Buying an Elliptical machine...advice please

[IMP]

i can't seem to get motivated to be a gymrat again like i was a couple years ago. so i am cancelling the membership and ordering an elliptical machine. i was flipping channels, and caught this on HSN:

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx?webp_id=3209582&web_id=3209582&sf=hf&attr=1810&prev=hp!sf!1810

Product Description
Bored with your exercise routine and want to try something different? The ProForm SpaceSaver Elliptical machine might just be the answer with its low-impact and overall body conditioning. It's also great for anyone looking to add some variety to their existing fitness routine.

ProForm SpaceSaver Elliptical Machine Features:

Fold-Away SpaceSaver design lets you fold the base and pedals vertically for maximum storage ease
3-position Adjustable Stride helps people of almost any height comfortably use the machine
ClearView backlit display makes it easy to read even in low light
SMR Silent Magnet Resistance for a smooth and consistent operation
CoolAire Workout Fan helps you stay cool even during the hardest workouts
EKG Grip Heart Rate Monitor gives you accurate readings with the convenient handlebar sensors
Oversized Pedals for secure and comfortable foot placement
10 Personal Trainer Workouts and 2 Heart Rate Workouts
LED Pacing Coach lets you know when it's time to work a little harder, or when it's time to slow down
Maximum user weight: 250 lbs
Measures approx. 61"L x 27"W x 67"H
Measures approx. 38"L x 27"W x 67"H (folded)
Weighs approx. 160 lbs.
Model #PFEL6905
Comes with manufacturer's 90-day limited warranty


i'm looking online for some comparison machines. but i wanted to hear input from you guys on what you use/like/dislike. im def getting the elliptical...do my best workouts on that thing! tia!!

[IMP]

:bump:

bueller?

[Roto]

Bad Investment. I think a lot of people buy gym equipment thinking they'll use it, then never do.

Gym has more variety... and importantly, a put option.

[_BullDog_]

I had a proform once, it broke after 2 years and 11 months. I had a 3 year service agreement and got a new one.

[JohnGalt]

Bad Investment. I think a lot of people buy gym equipment thinking they'll use it, then never do.

Gym has more variety... and importantly, a put option.

I know this thread is about chick equipment, but I spent about $600 on a power rack, weights, and a bench. That's less than 2 years worth of gym membership. I never have to drive anywhere, deal with other people, listen to Rod Stewart while I'm trying to work out, or get yelled at for using chalk or making too much noise. I'll never join a gym again.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Try this cheaper alternative:
1. Go outside.
2. Run around block.
3. Repeat 2 until exhausted.
4. Go inside.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I know this thread is about chick equipment, but I spent about $600 on a power rack, weights, and a bench. That's less than 2 years worth of gym membership. I never have to drive anywhere, deal with other people, listen to Rod Stewart while I'm trying to work out, or get yelled at for using chalk or making too much noise. I'll never join a gym again.
Wow, that's about 6 years of my membership. That's why I'm putting off buying equipment (and a new house with an extra exercise room).

[LoneGirl]

Bad Investment. I think a lot of people buy gym equipment thinking they'll use it, then never do.

Gym has more variety... and importantly, a put option.

I personally think my treadmill is one of the best purchases I've made. If I belonged to a gym, I'd never go because 1) I'd get tired of having to drive there and 2) I'd be self-conscious about working out around strangers. I've gotten more use out of my treadmill than I ever imagined. It makes it harder to blow off exercise when the thing is right there in your house.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I personally think my treadmill is one of the best purchases I've made. If I belonged to a gym, I'd never go because 1) I'd get tired of having to drive there and 2) I'd be self-conscious about working out around strangers. I've gotten more use out of my treadmill than I ever imagined. It makes it harder to blow off exercise when the thing is right there in your house.
Hook it up to a generator that powers the TV. That's even better motivation.

[JohnGalt]

Wow, that's about 6 years of my membership. That's why I'm putting off buying equipment (and a new house with an extra exercise room).

$100 a year is really cheap.

I only went to a high-school gym and it was around $60/quarter for a family.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Gym has more variety... and importantly, a put option.
And someone cleaning it up and maintaining the equipment. This Elliptical thing: is it self-maintaining? When will it break? how long until you have to replace it?

[Westley]

Agreed that it's a bad investment for most people, but only you know for sure. I bought an awesome eliptical and parked it right in front of my big screen, and use it a lot. Fifteen minutes every morning before I go to work, while watching Headline News, and sometimes I'll watch a movie and get in 90 minutes on the weekend, which is great.

