The Conservative Cave
Interests => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: seahorse513 on December 05, 2011, 02:25:22 PM
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As we start to delve into winter, here in the Northern tundra, the seahorse will not be as active as she would like to be.
As well as shedding poundage and inches around her waistline, she is interested in investing in a excersise bike
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stamina-Air-Resistance-Upright-Bike/7680163?findingMethod=rr
It has many reviews, but most are positive...
As one customer commented, not on this one, many people have varied expectations in regards to purchases, so some reviews may not be helpful.
Advice and opinions are welcome!!!
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Advice and opinions are welcome!!!
I believe that the manufacturers of home exercise equipment use the cheapest materials available in anticipation that purchasers of their product will use it frequently at first, but will taper off to using it very little or not at all. On the rare occasion of a person that is committed to exercise, they may actually have to honor a warranty here and there. All in all, they come out ahead.
If it's at all convenient and affordable for you, I would recommend finding a gym with a trial membership. You can try out exercise bikes and the other aerobic machines available and get a better idea of what works for you. Most fitness trainers suggest that you mix it up and vary your routine anyway so a gym would do you well here.
I hope that helps. :-)
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Ditto what Cactus says.
I made the mistake of buying an elliptical machine from one of those Sports places (Sports Authority?) Something like that.
I wore the damned thing out inside of 3 months. Literally broke it apart.
You get what you pay for -- if you're serious about not getting out in the tundra and you have the room (not to mention the $$), go higher end. At the end of the day, you'll be glad you did because the crap that Walmart sells isn't worth the powder to blow it to hell.
Personally, I'm a big fan of Life Fitness stuff. They make it to last. I've been using the same elliptical cross trainer for more than six years now and I've not broken it yet.
Good luck!
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Start by looking at reviews. Here's a good beginning:
Consumer Reports (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/sports-exercise-equipment/exercise-equipment/overview/exercise-equipment-ov.htm?EXTKEY=SG72F00)
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You get what you pay for -- if you're serious about not getting out in the tundra and you have the room (not to mention the $$), go higher end. At the end of the day, you'll be glad you did because the crap that Walmart sells isn't worth the powder to blow it to hell.
Personally, I'm a big fan of Life Fitness stuff. They make it to last. I've been using the same elliptical cross trainer for more than six years now and I've not broken it yet.
There are places here in DFW that sell used fitness equipment that are the quality that Eupher mentions, I imagine they're in all the bigger cities. And I'll vouch for LifeFitness as well.
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+1 to the Life Fitness equipment that Eupher and Carlos mentioned, they make great stuff. There's quite a few manufacturers in their quality category as well, so there's good competition which should help you avoid paying full MSRP.
That being said, you're looking at an $89 fan bike... and we're recommending brands that can cost in the thousands... The Walmart air fan, may last you through this winter with mild/occasional use, if that's all you're looking for.
If you regularly ride a bicycle outside, and have a decent one, highly consider just purchasing a bike trainer. Like these, at REI.com (http://www.rei.com/category/4500142). Magnetic trainers start at around $189, and you can easily pick up a 10-20% off coupon. Fluid trainers generally at least $250-450, for a decent model, and well worth it, if you're going to regularly use one. There are youtube videos of what can happen with the Walmart quality bike trainers though, don't get a dirt cheap one!
Something else to consider, if you're really serious is an entry level Lemond Revmaster (http://www.lemondfitness.com/product_detail/117/revmaster-sport). They generally sell for around $1,000. They don't have the electronic features of a Life Fitness, Precor, True, or other high end electronic bike; but they're the work horses of gym spin classes and actual bicycle racers. Oh, Greg Lemond is absolutely bat-shit crazy, just ignore him lol, but he does have some good products.
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Thanks for the advice!! I want to shop a bit more anyway...
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Thanks for the advice!! I want to shop a bit more anyway...
