What gym equipment are most benefitial: Treadmills, Rowers, Cross Trainers, Bikes ???

[Up LEAP 100 Billion]

Hi,

I've decided I'm gonna sell a few things to get some quality gym equipment :)

Having looked in a catalog, the "main" gym equipment/machines seem to be Treadmills, Cross Trainers, Rowers and Exercise Bikes. At first I thought it would be a no brainer... everyone seems to go on about treadmills and uses them, so this would be what I'd go for.

BUT, I'm looking for something that combines both cardio and strength :) . I quickly found out by reading what muscle groups a treadmill works on, it's pretty much useless for strength building. (Or have I got this wrong?) Same applies for an exercise bike.

So the other options are a Cross Trainer and Rowers. Both of these really look good and give a great workout especially on the upper body. Does anyone have any opinions of these 2 gym equipment? How good they are? How benefitial? They sound great but I'd rather here how "great" they are from a real person who uses them!! Also, they seem to differ little in what muscle groups they challenge, so would their be any point in getting both the Cross Trainer and the Rower?

Any help and advice would be great and much appreciated!!!! ;)

[rawjojo]

Hi Up Leap............

Off topic BUT.......how is your yoga practice going? Are you still pursuing it?

Just wondering! Hope all is well!
Jodi

[Lay-Lay]

hmmm.....have you checked out the equipment at a curves. You may just want to pop in there just to look. I love their equipment. I am sure if you didn't want to join you could find that equipment somewhere. I am a member there and I get a great workout. I also am doing old fashion bike riding and walking and having a awesome time at it.

[Linda1970]

I absolutely love my x-trainer machine and have been using it about 4-6 times a week since I bought it 6 years ago.

Prior to buying the x-trainer, I worked out regularly at the gym for about 6 years. I worked out on all machines, including rowers, steps, treadmill, bicycle, and x-trainer. The x-trainer was always too popular at the gym, and waiting time was just too ridiculous. I talked to many people while waiting in line for the x-trainer, and almost everyone I talked to got addicted to the machine. It is that enjoyable!

I really like working with rowers too(probably second after x-trainer), but if I really have to choose, I would not be hesitant to say the x-trainer since I feel that it gives me a better cardio workout but more importantly, it is so much more enjoyable to me.

Having said that, I have to say that most of the cheaper x-trainer machines that I have tried are not enjoyable. I bought a very expensive one(LifeFitness) but it really paid off since I use it regularly.

[Linda1970]

I just want to add that I strongly advice you to try these machines for at least 1 month before you invest in them, unless you've already tried them and know that you like them. They are not cheap and they are definitely difficult to return if you decide not to use them. I used the x-trainer for a few years and knew that I would use it regularly before I made the investment. Almost everyone I know end up not using their machines at home after they made their purchase because there seems to be less incentive for them to workout at home. I'm the type of person who doesn't require any incentive to workout since it's my biggest hobby.

You can usually try gyms for 1 month for a special rate.

[Biff]

Do some research on rebounding and definitely check out http://www.cellerciser.com/ because it has, in my opinion, the best rebounder on the market. (check out Dave Hall's arms on this website, as the only exercise he does is rebounding.)

You get an aerobic workout and exercise every muscle in your body all at once. (They say all you need is 10 minutes a day.)

Another great thing about it is that it is FUN! I look forward to every workout.

[Biff]

And if you are into yoga, I have heard that after a few years of rebounding, that you can do some yoga moves that most yoga instructors cannot even do.

[Up LEAP 100 Billion]

Rawjojo - the yoga's going great!! I'm now able to do most of the bending which is great. I'm still following the same Yoga DVD (Love Yoga) which is an hour long for beginners which I've been following for nearly everyday the past 4 or so weeks. I may get a new DVD soon to learn different poses but I'm just glad that after all the practise I can now complete the WHOLE yoga session from the DVD everytime!!

Ok, back to gym equipment...

Linda - thanks.. everything you've said is really helpful! That's really good to know it's fun to go on, as no I haven't been on one before. As you said it's really important to enjoy yourself when you exercise.