Anyway, I'm totally happy with mine, but it was $1600, which is a lot - I went to Galyan's and tried a bunch, then tried the ones at my gym, before deciding to buy the one that my friend recommended early on. Don't remember what it is, but I can look when I get home if you're interested. Monster machine, uses a lot of space, and you can definitely spend less, but I'm a big guy, so I wanted to make sure that it would last through a lot of usage, my weight, etc. Plus, psychologically, I feel more pressure to use it because it's so expensive.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

$100 a year is really cheap.

I only went to a high-school gym and it was around $60/quarter for a family.
I know! It really cuts down on decisions to buy equipment.
We are looking into some relatives' clothes racks, er, unused gym equipment. At a steep discount.

[Roto]

Wow, that's about 6 years of my membership. That's why I'm putting off buying equipment (and a new house with an extra exercise room).

by contrast, it's about 7 mos. of our (couple membership) dues.

[BallaActuary]

I personally think my treadmill is one of the best purchases I've made. If I belonged to a gym, I'd never go because 1) I'd get tired of having to drive there and 2) I'd be self-conscious about working out around strangers. I've gotten more use out of my treadmill than I ever imagined. It makes it harder to blow off exercise when the thing is right there in your house.


Hm. We bought a $2300 Precor treadmill because my wife hated driving to the gym late at night. She used it a lot for probably a year. We moved to a different house closer to a different gym. She now pays $7 a month for a gym membership and the treadmill sits there. My dog likes to stand on it to look out the window, so I guess it's good for something. I suppose if we bought it and she stopped exercising all together, that would be worse.

[SirVLCIV]

We decided on this - very smooth ride when I tried it out. It's being put together today, and I'll test ride it tomorrow. 30 minutes a day every other day for the first week, see how I stand, then up it to every day. Eventually I want to up it to 60 minutes a day, but I'm taking it slow.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@2144190978.1169230283@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddjmddgljlcefecemldffidfki.0&pid=00628645000&cat=Fitness&subcat=Ellipticals&vertical=FIT&ihtoken=1

[LoneGirl]

Hm. We bought a $2300 Precor treadmill because my wife hated driving to the gym late at night. She used it a lot for probably a year. We moved to a different house closer to a different gym. She now pays $7 a month for a gym membership and the treadmill sits there. My dog likes to stand on it to look out the window, so I guess it's good for something. I suppose if we bought it and she stopped exercising all together, that would be worse.


Well, my treadmill only cost $150 and I've had it (and used it) for 5 years. So I think I've more than gotten my money's worth.

[mlschop]

Where the hell do you ppl live where you're getting gym memberships for $100/yr or $7/month?!?

The gym I'm switching to costs $35/mo, plus I gotta pay a one time membership fee of $150. Many (quality) gyms in the area are the same or more.

[SirVLCIV]

I don't like gyms - self-conscious and all that jazz.

[mlschop]

I don't like gyms - self-conscious and all that jazz.

you're too self-concious to workout at a gym (where maybe 2% of it's population is going to pay attention to you), but have no problem talking about your gf's menstrual cycles on an internet message board :shrug: :-P

[Bamafan]

We decided on this - very smooth ride when I tried it out. It's being put together today, and I'll test ride it tomorrow. 30 minutes a day every other day for the first week, see how I stand, then up it to every day. Eventually I want to up it to 60 minutes a day, but I'm taking it slow.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@2144190978.1169230283@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddjmddgljlcefecemldffidfki.0&pid=00628645000&cat=Fitness&subcat=Ellipticals&vertical=FIT&ihtoken=1

I am considering this purchase as well. I used an elliptical last night for the first time. I love it compared to treadmill/bike. I feel like it works more muscles than either of the others. Does this specific elliptical have a weight limit?

[remilard]

I've decided against buying a cardio machine in lieu of gym membership but I think it would be nice to have one in addition to the gym membership. Frankly I don't have the money or space to justify that now but I could see myself picking one up in the future.

If I bought one I would want to get one that felt as smooth as the gym and would be expected to last essentially forever with a couple hours a week of use. Otherwise I would spend all my time on it wishing I was at the gym.

[remilard]

Where the hell do you ppl live where you're getting gym memberships for $100/yr or $7/month?!?

The gym I'm switching to costs $35/mo, plus I gotta pay a one time membership fee of $150. Many (quality) gyms in the area are the same or more.

We have a gym at work that costs less than that but it sucks.

