I hope it's okay that I'm starting a new thread; this question is different than those I'm asking in other threads.
Anyway, I've always been sort of anti-home gym in favor of running outside, but since I don't like running in the dark and cold over snow and ice, during the winter it's either find some other way to get my exercise or get fat. So, now I'm starting to warm up to the idea of home exercise equipment.
As one might guess from my other posts, I'm looking at getting a rower or an elliptical or both. From the little I've used each of them, I think I prefer them to other exercise equipment, such as an exercise bike. But what should I be able to expect from using a rower? What can I expect from an elliptical? Besides a good cardio workout and way to burn calories, does either do much to improve any particular muscle groups, at least toning them if not truly strengthening them? If you could only afford either a rower or an elliptical, is there a reason to get one over the other? Or do they ultimately do the same thing for my body, making the decision entirely one of personal preference? Thanks.
Anyway, I've always been sort of anti-home gym in favor of running outside, but since I don't like running in the dark and cold over snow and ice, during the winter it's either find some other way to get my exercise or get fat. So, now I'm starting to warm up to the idea of home exercise equipment.
As one might guess from my other posts, I'm looking at getting a rower or an elliptical or both. From the little I've used each of them, I think I prefer them to other exercise equipment, such as an exercise bike. But what should I be able to expect from using a rower? What can I expect from an elliptical? Besides a good cardio workout and way to burn calories, does either do much to improve any particular muscle groups, at least toning them if not truly strengthening them? If you could only afford either a rower or an elliptical, is there a reason to get one over the other? Or do they ultimately do the same thing for my body, making the decision entirely one of personal preference? Thanks.