A Year of Getting Fit - What Do You Recommend?
This year, hubby and I have decided to invest in our health and the health of our kids. We’re putting together a weight room / workout room in a corner of the basement.
So far we’ve only added a stationary bike, which I’ll be writing a review on that soon - but so far I’m not real happy. Not when I found out that a full half hour of riding only burns up enough calories to compensate for FIVE saltine crackers! Seems like a real crock, doesn’t it?
While we’re browsing Craigslist, eBay and Amazon for some awesome deals on fitness equipment, are there any that you would personally recommend?
Both hubby and I have a family history of heart disease - so cardio is very important, which the bike should cover that nicely.
So what else should every home fitness center have? Feel free to include an Amazon link with your recommendation. If I end up purchasing the product online, I’ll use your link.
Tags: health and fitness, home gym, stationary bike, exercise
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POSTED IN: Health & Wellness
12 opinions for A Year of Getting Fit - What Do You Recommend?
homemom3
Dec 7, 2007 at 7:36 pm
I have a treadmill and will be using it a lot in the new year.
Aaron - Personal Development Partners
Dec 7, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Gayla,
No home workout center is complete without an exercise ball! There are hundreds and hundreds of great exercises that you can do on an exercise ball, and core stabilization aspects make most of the exercises dual-purpose.
When I was a personal trainer, all of my clients were required to have an exercise ball in their home if they wanted to train with me.
I don’t have a direct link to a particular ball, but the best brand of ball in my opinion is FitBall, and you can access all of their goodies here: http://www.balldynamics.com/
For your size, you’ll need a 55cm ball. If your hubby is in the neighborhood of 6′, he might need a 65cm ball.
Have fun rolling around! :)
Chris
Dec 7, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I think dumbbells are the safest thing for our young ones. Somehow they always have a little energy left over, even after they bounce off the walls all day.
Nathania Johnson
Dec 7, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I burn a pound or two when i do a Hip Hop dance work out that comes on Fit TV every other week (hosted by Jennifer Galardi). The scale doesn’t show it for a day or two. But it definitely works.
I also like doing Pilates. It really reduces the stress in my body and makes me feel calm.
So maybe, make some space where you can do dance and mat exercises!?
Ghillie Suits
Dec 9, 2007 at 3:43 am
I believe that you have to get something simple and easy to use. You only need one machine to start. If you find that you are using the machine constantly and its getting boring, then get another. Too many people buy too much stuff and never use any of it.
Jennifer
Dec 9, 2007 at 10:53 am
Not really great for a home exercise room but inline skates are the best IMO. The only issue is you can’t use them in the rain but most days are sans rain for at least a bit. Skates are fun and burn mega calories. As an added benefit it does not take as long to learn as you think and you get to exercise outside in the fresh air with the family. I guess for inside the bike is good (I like mine) and free weights; maybe jump ropes and a small trampoline.
Gayla
Dec 9, 2007 at 1:59 pm
@ Eliza - the treadmill was one of our choices, although we opted against it because my husband has had back and knee surgery and it wasn’t recommended.
@ Aaron - I’m shocked to hear that. I looked at them several times, but never understood how valuable they could be. I’m sure the kids would enjoy them too. We’re hoping to create a family norm with fitness.
@ Chris - we do have dumb bells - I think we’re looking for more creative ways of implementing them into our workout.
@ Nathania - I have workout tapes that I’ve reviewed, but for some reason I just can’t get into them. I’m more a ‘hands on’ kinda girl. I would like to go to a gym, but I also like the idea of creating a home gym that we can all use and work into our own busy schedules. Thanks for the tips though.
@ Jennifer - I’m one of those kids that broke their arm skating - scared of skates, not to mention a few years back, I broke my ankle in two places that prevents me from doing that kind of activity. It does look fun though and I do envy those who can. I wanted to so bad when I visited Venice Beach California - it was just ‘the thing to do’
Kevin
Dec 11, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I have a Schwinn 418 elliptical trainer and I love it! Works the legs nicely, of course, but also works the arms and the stomach. This model has a number of resistance levels which you select depending on your fitness level, has a built in heart rate monitor, a timer, and calorie counter.
I use the elliptical machine every other day for cardio. For strength training, I work out with free weights. I also have a punching bag that I love for not only some additional cardio benefits, but also to release stress in a big way!
Wi
Dec 15, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I have an elyptical trainer, some dumbells and workout tapes. Callanetics (remember those) are my favourite exercises and only require some space and a chair.
How To Compare Treadmill Prices And Features
Jan 13, 2008 at 7:59 pm
[…] For cardio vascular exercises and weight loss, the treadmill is the best equipment to get. Regardless of price and other fancy features, when you compare treadmill models to buy, it must support these basic needs. […]
soccer videos
Jul 30, 2008 at 5:05 pm
do a mixture of cardio and weights. i would prefer a treadmill to a bike actually. its much more effective unless you want to train the lower body muscles which the treadmill can do quite well too
How To Jump Higher
Jul 30, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I would have to recommend Wii Fit. My wife and I were very skeptical at first, but after we jumped on the balance board and started working out, we were out of breath with an ache burning in our legs.
Very good workout especially if you are a stay at home mom.
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