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What's the most effective home exercise machine?

8 replies

firstontheway · 18/01/2009 16:04

Okay, I'm 31 weeks pregnant so won't be needing it just yet! But am forward planning and would like to buy an exercise machine for use at home and was wondering what the 'best' type to get is? I don't really want a treadmill as I'm hoping to get lots of walking done with the baby, and I'm not much of a runner. Initially I wanted an exercise bike, but have been told that for the amount of effort you put into them, you don't get a lot back. Maybe a cross trainer? What do you use that appears to work?

I've put on A LOT of weight during this pregnancy but I'm really not a gym person, I'm just too shy. So I figure if I invest in one machine (plus swim and walk a lot) that might be enough to be getting on with! We have about £300 max to spend and it has to be something relatively 'fold away' as we have a tiny flat!

Thanks in advance! (And I'll meet you all properly on this board in a few months post birth!)

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Ivykaty44 · 18/01/2009 16:09

TBH I think you are full of good intentions - ave your money until the baby is 4 weeks old and then decide if you are going to buy an excersis machine.

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mrsmaidamess · 18/01/2009 16:12

Home gym machines are the most expensive laundry airers you can get. I don't know anyone who has stuck to a routine of using one at home.

You say you are too shy to go to the gym...you may find there are post natal exercise classes laid on, where you can leave baby in the creche, and these classes will be full of women just like you..

I think if you go 'out' to exercise, and make it part of your daily routine you will find it more effective than buying some colossal piece of equipment.

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firstontheway · 18/01/2009 16:16

lmao I was looking through 'mumsnet classics' yesterday about all the silly things pregnant childless women say before they give birth, and finding time to exercise was one of the biggies

And perhaps you're right. I won't be buying it yet that's for sure (dh won't let me buy one till baby's at least 6 weeks old as he's convinced I'll use it and hurt myself ) but am forward planning! I do have quite good self discipline when I want to, and dh will use it as well. I just thought I'd do some research early!

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firstontheway · 18/01/2009 16:18

x-posts.

Hmm, I like the idea of a post natal exercise class, will look into that, thanks! (have just moved area and bet it's a good way to meet new people too )

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Ivykaty44 · 18/01/2009 16:23

I think Mrsmaidamess is right - join a gym and make friends with other mums and do the classes.

A new mum spends time alone at home and the gym can bring adult conversation and friendship.

This makes for much more intersting talk at dinner with dh.

You may be shy, but your baby will enjoy the company of other babies and small children.

All shapes and sizes at the gym, dont go thinking that you will be bigger than everyone else cos I can asure you you will not be - by far

Plus you can take baby to the pool and gyms often lay on mother and baby time in the pool and when they are older splosh time.

Pruhealth are doing some good deals with health insurance and gym membership, so it need not be expensive.

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Fleurlechaunte · 18/01/2009 18:09

I bought a Reebok cross trainer here and used it until it broke. H fixed it and I still use it at least twice a week. I run the other days. When dc were really tiny and I couldn't get out so much I used it daily. Its brilliant.

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hatcam · 20/01/2009 21:11

x-trainer or rowers are good but you need to make sure you've got good technique on a rower. have recommended this company before www.hirefitness.co.uk (I don't work for them!) you can hire something for a month and that way you'll know if it really will become a clothes airer or if you're super-disciplined-fit-bird!

also (and now I am self promoting) think about buggyfit or similar www.buggyfit.co.uk, it's a great way to meet other mums, socialise and get fit with your baby.

good luck with the rest of the pregnancy and the birth

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Kafka · 09/02/2009 00:08

could you find a personal trainer, i did this after dd and despite being shy it was fantastic and I did it for a limited time but it gave me a real boost - I used to go jogging with my buggy plus trainer it was great. Also did pram fit classes etc...

Got loads of fresh air and so did baby.

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