Any advice before I buy an elliptical machine?
87472
I have a Proform545E which I am really happy with.  I would suggest...if you are serioously going to use this, to go to some gyms and test thiers out.  Many gyms offer a free one-day pass to potentialmembers (all the YMCA's in my area offer a free 3-day pass).  You definitely want one that is:  1) sturdy  2) relatively quiet.  Check local papers for people selling thiers.  Frequently you can buy a quality one used that sat collecting dust in someone's hoome MUCH cheaper than new...yet it will be like new.
334297
THE BEST WORKOUT MACHINE BY FAR IS THE ELLIPTICAL TRAINER. YOU CAN BURN 100 CALORIES IN 8 MINUTES. NO JOKE. I RIDE THE ELLIPTICAL FOR 40 MINUTES, 6 DAYS A WEEK. IT'S AN AWESOME WORK-OUT.
327629
I'd say elliptical would be better on the joints.  You can increase the tension so you get a better work out (though build up to it, and don't push yourself too hard if you're just starting).  If you want to use the treadmill, avoid the running and increase the incline.
786522
using a treatmill or running?\n\ndoing streches?
1020799
I have bad knees from many years of playing tennis primarily on hard courts, and so running for me is not really an option.  I absolutely love using the elliptical machine because you get the cardio benefit without the impact on your joints.  Also, you do get more of a total body workout based on having to use your arms as well as your legs.
730624
Ellipticals are easier on your knees and hips.  The impact from running on a treadmill can cause you problems later in life. The gym I go to has ellipticals which have moving ski pole handles so that you can work your upper body at the same time, so this is a much better workout.
34371
Of course you can.  You don't need fancy machinery to get an effective weight training workout at home.  Therabands, small dumbells, and a variety of fitness DVDs can help guide you through safe and effective strength and conditioning exercises in your own home.\n\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/fitness/Strength_Exercises.html\n\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/news/articles/find_workout_without_fancy_machinery.shtml
307536
my friend has a bowflex machine and it works great.\n\nhe stays healthy AND fit!
1187579
If you have gym access lift weights!! Use the Leg press, Leg extension, leg curl, Hip abduction/aduction, and the rower. For cardio try using the eleptical. I find that it sculpts my legs fast.
22861
Check the reviews at http://www.treadmilldoctor.com  They don't sell treadmills, so their reviews are pretty objective.\n\nI have a PaceMaster Platinum that is great.  I think it was a little over $1500, though.
1007458
I think you would be much better off buying one. Pilates Reformers are finely tuned pieces of equipment ... it would be like trying to build a street racing bicycle. \n\nEven cheap reformers can be very dangerous to use, it's worth it to invest in a top quality piece of equipment AND hire a trained Pilates instructor to work with you on it.\n\nSince Pilates has gotten so popular, the rate of Pilates injuries has gone way up ... it is very important to do the exercises correctly ... especially if you have health problems. Be careful!
127324
Expensive!  My wife was looking at these and decided against them.\n\nThe really cheap model is $300.\nThe nice one is almost $1800.\n\nThat buys a LOT of visits to the gym with a lot more variety in workouts.
1052748
Dollars- First, figure out how much money you want to invest in equipment. This doesn't mean high-tech expense: calisthenics don't cost anything and can be very effective, while other equipment such as exercise balls, free weights and resistance bands are cheap ways to add variety to a workout. \n\nSense. Devise realistic workouts and stick with them. I recommends starting with three 30-minute sessions a week, and working up from there. \n\nGoals. Look past the scale for signs of success(My personal advise). While weight and measurements are one way to judge success, others include the fit of clothes, energy levels, quality of sleep and the ability to deal with stressful situations. \n\nYMCA is a great location to start your excersize, If I were you, I would visit them atleast once maybe every 2 weeks(Your Choice).\n\nTry lifting those two 10lb. dumbells for atleast 30 Minutes, put some music if you want, or do it infront of the TV, whatever suits you best.\n\nhttp://www.fitnessandbodyimage.com/plans/index.htm (For Your Heart Rate Measurements)\n\nHow to take your resting heart rate.\n\nWhen taking your Resting Heart Rate, make sure you have been sitting down for at least 30 minutes with the least amount of activity before checking your resting heart rate. This can be checked by using your ring finger, or your two middle fingers. Put them on the underside of your wrist, on the side away from your body of your tendons. Do not use your index finger or thumb for testing heart rate. Press a little till you feel your heart beat rhythm. Look at a watch, and count the number of beats for 10 seconds. Multiply this number by 6 for a minute and that is your resting heart rate per minute. You may have to check this 2-3 times, make sure you get the same count. This needs to be as accurate as possible. Or you can count for the full 60 seconds for the best accuracy.
339220
Yes, it happens to me, too, and I've heard others complain of the same thing.  When I first started using a Nordic Track a lot the same thing happened but it has gotten better over time and I no longer have that problem.  I haven't been using an elliptical that long so I am hoping that it will also get better with time.  I don't think it is an unusual thing to happen, though.
472637
I don't know anything about them but as I'm not a gym person myself I'd say try some exercise DVD's first like Tae Bo. Something Aerobic. Than search around for a good Treadmill on places like Overstock.com or Buy.com.\n\nTruthfully you can really loose a lot of weight without using any of the above, but if you really want to, go to the gym, you can try different types of machines out for yourself, see what works best for you, and than buy something similar.
841614
There are only a small number of treadmills that do that. The higher end ProForm models and most True brands do, these get into the $1200 plus range.\n\nYou are absolutely right about calorie counters on ANY piece of exercise equipment... if they don't take into consideration your heart rate, age and weight, the counters are only a guide... even with this info the results can be sketchy.\n\nYou can always purchase a heart rate monitor that includes a calorie counter... a good one will set you back about $200 but is worth it because you can use it anywhere, even when you walk outside. In addition they are far more accurate.\n\nYoumay want to consider an elliptical trainer instead of a treadmill. A treadmill just "forces" you to walk along, while an elliptical makes you work!
551277
The eliptical machine is one of the GREATEST inventions EVER!! It's like running but with less stress on the ankles, knees and shins. They are definately an excellent investment. Once you get situated and used to the motion you can pump your arms as if you were jogging and get an excellent cardio workout. It works your hips, thighs, calves and buttocks. Like running however, if done with proper movements can result in a total body workout (even with abs if done w/ proper breathing). The cost is $600 and up, check them out and keep in mind what sort of programs you might want to come with your machine. Your basic machine would be more or less a quick start without any screens indication milage done or mph... however you can go more technologically advanced (as well as a little deeper in the pocket) and get one with heartrate monitoring on the handles and a full screen w/ a variety of options (hiking, training, i've even seen some w/ a personal trainer option... all you need to do is keep up). But like any machine, read all the material they send with it so you don't wind up injuring yourself. Good luck!!