Home Fitness Equipment - What's Best?

[Trevelyan]

I've decided that I could do with losing a few pounds, so have embarked on a health kick. I'm a firm believer in the basic rule that if calories consumed minus calories burned is positive then weight is gained, and vice versa. I've dealt with reducing the calories consumed part of the equation by changing my diet slightly, but would also like to work on burning off a few more calories and improving my general fitness.

I currently do a bit of weight training with dumbells, but to be honest it bores me and I find it hard to motivate myself to do this after a long day at work. I quite like the idea of investing in something which allows me to train in a different way. My first thought was to get an exercise bike, but then I started to wonder if a rowing machine would be a better option in terms of a good workout. Can anyone offer any advice of the pros and cons of either option? Money is a bit tight at the moment so I'd like to keep the budget to a maximum of about £150 (although second hand equipment is an option).

[Slagathore]

Though about running? Get a decent pair of trainers and get out and about running?

Rowing machine should do the trick.

http://www.simplyfitnessequipment.co.uk/Rowing-Mac...

Some thing like that, maybe?

[ShadownINja]

I bought a recumbent exercise bicycle about 5 years ago. It still is dust (and clothes) free. I haven't looked back (and not just because you can't turn the handlebars ).

[Trevelyan]

Slagathore said:

Though about running? Get a decent pair of trainers and get out and about running?

Thought about it, but I think I need to lose a few pounds before subjecting my neighbours to that vision Also I tend to work long hours so it's probably the wrong time of year to be starting.

Slagathore said:

Some thing like that, maybe?

Looks good - thanks for that.

ShadownINja said:

I bought a recumbent exercise bicycle about 5 years ago. It still is dust (and clothes) free. I haven't looked back (and not just because you can't turn the handlebars ).

I did look at these actually. My concern with going down the exercise bike route was that it would be good exercise, but probably not the best for losing weight. My thinking on rowing machines was that it could be good for building muscle as well, supposedly the best way of losing weight. I'm happy to be corrected on this if I've got it wrong though.

[ShadownINja]

I have no idea what is more efficient but you will build up your leg muscles... with it set to level 8, my sister looked like she was about to have a hernia when she tried it.

What I LOVE about this kind of machine is that you can pedal for hours while on the laptop, reading a book or watching TV. Other machines require full dedication to the task. So you can use it for hours until you've wasted away.

Edited by ShadownINja on Friday 16th October 00:14

[RicksAlfas]

Slagathore said:

Though about running? Get a decent pair of trainers and get out and about running?

Rowing machine should do the trick.

http://www.simplyfitnessequipment.co.uk/Rowing-Mac...

Some thing like that, maybe?

Good link, thanks.
Is there any advantage over air rowers 'v' magnetic ones?
The magnetic ones appeal for their silence.

[henrycrun]

ditto - Is there any advantage re. air rowers 'v' magnetic ones?
I'd like a water rower but really can't justify the expense

[Mclovin]

get a second hand cross trainer thats ergonomic, its easier on the joints and easier to do high intensity training but all you need is a good bench really...

if your bored with dumbbells your not doing them properly....<assuming natural training with proper diet> for arms for instance i start with a normal curl then when i feel i cannot perform the correct best form i go straight into a hammer curl and feel the burn....then incline dumbbell curl then one arm concentration curl etc....attack the muscle from all different angles, it can be fun if you put your mind to it...

[ukwill]

My vote would be to get out of the house. There are loads of exercises you could do whilst out and about. You could run to a park, do some exercise at the park, then jog home?

Unfortunately, whilst it generally starts well, exercise machines at home often make for good clothes hangers.

Edited by ukwill on Thursday 21st January 10:24

[gareth h]

I bought a concept 2 rower 5 or 6 years ago, it's a great bit of kit, better total body workout than running or cycling and it's much easier to motivate yourself to row on a wet cold dark winters night than go for a run.
Bit pricey but they do sell off ex lease / demo machines a bit cheaper, and if it doesn't workout 2nd hand machines get snapped up very quickly.
Take a look at the training session in the forum at the concept website