24 Hour is 45/month for a couple and nothing up front (through work)

[Westley]

I am considering this purchase as well. I used an elliptical last night for the first time. I love it compared to treadmill/bike. I feel like it works more muscles than either of the others. Does this specific elliptical have a weight limit?
Better use it a few more times first. I don't think it works more muscles, it just feels that way because all the muscles that you use on the bike you use all the time. A couple weeks on an elliptical, it will be just like the bike.

[BallaActuary]

Where the hell do you ppl live where you're getting gym memberships for $100/yr or $7/month?!?

The gym I'm switching to costs $35/mo, plus I gotta pay a one time membership fee of $150. Many (quality) gyms in the area are the same or more.

Her friend signed her up as a relative. It's a private gym, so they pay one fee per month for the first person + $7 per additional person. It's a nice deal.

My gym membership is $38.99.

[Westley]

Where the hell do you ppl live where you're getting gym memberships for $100/yr or $7/month?!?

The gym I'm switching to costs $35/mo, plus I gotta pay a one time membership fee of $150. Many (quality) gyms in the area are the same or more.
Yeah, my gym costs a ton more than $35/mo, I can't imagine $7/month. Scenery is worth it, and very motivating, for me.

[BallaActuary]

Well, my treadmill only cost $150 and I've had it (and used it) for 5 years. So I think I've more than gotten my money's worth.

Sounds like it.

[Snageye]

Proform sucks
Schwinn has somewhat solid machines
I think others are going to cost over $1,500

You may feel restricted in your movements with an elliptical. With a treadmill, you can extend or shorten stride.

Watch your headroom. Some ellipticals put a tall person's head bobbing at close to 8 ft.

If you want an easy workout that you can onehand browse the web on, try a recumbant exercise bike.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Where the hell do you ppl live where you're getting gym memberships for $100/yr or $7/month?!?

The gym I'm switching to costs $35/mo, plus I gotta pay a one time membership fee of $150. Many (quality) gyms in the area are the same or more.
California. Why yes, it IS a great place to live.
Mind you, I did pay for a few years at the start (not much more than $100/year), and the renewal is $100. In my case, it was timing. My wife already had a membership at this club, and I had not renewed my membership at the former club. So, I waited until there was an extremely low price.

[hardinda]

We have a treadmill and I also bought bowflex's select a weight system along with a bench. I like both and use them often. It's easier for me to go to the other room rather than drive to a gym. Only reason I'd join a place is if they have racquetball courts and I decided to play racquetball again. I also have the option to use the small free gym here at the office if I want a little more alternatives.

[_BullDog_]

If you want an easy workout that you can onehand browse the web on, try a recumbant exercise bike.

Why do you only have 1 free hand..... nm, don't answer.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

We have a gym at work that costs less than that but it sucks.

24 Hour is 45/month for a couple and nothing up front (through work)
Going up-front is how to save. If you have the up-front.
OTOH, I only spend up-front with a reputable chain (24hr, Bally's) that allows me access to all of their gyms across the country (there's one in Vegas on Tropicana, I think), and not a fly-by-night place (burned way too many times).

[Snageye]

Why do you only have 1 free hand..... nm, don't answer.

I was hoping you would ask. Here's a pic:

j/k

You have to have the machine sideways to the computer so the other hand is too far away unless you really want those obliques worked out.

[_BullDog_]

I was hoping you would ask. Here's a pic:

j/k

You have to have the machine sideways to the computer so the other hand is too far away unless you really want those obliques worked out.

or get a wireless mouse/keyboard.

[remilard]

Going up-front is how to save. If you have the up-front.
OTOH, I only spend up-front with a reputable chain (24hr, Bally's) that allows me access to all of their gyms across the country (there's one in Vegas on Tropicana, I think), and not a fly-by-night place (burned way too many times).

we were shown rates before we mentioned our corporate affiliation and what we pay is identical to what we would have paid, but nothing up front (it would have been a couple hundred)

We can go to their clubs nationwide but not the super fancy ones that have raquetball and basketball, I forget what they call those. But ours has gym stuff, pool, hot tub, steam room and we can go to the ones at the level or below.

I think we can also attend gyms that aren't 24 hour but in some kind of network but there might be a limit or nominal fee involved.

[silverfox]

My parents had a treadmill. My dad broke it by walking on it too much. They got it fixed, and then he broke it again. I think these machines break more than you'd expect so it's better to join a gym where they fix it for you. He's kind of a heavy guy though. The treadmill obviously wasn't working for him.

[Roto]

Where the hell do you ppl live where you're getting gym memberships for $100/yr or $7/month?!?

The gym I'm switching to costs $35/mo, plus I gotta pay a one time membership fee of $150. Many (quality) gyms in the area are the same or more.

You get what you pay for too, I assume.