The rowing machine does seem very similar to exercise the same muscle groups so it means I could be a more expensive, quality Cross Trainer. I also plan on getting a bench for some bench pressing to really work out the chest. I'm not sure what to do about my lower body though. Would the cross trainer alone be good enough for leg/lower body exercises? I really want to get some muscle in my thighs especially...too thin right now..

Again any advice, comments, advice on any gym equipment would be great!! I need to make sure I buy the right things before spending all this money!

[Up LEAP 100 Billion]

Hi guys.. I have a more final idea of what I'm going to get to become super fit and strong. I'm definately going to get a Cross Trainer, definately 50kg weights (barbell/dumbell set). The only thing I'm deciding on now is getting a workout bench (to do things like leg extension, leg curl, crunches, sit ups and bench presses) or get a home gym that can do the things a bench can do plus more upper body work. Because I plan on getting a good Cross Trainer then home gym will have to be cheap. This is the one I'm looking at... does anyone think it looks any good?...

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3353541/Trail/C$cip%3D43327.Sports+and+leisure%3EC$Brand%3DV-fit.V-fit.htm


Or if not a home gym, the workout bench press (does this look any good?)...

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3026380.htm

Or if I'm getting weight seperately anyway, do I even need one? I just can't imagine just lifting weights alone as being as much fun as using an actual gym machine.

[Naiad]

And if you are into yoga, I have heard that after a few years of rebounding, that you can do some yoga moves that most yoga instructors cannot even do.

This sounds like something great, especially for my mother.

Do you happen to fancy any other rebounders aside from the celleciser? My mother has been quite game to dinners at Quintessence, flats of coconut water and buying blenders for the both of us, but, nearly $400 might just push her over the edge for now!

[petlady]

I loved the elliptical cross trainers when I used to work out in the gym. When it came time to buy something to work out at home though, I ended up with a treadmill and free weights. The ellipticals that were on the market for home use didn't give the same workout as the one at the gym. Try both before buying one. The gym version gives a much better extention of the legs while the home types leave you feeling cramped. I spoke with a personal trainer who said I would end up paying $2000-3000 for an elliptical of the same quality as the gym's machine. That's a little over my price range.

[Biff]

Naiad,

The one that is good is the Half Fold Cellerciser plus the balancing bar. I bought one new from a reseller for $345 including tax and shipping. One reason why I bought this one (considered the best rebounder on the market) is the fact that it is built the best and the safety factor. Dave Hall's dad was permanently injured due to a cheap rebounder. (read more about it on the website www.cellerciser.com)

I saw a DVD of David Hall giving a one hour talk/demonstration about his rebounder and I bought one the next day. And I have worked out for years at fitness clubs and home gyms. This is the best piece of equipment I have ever puchased, and do not need to go to the gym very often anymore. (If I do, it is usually just to do squats.)

I also bought one for my mother, and she has been trying to get on an exercise program for over 20 years. She has also bought all the equipment, elliptical, home gyms, treadmills, stationary bicycles -- and all of them collected dust after 30 days. She loves the rebounder and does it almost every day.

[Naiad]

Biff,

I'm going to send my mother the link to that site. I'm quite fortunate to have a very progressive and gung-ho parent, but, as your mother seemed to be more into buying equipment than using, so is mine. I tried to get her into DDR since she loves Tetris and similar games, so this might be a good compromise of fun and "maturity" for her.

She's already lost 15lbs since the first week of July. The best thing for me, however, is that one of her ankles, which has been swollen for years, is now the same size as her other one. Now she really has no excuse not to put them both to good use on a rebounder!

[Linda1970]

I loved the elliptical cross trainers when I used to work out in the gym. When it came time to buy something to work out at home though, I ended up with a treadmill and free weights. The ellipticals that were on the market for home use didn't give the same workout as the one at the gym. Try both before buying one. The gym version gives a much better extention of the legs while the home types leave you feeling cramped. I spoke with a personal trainer who said I would end up paying $2000-3000 for an elliptical of the same quality as the gym's machine. That's a little over my price range.