Cost is oh so important here. Hubby went nuts one day last year and came home with a Golds treadmill on sale for $ 500 bucks. a real beauty it is nearly new, he has used it 4 times.
I checked out the health spars and found for that amount of money he could have received a years membership to a spa with hot tub and inside pool. Top of the line equipment, and working out with others is more fun then a work out at home that can become very boring. Meeting people and friendly competition adds much to setting a goal for oneself.
In last 10 years I know of 3 woman that met their husbands at a GYM.
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There are places here in DFW that sell used fitness equipment that are the quality that Eupher mentions, I imagine they're in all the bigger cities. And I'll vouch for LifeFitness as well.
Hey CC. The BF and I are looking to purchase a recumbent bike. We found one, that has an additional feature of being converted into a rowing machine, with a cable and a handle bar, as opposed to two handles on either side. Kind of like this: http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-15-9003-Deluxe-Conversion-Recumbent/dp/B000TK4GYW
1. What do you think about something like that.
2. Where in DFW would you recommend going to check out equipment?
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Hey CC. The BF and I are looking to purchase a recumbent bike. We found one, that has an additional feature of being converted into a rowing machine, with a cable and a handle bar, as opposed to two handles on either side. Kind of like this: http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-15-9003-Deluxe-Conversion-Recumbent/dp/B000TK4GYW
1. What do you think about something like that.
2. Where in DFW would you recommend going to check out equipment?
Hey IassaFTots! I'm not familiar with this particular machine, but I like the idea of it being dual-function. I'm not familar with the brand, however, so I would definitely recommend some research into it's reputation for quality. If at all possible, I would also recommend trying one out if you can find one close to you. I'm a big fan of Amazon, but for something like this I'd like to feel how study it is myself before buying it.
Apparently, Rusty Wallis runs a business that sells Fitness Equipment. I remember hearing commercials a few years ago but I can't tell you if they're still open.
Rusty Wallis Fitness Warehouse
11300 E Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75238-3829
(214) 461-0891
I hope this helps!
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No way I would buy new exercise equipment. The depreciation is worse than a new car.
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Hey IassaFTots! I'm not familiar with this particular machine, but I like the idea of it being dual-function. I'm not familar with the brand, however, so I would definitely recommend some research into it's reputation for quality. If at all possible, I would also recommend trying one out if you can find one close to you. I'm a big fan of Amazon, but for something like this I'd like to feel how study it is myself before buying it.
Apparently, Rusty Wallis runs a business that sells Fitness Equipment. I remember hearing commercials a few years ago but I can't tell you if they're still open.
Rusty Wallis Fitness Warehouse
11300 E Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75238-3829
(214) 461-0891
I hope this helps!
Hey! I know where that is. I will check it out this weekend. The multi functionality is what appeals to us, with our schedules, a gym isn't really doable, but accountability really sets in when you have something staring at you smack dab in the living room. :whatever: I am not sure if that is the exact model he was looking at, I just know that is the type of machine.
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No way I would buy new exercise equipment. The depreciation is worst than a new car.
Plus they're dangerous.
(http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/epic-treadmill-fail.gif)
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Plus they're dangerous.
(http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/epic-treadmill-fail.gif)
this guy is getting himself killed, and the other jackwagon just sits there...wtf??
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If you want a full body workout, look into a rowing machine. It's an excellent aerobic workout, plus you can do workouts for high intensity intervals.
Concept 2 Indoor Rower (http://www.concept2.com/us/indoorrowers/d_home.asp)
If you go this route, make sure you look on youtube for technique videos. I've seen people throw out their back doing it wrong. A good one is:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC7Dauub-Hw[/youtube]
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If you really want some good home equiptment and are dedicated to working out, check out a Versa Climber. It is expensive but you may be able to find used ones on Craigslist or any other website. They are expensive, but if you're going to use it it is worth it. Virtually no impact too.
http://www.versaclimber.com/Testimonials.htm