Any advice on equipment?

that one guy said:
I can't believe people still use treadmills. Elipticals are the way to go but they're much more expensive. I always hear about this "walking" thing from middle aged people looking to lose weight. Even at a brisk pace you'll be hard pressed to break a sweat let alone really exercise. Trade in those walking shoes for a bike or a pair of roller blades.
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as a middle aged person who walks regularly and has also dropped a few lbs - walking has been effective for me.. and I do break a sweat - dont be so down on walking -
 
I walk all the time and it is so easy to break out in a sweat. I have lost weight and gone down a size doing nothing but walking so you shouldn't knock walking. I think walking is a great way to start exercising and work up from there.
 
i actually quit my gym membership ($40) and got a Nordic Track treadmill... C2400. By far, the smartest money I've spent... My payment is less than my gym membership (yes, i had to finance). I paid (or will pay) about $1200 including delivery, and a 5 year in home warranty.

You just have to look at the particulars of your situation. I have two small children on my own. My gym did not have any kind of child care, wasn't open at all on Sunday. And very limited Saturday hours. And for me, it was just way too difficult to get there. And when I did get there I found myself on the treadmill most of the time anyway. What I like to do now is about 45 - 60 min on the treadmill and I do either a 20 min Pilates or Yoga video. It works for me because I can do it whenever I can fit it. Also, I"m pretty self conscious and being home takes that element out. And I figure the treadmill will last me through progressive fitness levels. I LOVE mine. :)

I will say that the other piece of equipment I used regularly was the elliptical. Its awesome. And I actually plan to buy one when I pay off my treadmill. I decided on the treadmill because it just seemed more of a staple to me, as far as equipment goes. The elliptical is definitely a hard workout. But I push myself on the treadmill as well, and am not happy unless I'm breaking a big sweat.
 
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I tried out my sister-in-law's elliptical a few times, and hated the lack of control. she stopped using it in favor of a gym membership. I have had an old - (original company pre-1998 )- nordic track for years that I love, which ellipticals are based upon. It is great, and gives good full body workout with great control. I have weighted hand grips to increase my upper arm workout.

most good equipment which has been out for a few years can easily be found on craigslist, for a fraction of new.

try out different stuff and see what *you* like, as you are the one who will be using it. If you like it, you will be more likely to keep using it.
 
Try checking with local churches or the YMCA and see if they offer low-cost gym membership. You might also get childcare really cheap!
 
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