I agree completely. Most of the cheaper ones for home feel very different, not good at all. The one I ended up getting is the one I used from the gym, and like Petlady said, costs 2000-3000. It looks almost identical to this: http://us.home.lifefitness.com/content.cfm/ellipticalcross-trainers

[Up LEAP 100 Billion]

WOW.. when you said expensive I didn't know you meant THAT much!! No problem though, I'll just have to sell a few more things to get the money.

I already have a rebounder, and used to go on it everyday for the first 3 or 4 months I had it but have slowed down the past few months. Not that I don't like it.. but now I just feel like really testing my body - pushing my body to it's limits.

[Linda1970]

WOW.. when you said expensive I didn't know you meant THAT much!! No problem though, I'll just have to sell a few more things to get the money.

I already have a rebounder, and used to go on it everyday for the first 3 or 4 months I had it but have slowed down the past few months. Not that I don't like it.. but now I just feel like really testing my body - pushing my body to it's limits.

Have you ever tried X-trainers?

[Up LEAP 100 Billion]

No, I haven't. Only until recently have I read about them and they sound great!! I was going to go for a treadmill, which I have been on, but now I've found a Cross Trainer targets a lot more of the body then a treadmill and how it combines both cardio and strength, I'm sold. Does it seem crazy then to spend a lot of money on something I haven't been on? If so, then :eek: :p I just can't wait to get one :) At the moment I'm clearing out my garage which is full of junk, so I can make it basically into a little gym/games room. In their will go the Cross Trainer, Home Gym/workout bench, Weights, Mat (to do pressups, weight exercises on), Pool table, Table Tennis Table, with my iPod connected to speakers on the side so I can exercise and play to loud music! At the moment it's only a dream but it will come true soon............ :)

[juliebove]

I suppose the best answer to that would be whatever you would use. I've tried stationary bikes. They're not for me. I should have known this because I dislike riding regular bikes. Treadmills aren't good for me either, although they can provide entertainment for those watching as I fly backwards from them. Bought a ski machine that turned out to be worthless. It left me exhausted from moving my arms back and forth but didn't really accomplish a thing. I've heard that the Nordic Track machines are good, but I didn't buy that kind because I didn't have the space for it. My mom had a rowing machine. I tried that several times but didn't feel like I was getting any benefit from it either.

What I do use on a regular basis are my free weights and on occasion my resist bands.

[meinleben]

biff
i am pretty serious about my workouts....i run, spin, row, lift weights, yoga....a little of everyting...keeping in shape and working out are a big part of my life...played college sports etc...

do you consider rebounding a truly good workout?? like are your muscles fatigued after?? does it get your heart rate up?? is it challenging??

sorry for all the questions...i am just ready to be more kind to my body...after years of pounding...and this looks sorta intersting to me...

thanks...

[Linda1970]

No, I haven't. Only until recently have I read about them and they sound great!! I was going to go for a treadmill, which I have been on, but now I've found a Cross Trainer targets a lot more of the body then a treadmill and how it combines both cardio and strength, I'm sold. Does it seem crazy then to spend a lot of money on something I haven't been on? If so, then :eek: :p I just can't wait to get one :) At the moment I'm clearing out my garage which is full of junk, so I can make it basically into a little gym/games room. In their will go the Cross Trainer, Home Gym/workout bench, Weights, Mat (to do pressups, weight exercises on), Pool table, Table Tennis Table, with my iPod connected to speakers on the side so I can exercise and play to loud music! At the moment it's only a dream but it will come true soon............ :)

Your goal sounds wonderful. I'm excited for you!

Is it possible for you to try x-trainer at least once? As much as I love love love the machine, I don't want you to invest so much $ and end up not using it.

[Up LEAP 100 Billion]

Hmm, I've got some hard decisions now! After doing some more research and browsing the web and exercise forums, a lot of people are saying that you don't need any exercise "machines"; all you need is weights, with a bench and a rack (I think it's a rack anyway - with built in chin ups).

I was looking foward to buying a crosstrianer, but i realise i do need to buy a decent one for thousand(s) and I don't have that money. Yet I can buy really good weights, bench and rack in my price range (£500ish, around $800). Maybe instead of the Cross Trainer I could go back to the Rebounder for cardio..

Anyone got any opinions on just using weights alone, any success? It does seem like a boring way to exercise though unlike all those machines available!