Exercise equipment at home.. Advice?

**mikandmari** · 02-06-2008, 10:02 PM

Dh has always wanted a Bowflex exercise machine. Ds moved out, so now we have the space. Of course, they are expensive... the one we like is $2300. But a hardly used one just listed for $1100 on Craigslist (it's a newer model, it can't be very old... some people just like to blow money, I guess).

I'm thinking it might be a good investment for our health. A family membership at the YMCA would cost about $900 each year. Plus, I'm more apt to use the thing if it's right here, rather than using gas to drive to the gym, and working out in front of everyone

. I have a treadmill, and I do enjoy it in the wintertime.

Does anyone have something like this at home? Do you guys think this is a good idea? Even at less than 1/2 price, it's still expensive....

**Neeley** · 02-06-2008, 10:40 PM

We just threw one away. A friend of my mom's bought one, never used it and offered it to DS/DD for free. Of course they thought they really wanted it so we took it.

If you really think you will use, they are great. However, they do take a LOT of space. We had to place it a certain distance away from the walls so it woul not scratch them up and so it was accessable for proper use. Luckily that room of the house was on the larger size and it fit nicely. It was nice to be able to go into the back living room, cut the tv on and exercise whenever (and while wearing whatever). I do not like to exercise around people I don't know, so along woth my recumbent (sp?) bike we had our own mini gym. Cleaning around it was a pain. They are not easily moved, so sweeping/vacuuming around it was difficult.

My mom had one years ago. She kept it in the sunroom and loved it. She used it daily and is such a neat freak, cleanng around it was no issue to her.

Since both kids wanted a weight bench instead, plus we were getting new floors and had to move it for that, we just chunked it out to the trash pick-up(but someone came by and gave it a new home before the trash men arrived).

**mom2matty** · 02-06-2008, 11:41 PM

We have a weight set up, treadmill, air walker, pilates machine and mini trampoline at home. They don't get used nearly as often as they should be!! When we bought all this stuff dh and I promised each other we would really use the stuff but to be honest I don't think the investment is paying off. One of my goals this year is to really start using what we have, I like having my own stuff at home and even though we don't use it as much as we should, I am glad we made the investment in the equipment!!

**nodmicks** · 02-07-2008, 07:37 AM

Dh bought the total gym at Walmart for 184. Its the one chuck norris advertises. That was a well spent 184! Very light and easy to use. We also bought a less expensive treadmill. We love both!

**Momto2Boyz** · 02-07-2008, 07:38 AM

My parents bought a bowflex for Christmas. My Dad loves it and uses it almost every day and my mom doesn't like it at all. She says she thinks it is built more for men, which is funny, becuase my Dad bought it for her.

I have a Gazelle, I bought it for only $80 (new, because I couldn't find one used), and it has been the best investment I have ever made! I use it almost every day. It gives me one heck of a workout and it doesn't take up a ton of space (plus, it folds up easily if you need to move it).

**PrairieRose** · 02-07-2008, 08:28 AM

We have a gazelle and a treadmill and a weight bench, they get used almost daily. They have been our main workouts for the past 2 years (even though when it's nice I do love to walk on the track as well) but we've both managed to lose and keep off a lot of weight from using them. We've thought about a bowflex but we don't have the room so that's why we don't have one. I'd like to have one though, honestly.

**FreesiaE** · 02-07-2008, 08:49 AM

We have a Precor Eliptical and we really like it. I think we've had it about 4 years now. Precors are very nice gym type equipment. I recommend them.

**kittykatstrong** · 02-07-2008, 08:56 AM

Do you have access to one before you buy, just so you can try it?

**imforpeace** · 02-07-2008, 11:00 AM

I agree with trying one out before you buy.
We have a bike, stair stepper, weights, weight bench, exercise ball and misc other items. {bands, jump rope etc.} I thought we should get a treadmill for the days I can't get out and walk. I went to the rec center and tried one out. It seems it made me dizzy after 20 minutes. Good thing we didn't buy one. I prefer walking outside, and my husband always goes to the gym anyway!

**perSue** · 02-07-2008, 11:05 AM

we have free weights, a bench & weights for it and my yoga mat and the floor.

mostly we do calisthenics (builds muscle) and my aerobic is a mix between yoga or tai chi.

we also have videos for both weight training and cardio that we use.

i like to change it up every now & then. keeps my body interested and from plateauing.

besides why waste money when we've got everything we need right here... our own body weight and the floor!

**Bethany** · 02-07-2008, 12:44 PM

Have you tried to get one on Freecyle? I bet you can get one for free. I got my tread mill for free and it's been going strong with (almost) daILY use for two years.

**mikandmari** · 02-09-2008, 11:55 PM

Well, we made a decision on this thing... To stick with the budget we planned for 2008

, we will first SELL something to get the $$$ (dh has a few 'toys' from our overspending days). Then we will look for a used Bowflex.

This is one of the rare things that I'd prefer to have a 'newer model with more bells & whistles'; still, I figure there will always be someone ready to sell one that is hardly used, a little dusty, and about 1/2 price

.

**luv-my-lexi** · 02-10-2008, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by mikandmari

This is one of the rare things that I'd prefer to have a 'newer model with more bells & whistles'; still, I figure there will always be someone ready to sell one that is hardly used, a little dusty, and about 1/2 price

.

Just keep looking becase you definitely will be able to get an affordable one. There are just too many people that buy on impulse (like we used to do), use it a few times, then it just collects dust till they decide to get rid of it. Good Luck!!