliptical trainer for $250 either but maybe if you went to like a Play It Again Sports (they still have those, don't they?) and bought a second-hand one you could swing it. I

~teresa
 
I forgot to mention I added a TON of water to my day. The first two days were "painful" lol! I've cut out all diet pop except on nights I work (I work nightshift), but I do limit it to one 12 oz diet pepsi when I work which is only 4 days in two weeks. I do still have my morning coffee, usually only one cup though. Each time I go into the kitchen for snacks or whatever for my kids, I fill up my glass with water.

About the cost of ellipticals, I looked on Dunham's.com and found several around the $199 area, just wasn't sure if anyone had opinions. Like I said about the treadmills I've had, they were loud, annoyingly loud and the belt never stayed straight.

Manofkent...I have 5 lb weights, a swiss ball, walking shoes, and a ton of exercises from Trainer Lynn's site and Body for Life website. I have jump rope on my shopping list. I also found a used set of 5, 10, 12, 15, and 20 # weights, a weight bench and bar, and DVDS for an extremely reasonable price (now I just have to be the first one to get there to get it!). I also love the FitTV channel, they have workouts almost all day long, varied levels and exercises. I think I probably could do without a machine...my biggest problem is I'm not real cooridinated and learning new moves sometimes intimidates me, I guess I think if I don't have to think about it, I can do it :) Even doing some basic weight training exercises is intimating to me, but I'm trying!

Thanks for everyone's help! Sorry for being so long winded, I tend to be that way!
 
I think you're doing great! Keep up the good work!

I like FitTV too. Just a note about being "not real coordinated"...I was never coordinated and still am not, really, but I teach group fitness now. It's just a matter of repetition and sticking with a new program is what I tell all my students.

Sorry I'm no help with the elliptical machines...are there any reviews for any of them on the sites?

~teresa
 
Looking good

Shanesmommy said:
I forgot to mention I added a TON of water to my day. The first two days were "painful" lol! I've cut out all diet pop except on nights I work (I work nightshift), but I do limit it to one 12 oz diet pepsi when I work which is only 4 days in two weeks. I do still have my morning coffee, usually only one cup though. Each time I go into the kitchen for snacks or whatever for my kids, I fill up my glass with water.

About the cost of ellipticals, I looked on Dunham's.com and found several around the $199 area, just wasn't sure if anyone had opinions. Like I said about the treadmills I've had, they were loud, annoyingly loud and the belt never stayed straight.

Manofkent...I have 5 lb weights, a swiss ball, walking shoes, and a ton of exercises from Trainer Lynn's site and Body for Life website. I have jump rope on my shopping list. I also found a used set of 5, 10, 12, 15, and 20 # weights, a weight bench and bar, and DVDS for an extremely reasonable price (now I just have to be the first one to get there to get it!). I also love the FitTV channel, they have workouts almost all day long, varied levels and exercises. I think I probably could do without a machine...my biggest problem is I'm not real cooridinated and learning new moves sometimes intimidates me, I guess I think if I don't have to think about it, I can do it :) Even doing some basic weight training exercises is intimating to me, but I'm trying!

Thanks for everyone's help! Sorry for being so long winded, I tend to be that way!
Click to expand...

Great job with the water and reducing your diet soda intake. One cup of coffee a day is fine for you. You seem to have a bit of variety in your workouts. Great idea, definitely won't get bored and you'll keep your muscles "guessing." Also no need to feel intimidated with weight training or learning new moves. Just take it slowly and you'll be fine. We were all beginners at one time or another. Before you know it, you'll be giving us some tips. :) Keep up the good work.
Jim
 
Glad you found my site useful. If you really want an elliptical and know that you will love it and use if faithfully... then get it :)

I think what others may be trying to say is that for $250 you will not be getting a great piece of cardio equipment. And I agree. Most likely it will be a refurbished machine or a low end quality machine.

I'll never forget the time I started working at a health club and the owner was all about cutting corners. She ordered an elliptical that was on clearance for $300 from the local Sports Authority. She was happy and insisted it was a good deal.

Within a month it was breaking down. The heart rate monitor stopped working and the clock and RPM calculator stopped as well. We had to call out a technician to fix it and it took weeks to have a new motor ordered.

There is a Silent Magnetic Elliptical on sale for $329 (includes shipping) from Just click on Elliptical Equipment and then click on "Click Here for All of Our Elliptical Machines". The one I saw a few days ago is called "Silent Magnetic Resistance Elliptical".

That may be something you are interested in since it's cheaper. It has all the heart rate monitors and everything too. I like Net2Fitness because they include the price of shipping in everything. I get stuff from them a lot.

If it's not what you are looking for... sorry :)
 
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