We pay a lot, but our gym is a palace. There are a bazillion palaces throughout the metro area, so there will be one convenient to wherever you're at on that day....indoor lap pool... Open 24 hrs... outdoor lap pool.... kiddie pool... water slides... 7-day daycare included.... multiple gyms and courts.... rock climbing wall... bikes equiped with televisions... sauna... steam room... whirlpools... group exercise.... trainers offering both free and for-fee services... for-fee classes/leagues for the kids... yada-yada-yada....

[Baron Von Raschke]

FWIW, I have renewed my membership at 24 hour fitness for $99 a year for each of the last 2 years. When I originally joined, it was about $35 a month, but I got one year free for paying for 2 years upfront. So there are deals out there.

I would strongly advise against buying a large piece of equipment to jumpstart your exercise routine unless there are time constraints or something. It will take up space, be a burden to move or get rid of, and if it doesn't succeed in motivating you, it will be a constant reminder of a broken promise to yourself. And even if you do use it, you have limited what your workout is going to be and will be more likely to hit a fitness/weight loss plateau than if had access to different equipment to mix it up.

Better alternative - join a decent sized gym and start regularly going to one of the group exercise classes. It gives you a scheduled reason to go, will give you a reasonable chance of getting a decent workout in a relatively short period of time, and it is easier to stay motivated with others around. And the machines there are likely better than anything you would be likely to buy for yourself. And if that still doesn't motivate you enough to keep going, at least you don't have to worry about getting rid of anything you can't lift.

[Roto]

FWIW, I have renewed my membership at 24 hour fitness for $99 a year for each of the last 2 years. When I originally joined, it was about $35 a month, but I got one year free for paying for 2 years upfront. So there are deals out there.

I would strongly advise against buying a large piece of equipment to jumpstart your exercise routine unless there are time constraints or something. It will take up space, be a burden to move or get rid of, and if it doesn't succeed in motivating you, it will be a constant reminder of a broken promise to yourself. And even if you do use it, you have limited what your workout is going to be and will be more likely to hit a fitness/weight loss plateau than if had access to different equipment to mix it up.

Better alternative - join a decent sized gym and start regularly going to one of the group exercise classes. It gives you a scheduled reason to go, will give you a reasonable chance of getting a decent workout in a relatively short period of time, and it is easier to stay motivated with others around. And the machines there are likely better than anything you would be likely to buy for yourself. And if that still doesn't motivate you enough to keep going, at least you don't have to worry about getting rid of anything you can't lift.

Well said.

Also, variety is huge when it comes to sticking with a workout routine. At a gym, you can mix it up much more than at home. Even if you pick the same cario machine each day (which I advise against), you'll likely have a fresh ass in front of you.

[_BullDog_]

Well said.

Also, variety is huge when it comes to sticking with a workout routine. At a gym, you can mix it up much more than at home. Even if you pick the same cario machine each day (which I advise against), you'll likely have a fresh ass in front of you.


I don't know about that..... my cardio workouts out home are never boring....

[Roto]

I don't know about that..... my cardio workouts out home are never boring....

Not all of us have the means to bring in a constant variety of $300/hr. hoes.

[_BullDog_]

so true

[General Apathy]

Better alternative - join a decent sized gym and start regularly going to one of the group exercise classes. It gives you a scheduled reason to go, will give you a reasonable chance of getting a decent workout in a relatively short period of time, and it is easier to stay motivated with others around.

Plus the spin class instructor is hot

[Snageye]

or get a wireless mouse/keyboard.

wireless has nothing to do with it

where are you going to put a keyboard when your legs are moving and still be able to use it?

[remilard]

wireless has nothing to do with it

where are you going to put a keyboard when your legs are moving and still be able to use it?

an elaborate system of pulleys

[Baron Von Raschke]

Plus the spin class instructor is hot

:danim:

[_BullDog_]

wireless has nothing to do with it

where are you going to put a keyboard when your legs are moving and still be able to use it?

beer gut. :toast:

[Snageye]

beer gut. :toast:

unfortunately :sad:

[Loner]

I think the West Coast gyms in genral are cheaper because the outdoors gives them more competition. In the East exercising outdoors isn;t always an option, so the gyms can get away with charging more.

Funny someone mentioned the LV 24 hour fitness...the other day a straight buddy of mine sent me the following text message:
"Dude udidnt tell me the vegas 24 hour fitness was queer mecca!"
Apparently he got the feeling he was being checked out in the locker room.
(And yes, he was talking about the one on Tropicana. I've worked out there and didn't notice anything, but then my friend is a lot better looking than I am...)