EMAIL THREAD

Home gym equipment question

Will it sit in my basement? Does anyone consistently use what they bought?

Thu. Jan 19, 10:28am

It depends on your motivation. For me, if there is a TV nearby, I'll use it, especially if I feel like getting away from everyone else. My father has a treadmill that he uses every morning before work; he's been working out every morning, at home, for 10 years. Before that, he used to go to the gym every morning before work.

It's doable if you get into the routine of doing it, and make an "appointment" with yourself to do it. If you're not that committed, though, then yes, it'll just sit there.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 10:37 AM

don't buy it unless you know you enjoy using it.
the nearby tv is helpful. a source of music is also good.

the best thing I bought is one of those mini trampolines. my friends thought I was nuts, but it really is enjoyable for me.
I sort of run in place on it. really gets my heart rate going, and seems to help me burn calories/fat! I put on some good music, and just go! there are actually a lot of exercises you can do on these things too... if you look up rebounding, you'll find some interesting stuff.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 12:21 PM

I agree with the above. You definately need to be motivated.
I don't use mine regularly because I know if I'm not in the mood than my workout isn't going to be as intense as it should. So, I'll do an aerobics video instead. But on the other hand, if I'm feeling energetic, I can get a really great workout on it.
Have you used a treadmill or gym equipment at a gym on a regular basis? And, If so, did you find it boring or can you manage to keep it interesting?

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 1:18 PM

I've never understood how people can read while working out?!! it just amazes me. I've tried it, and had to stop the treadmil, so I could keep reading! sort of counter productive for me! LOL
I guess books on tape/cd would be a good alternative though

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 3:59 PM

I have a recumbant bike (recommended by my physical therapist) and a weight machine. I use the bike and the husband uses the machine and runs. It's just like everyone says; if you don't make the time and integrate it into your daily routine then it will just sit there.

I also agree with the comments about setting up the environment you like to exercise in. For some that means tv, for others music, and for me we have a small cottage/studio in our very private, wooded backyard. We set up the home gym there and it is a serene, light-filled environment that I enjoy immensely! It is very relaxing to go work-out there. However this doesn't mean I work out like a pansy! I am just in another world while I am there and it is a very peaceful one.

++ on trying lots of machines. I like mine, but wish I'd shopped around a bit more. It's not as good as others I've tried since. However the price was what I was willing to pay at the time, and this was equiment I hadn't used much and I wasn't willing to make a big $$ commitment. So even more ++ on the 'buy what you like, or use someone else's equipment til you know". If I'd known how much I would like it, I would have paid more for a better one.

Thursday, January 19, 2006, 4:05 PM

I read on the treadmill or watch TV. When I read I hold the book with one hand and hold onto the treadmill with the other hand. When I switch pages I switch hands. Even though I am holding on I workout longer because I am interested in the book. Because I have to go slower I use ankle weights to add intensity. After an hour I am sweating and know I have burned major calories.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 9:56 AM

We have a nice treadmill with a TV/DVD player mounted right in front of it. I can usually watch 1/2 a movie during my workout and it makes me want to work out the next day to finish the movie! I also have a stereo in the same room, but the TV really works the best for me.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 3:42 PM

I like to read or watch TV on the treadmill because it makes the time go by faster so you do not wind up bored. This is really the only way I can get in a good workout on the treadmill and keep myself interested enough to get back on it tommorrow.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 4:41 PM

Last year, for Lent, my hubby & I gave up TV... UNLESS we were exercising.
It meant that we exercised more and watched TV less....

I set up a favorite DVD or TV show and exercise while watching. I find that the time passes very quickly for me!

I also try to use the programs on my treadmill, and I will make my own programs as well-- (we have a treadmill that does inclines and various speeds. We looked as a variety of machines and opted for one that had a longer warranty on the motor, was quiet and (relatively) easy to move around. (We got a NordicTrack C2200 (I think) from Sears). I find that some days, I just don't want to get on. However, since I know I've paid a lot of money, that tends to motivate me to work out.. Plus, if I put in my favorite movie, the time passes quickly!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 5:56 PM

Another thing,
If you ahve a favorite TV show that's on DVD, then putting in 1 or 2 episodes passes the time quickly!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 5:56 PM

I have a treadmill and a whole weight set and I have been using it regularly... guess it all depends on motivation...I prefer it to the gym...b/c there are a lot of times I feel like working out but not leaving my home!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 6:41 PM

I like having my equipment at home for several reasons...

1) you don't have to "pack up the car", to go to work out. This is especially nice during the winter months when I HATE going out in the cold--breaking into a sweat, having to shower and change into clean clothes, and then come back home...
2) If you feel self-conscious about your body, you know that there is no one looking at you except you and your family.
3) I like the fact that I know how clean my own shower is... I don't have to worry about athelete's foot from the shower, or someone being unsanitary in it, because I am at home.... If I feel like jumping on the treadmill before taking a shower or putting on any makeup, I can do so....
4) I have control over the music or Movies / shows that I watch while working out, vs. having to watch whatever is at the health club.
5) I can work out whenever I feel like it-- in the morning, afternoon, middle of the night, etc. Most gyms have limited hours, and if you have a busy schedule, you may not be able to go at the time that's convenient for you.
6) The cost of my equipment is less than the cost of a 1 year membership to the gym AND, I will have it for many years to come.
7) I can keep track of my statistics more easily at home.
8) If I feel like grabbing a drink or bite to eat or a potty break, I can leave my machine without having to worry about someone taking it over in the interim.

:-)

Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 9:33 PM

Old Thread addresses my question so I'm bringing it back to life!

I just used the search feature to look up home gyms because I am contemplating a gym membership vs home gym setup. Any input in addition to what has already been posted on the subject is much appreciated! Thanks in advance for posting!

nke63

Thursday, September 04, 2008, 7:01 PM

only this - buy the most durable and high-quality equipment you are able to afford - IF you plan to use it a lot. This doesn't mean you need the BowFlex, or some really high-priced item, but....
DH and I have worn OUT 2 mid-range ski machines in 8 years. Our weight bench ( free weights with adjustable bench and lat tower and leg set, low to mid-price range) continues to soldier on without visible damage, but the cardio equipment hasn't held up well to dozens of hours per week of hard use combined with sweat, which apparently does damage during your workout even if you wipe it off immediately afterward.
So, buy quality and use it as much as you can!

Friday, September 05, 2008, 8:18 AM

I have a treadmill, weights, stability ball, mats in the basement, where we also have a TV and a stereo. I also have a collection of exercise DVDs.

Aside from a few of the DVDs that I ended up not liking, I use all of that stuff.

If you don't already know, try to determine what types of exercise you like to do, equipment you like to use, and invest in those things. I have collected my equipment bit by bit over the years, starting with exercise DVDs. By the time I got around to buying the treadmill (my one large purchase) I knew that I would use it because I was already in the habit of working out regularly and I knew I liked treadmills.

Friday, September 05, 2008, 3:07 PM

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