Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 I'm trying to attach a poll. So, I've asked dh to buy me an exercise bike this year, but am wondering if a treadmill is better. We don't have much space, so either option will have to be folding, which means it won't have a lot of bells and whistles. Other at-home stuff I do periodically (not consistently) are walking, pilates, and zumba (also do zumba in class for 8 weeks each semester). What do ya'll think? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 We have both, and the bikes can get uncomfortable after a while, so I voted for the treadmill. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 No opinion, just sharing the idea. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VICRO8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1449356184&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=elliptical&dpPl=1&dpID=51k5Z%2BYMtSL&ref=plSrch 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Whichever one would acually get used. So probably treadmill. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 No opinion, just sharing the idea. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VICRO8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1449356184&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=elliptical&dpPl=1&dpID=51k5Z%2BYMtSL&ref=plSrch I also saw this http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-SF-T1407M-Treadmill/dp/B00QIM5CMK/ref=sr_1_1?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1449355353&sr=1-1&keywords=folding+treadmill&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A3451600011%2Cp_72%3A1248957011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 There's this too which can be stored in a closet. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000AS7W2/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_200_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41SI7D6rjyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=1QES2XWN43YWYPHCZ6Z3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 I also saw this http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-SF-T1407M-Treadmill/dp/B00QIM5CMK/ref=sr_1_1?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1449355353&sr=1-1&keywords=folding+treadmill&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A3451600011%2Cp_72%3A1248957011 I hate those. It's unnatural to move like that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 There are also rowers and step machines. I'm going to go actually vote for the treadmill now, just sharing ideas. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 What about running outside? C25K? You can ask hubby for awesome shoes, a running belt, and waterproof headphones instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 What about running outside? C25K? You can ask hubby for awesome shoes, a running belt, and waterproof headphones instead. I hate running. It feels like my insides are going to fall out. I blame Gymnast. Also, it is cold more months than warm here, and I am way too much of a baby to go out in the cold. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 I hate running. It feels like my insides are going to fall out. I blame Gymnast. Also, it is cold more months than warm here, and I am way too much of a baby to go out in the cold. :D Then get an exercise bike! Dork! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 The one you're most likely to use. Treadmill's hard on my knees. Bike's hard on my rear. I like elliptical best if I have to do cardio on a machine but I have other ways to get it now. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 Then get an exercise bike! Dork! Brat. A treadmill is still an option because the incline can be adjusted when walking, making it more challenging. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 (edited) Whichever you can buy used. That way when it doesn't get used much it at least didn't cost a lot. Edited December 5, 2015 by Julie Smith 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Brat. A treadmill is still an option because the incline can be adjusted when walking, making it more challenging. It hurts so you want to make it worse? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Rowing machine, for arms and abs as well. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Rowing machine, for arms and abs as well. Speak more. You're saying arms, abs and legs? What about butt? Shoulders too, I'm sure. Would you call it a cardio and strength machine? Do you own one? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 The one you're most likely to use. Treadmill's hard on my knees. Bike's hard on my rear. I like elliptical best if I have to do cardio on a machine but I have other ways to get it now. I'm open to either. I may be leaning more towards bike, but it seems that a treadmill or elliptical could possibly help exercise the core as well. I wonder the health benefits of each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 I have used one at the gym. I like rowing. I don't feel the butt was the most worked--probably an elliptical or bike/spin machine would be better for the butt. I would say it's cardio and strength, yes. What I like most is the core work. Beautiful rowing abs! It's my favorite indoor machine. I think you can achieve some of those moves with bands, but if you want a machine, then that's the one I'd go for. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 It hurts so you want to make it worse? It doesn't hurt at all. Running has bounce (jiggle, jiggle goes the insides), walking does not. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Get a rower and an elliptical with all your money and free space. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 Get a rower and an elliptical with all your money and free space. You tease me with my 659 sq ft apt. I do not appreciate that. :tongue_smilie: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 You tease me with my 659 sq ft apt. I do not appreciate that. :tongue_smilie: I'm a brat. What do you expect? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 So, ya'll are saying the bike is out, and look more toward a treadmill, elliptical, or rowing machine. I'm looking up stuff on Amazon, but if there are specific suggestions, I'll take those. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 So, ya'll are saying the bike is out, and look more toward a treadmill, elliptical, or rowing machine. I'm looking up stuff on Amazon, but if there are specific suggestions, I'll take those. Thanks! Here's my wish list. I'm not saying I picked out the best, but I think I found the best value for middle grade equipment. