Exercise gear... and all that jazz

[nadinbrzezinski]

well after two years of using my gazelle almost daily the thing is no longer challenging and I fear I managed to wear it down to the point that it will become unsafe to use SOON, mostly out of use, not clothes rack. Mind you, when I started using it, I could barely do six minutes.

So today I went to check on the price of exercise equipment (and they are nuts, 4K for a treadmill? RIGHT) Next will visit play it again sports to check prices on used and refurbished gear.

Anyway... I went to Borders since they have a better Exercise DVD selection than the sports place, I know, ridiculous. And after talking to one of the staffers, she does yoga and a couple other things, decided to give Tae Bo a chance. First off, I am hardly that coordinated, and not in that good of a shape, second off, I broke into a hell of a sweat. I guess the three DVDs will tie me over until we get the money put away to replace the machine.

Oh and I thought I was in better shape... by the way.

Also I have to be careful with some of the routines... bad knees... but I did feel the burn.. then did some gazelle... work

So if you are looking for something you may want to do at home... those may be a choice. Oh and ladies, you will learn some basic moves that may help you in self defense... just saying (martial arts)... not a bad thing to know... and I knew many of those moves from way back... but lack of use or practice... am very rusty

Ed for clarity

[rurallib]

1. I burned through three gazelles and finallly gave up on ever

buying one again. I always check the used stuff first.
My kids got me a ball for Christmas last year. It is @ 2feet around. I have made up many exercises and feel in super shape. My stomach is rock hard again.
I too have knee problem (once told by a doctor I probably wouldn't walk after 50). I take good old glucosamine and chondroitin each morning and use knee braces when I work out. The ball I got a year ago has been a godsend.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Been thinking of getting an elliptical and of course I've got the bike

and these days we have more daylight.

I just went, when I saw the prices... are these people nuts? Then again, I have the Y at a walkable distance so I guess I could use theirs....

It is just boring... I'd rather do my exercise at home anyway

[rurallib]

7. Do you have a radio or IPOD tohelp with the boredom?

with an Ipod you could download some good stuff like Stephanie Miller and I guarantee you will not be bored.
I do my ball in front of the TV usually watching Amy Goodman or Jeopardy.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. I do my exercise in front of Keith, or Rachel

and yes I have the pod... also at home I can just wear shorts and the exercise bra... at the Y I don;t think so,

The shorts are big anyway (lost already 50+ pounds, and the knees are happier)

[lonestarnot]

3. Excercise does wonders for the bod!

Edited because I like to push the edit button! :evilgrin:

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. You break into a sweat

:evilgrin:

[lonestarnot]

8. No I don't sweat, I peench.

:evilgrin:

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. RLOL

[seemunkee]

5. We bought a treadmill from Play it Again

Its lasted for 10 years. Starting to have a few problems but probably just needs to be aligned and tightened

[eShirl]

6. I cannot do Tae Bo, too hard on my knees.

Looks like fun if you can do it.

I even have to be careful with some of the routines on the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workouts. :(

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. I'm just careful, as is I am hardly coordinated

and I have to do it SLOWLY... I did it ONCE, for the first time today... I hardly reached the 15 minute mark...

So I will have to work to it, hells, bells, I can't dance.... now sweating to the oldies, that sounds like a fun one too

What is amazing is... at one time I KNEW those moves... self defense mostly... and I could hardly do them... let alone at speed

I'll give blanks kudos though... he is careful to emphasize the RIGHT technique to avoid injuries.

[TheDebbieDee]

12. Second-hand Shops and Thrift Stores are great places

to look for exercise equipment - I've seen treadmills and exercise bikes with the factory packaging on them still.

I've seen Nordic Tracks and Cardio Glides, AbMasters and Rockers, hardly used, for $15, $20 or $25 bucks.

Haven't seen a Bo-Flex yet, though.

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. Well most folks really don't use the equipment they buy

sadly

I guess I will start trolling the Salvation Army and Goodwill stores

[tammywammy]

14. Also check Craigslist

A lot of people put exercise equipment on there. Right now though, a lot of people just started buying stuff (New Year's resolutions and such) so there might be more available in another couple of months (when people realize they aren't using it anyways).

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Yep. In a couple of months I should be able to find

some used stuff... I know that once we replace the gazelle I will have to take it to the recycling center. I would not even give it to goodwill... though my sis should benefit from it... oh never mind, speaking of people...

[Poiuyt]

16. Those $4,000 pieces of equipment are meant for institutions like fitness centers, not individuals

OTOH, if you went through a gazelle in only two years, you can see where paying a bit more pays off in the long run. You should be able to get a nice machine for $500-1000, I paid about $500 for a used Concept 2 rowing machine and it's been great for me. I'd also recommend an elliptical trainer. I used to coach track and cross country and I saw a lot of colleges that used those for their injured runners.

Find something you like and do it regularly.

Consistency, progression, moderation, and rest. Those are the keys to fitness.

[dysfunctional press]

18. actually, no.

for people who are serious about it, a "$4000 machine" can be well worth it. sometimes you really do have to pay for quality and longevity.

[Liberal_in_LA]

17. Tae Bo will give you a good work out. His main studio was a few miles from me... windows use to be

steamed up for all those folks working out. Not sure if it's still there.