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ls/?ie=UTF8&lid=Z6YPONXBPV03 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 My mother had a folding treadmill. Well, it was supposed to fold. Actually doing so was such a huge pain that it stayed out. I think that's likely to be your number one problem with either one - still takes up a lot of space and is difficult to get out and actually use it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 Whether you get an elliptical, a bike, or a treadmill, be sure to try them out in the store first to see if they are comfortable for you. Some elliptical machines have the pedals too far apart for me and while they feel fine for the first few minutes, they really hurt my knees after a while. With bikes, the seat comfort is the biggest issue (although you can usually buy a replacement seat,) but you also want to be sure the pedals move smoothly and that you are in a comfortable riding position. If you choose a recumbent, stay on it for at least 20 minutes or so, because some of the seats can put you in a position that really hurts your back. Our recumbent seemed so comfy in the store, but I only tried it for a few minutes. When I started using it a lot at home, it was horrible for my back. Treadmills are pretty easy to try out because you're mainly looking for smoothness and whether or not the belt is comfortable to walk on. Some are more padded than others. Also, if there is a screen, make sure you can see it easily and that there is a place to plug in an iPod (or whatever) as well as a cup holder for a water bottle. If you like the idea of multitasking, you could get a treadmill desk or a bike with a built-in desk. Those things are pretty cool. I haven't tried the bikes, but the desks are nice as long as you don't want to walk at a super-brisk pace (because they aren't made for jogging.) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I agree, the one you'll use. However, take into consideration if you have paths/sidewalks to walk outside and your preference there AND if you have your own bike. Is the indoor exercise option for either a better one for you? Maybe choose that one. I have a treadmill because I have one small length of sidewalk in our village and it's not enough! Plus, we can have nasty winters and I need to be able to walk indoors. Count me among those who really dislike ellipticals. lol (I take spinning classes, too, so the thought of getting a bike is tempting, but do I need both? I'm putting off the decision because I may want a mountain bike to use on trails nearby...) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I like my treadmill, but I love to walk and the weather is an issue where I live. It also folds up, which is nice. It really is a personal preference thing though :) ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 (edited) I'd go with whichever one is most appealing to you. It doesn't matter how good a workout something gives you if you hate to use it. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a good fit, sturdy and doesn't make too much noise. Keep in mind that whatever you try in a store will sound a lot louder in a home. If you have any kind of joint or back issues a treadmill may be the best choice, but they do take up a lot of real estate, and sturdy ones aren't inexpensive. Edited December 6, 2015 by Pawz4me 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I love to walk and hike, so I find a treadmill (we own one) to be sooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. Ellipticals kill me but, like catwoman said, you have to make sure that it works for your body. We own one. I thought it was good until I tried the ones at the gym----I am too small for our home one! The elliptical works my legs, butt, and abs as well as giving me a good cardio workout. I <puffy heart and rainbows> love the recumbent bike at the gym. It gives me a good cardio and leg workout. I use that bike the day after I heavy-lift with my trainer. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 My personal preference would be for the bike. Treadmills are too hard on my joints, plus the running can exacerbate even a minor prolapsed bladder (which I have, and I do not want to have to carry my bladder home from the gym in a little bag, thank you very much :P). I prefer the ellipticals to the treadmills, but whenever I've used an elliptical it made my feet go numb and tingly. I prefer the bike. Very low impact, and easier if you want to read or watch tv or something because there's less jostling around. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share Posted December 6, 2015 I like my treadmill, but I love to walk and the weather is an issue where I live. It also folds up, which is nice. It really is a personal preference thing though :) ! What kind do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share Posted December 6, 2015 I agree, the one you'll use. However, take into consideration if you have paths/sidewalks to walk outside and your preference there AND if you have your own bike. Is the indoor exercise option for either a better one for you? Maybe choose that one. I have a treadmill because I have one small length of sidewalk in our village and it's not enough! Plus, we can have nasty winters and I need to be able to walk indoors. Count me among those who really dislike ellipticals. lol (I take spinning classes, too, so the thought of getting a bike is tempting, but do I need both? I'm putting off the decision because I may want a mountain bike to use on trails nearby...) We live down the street from the river, where we fall in and out of the habit of walking. We used to walk on and off the trails. (hangs head in shame) Summer months aren't so bad, but it gets cold about half the year. Did I mention I'm a cold wimp? I do not have my own bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I want a rowing machine. One that I can prop up agains a wall or hide under my bed when done. My cousin does real rowing on a team and she is tall and gorgeous, and I'm sure it must be due to the rowing. :D 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share Posted December 6, 2015 I love to walk and hike, so I find a treadmill (we own one) to be sooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. Ellipticals kill me but, like catwoman said, you have to make sure that it works for your body. We own one. I thought it was good until I tried the ones at the gym----I am too small for our home one! The elliptical works my legs, butt, and abs as well as giving me a good cardio workout. I <puffy heart and rainbows> love the recumbent bike at the gym. It gives me a good cardio and leg workout. I use that bike the day after I heavy-lift with my trainer. I have a walking video I like (Leslie Sansone), but she does more than just walk. So, you bring up a good point of whether it would be boring to be on a treadmill. But, that video is also my go-to when I know I need to do something as far as exercise, and it doesn't take long. It also isn't much of a workout anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 6, 2015 Author Share Posted December 6, 2015 I want a rowing machine. One that I can prop up agains a wall or hide under my bed when done. My cousin does real rowing on a team and she is tall and gorgeous, and I'm sure it must be due to the rowing. :D I wish there was something I could do to make me taller, alas... Which brings up another point - I've found some of these machines (especially bikes) are not conducive to shorties like myself. I'm 4'11.' I've already ruled out recumbent bikes, but others are better. I have a lot to consider. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJosMom Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 (edited) Other. Elliptical machine. I am anti-exercise bike; they kill my knees. Edited December 6, 2015 by JoJosMom 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 Elliptical. (bad knees here) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 (edited) For under $10 get a Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds video. Simple and effective. And buy a Fitbit. Seriously motivating. Edited December 6, 2015 by gingersmom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I've had a treadmill and exercise bike. Now I own a heavy punching bag on a stand. Not sure it's great for an apartment though. I love it as I cannot exercise in the cold. I use it for cardio and an all over workout. My treadmill was big, easy to fold up, however. It was hard on the knees and fairly noisy even though I had a fairly decent model. I didn't have a table then, but might use it more now. The exercise bike wasn't as fun and I don't feel like I got enough of a workout on it. I would try a gym membership for a month - is there one you can join for a month? - and see which equipment suits you best. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 a nordic track cross county ski machine. made prior to 1998, at which time they were purchased by icon fitness. you can purchase refurbished ones from original nordic track technicians on ebay and amazon. they're pretty durable with simple periodic maintence. I even found one local. they fold fairly small, work upper and lower and are durable. you can use the arms, or not. I've purchased a few via craiglist (I gave one to my daughter), and refurbished them. part from ebay, and a few places online. get one with adjustable front legs - if you increase the front elevation, it will work your abdominals too. stay away from the "nordic track pro classic". it's made by icon fitness. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I would try a gym membership for a month - is there one you can join for a month? - and see which equipment suits you best. Good suggestion! We invested a good amount into a treadmill, bike, and weights. Then we joined a gym and discovered that we liked different workouts at different times- treadmill, bike, elliptical, weights...we stuck with the gym because the equipment was better and we could work out together. But it would be a great way to see what kind of workout you really like. Gyms in our area run specials for a free month this time of year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I vote treadmill. I've used mine close to daily since 2010. Check on Craigslist. People buy these things and don't use them and then sell them for a discount :). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutingmom Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 It hurts so you want to make it worse?She was responding to a post responding to the OP saying she doesn't like running..... not to your post about knees... Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendy not in HI Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 We have a trainer thing for our bikes. My husband loves road biking, but snow and ice make that difficult in the winter. He uses something like this: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10052&categoryId=400037&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=400006&top_category=400006&pageView= except we got it used for about $50. It works for both his bike and my bike, and it's not too hard to set up. And it takes up very little space when not in use (except for the bike...those take up space, but much less than a treadmill) It is a great workout! The tension is adjustable. The best part is, the bike can be used outside!!! This would work great if you already have a bike that you like. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I prefer a stepper to the treadmill and exercise bike. My cousins like their simple rowing machines which they just flip upright and lean against a wall when not using. Could you get the free three day pass to your local YMCA and try out the gym equipment? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 I have a walking video I like (Leslie Sansone), but she does more than just walk. So, you bring up a good point of whether it would be boring to be on a treadmill. But, that video is also my go-to when I know I need to do something as far as exercise, and it doesn't take long. It also isn't much of a workout anymore. I have some of her videos (although they are collecting dust somewhere at the moment). I had actually just decided to start using them again come January. Maybe you just need a few of her more intense videos? I think walking/running on a treadmill would not give you much/any benefit over the walking videos. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 We have a trainer thing for our bikes. My husband loves road biking, but snow and ice make that difficult in the winter. He uses something like this: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10052&categoryId=400037&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=400006&top_category=400006&pageView= except we got it used for about $50. It works for both his bike and my bike, and it's not too hard to set up. And it takes up very little space when not in use (except for the bike...those take up space, but much less than a treadmill) It is a great workout! The tension is adjustable. The best part is, the bike can be used outside!!! This would work great if you already have a bike that you like. I have my bike on a trainer inside during the winter- I love it! And there are some awesome dvds out there to give you a workout on it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted December 6, 2015 Share Posted December 6, 2015 Elliptical. Seriously. Mom has one. Awesome. Lots of pluses that you can get with other machines but a lot fewer negatives, IMHO. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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