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Original poster

Fitness people - opinions needed please!!

45 replies

fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 16:59

I have posted this on this board as due to the virus my gym routine has obviously stopped. This may sound like a first world problem but my gym is my stress release and I've been going for years. I don't think I will be returning even IF restrictions are lifted due to the handling of equipment etc (and I live with my son who is high risk).

SO....... at the gym I use the treadmill or cross trainer then do weights/use the machines etc. Since gym closure I have run most days. I have some limited equipment such as one(!) kettle bell, a step and some resistance bands. I have been doing some online workouts.

Ongoing I have decided to invest long term in either a treadmill or cross trainer. Please give me your opinions on what you think is best for someone is fairly fit. I know you can read general stuff on the internet but am genuinely interested in people with a good level of fitness and what they use at home.

Thank you

OP posts:
DownWhichOfLate · 27/04/2020 17:05

Skipping rope!

Firef1y72 · 27/04/2020 17:10

Personally if I had the room (and money) I would invest in a decent rowing machine as a first choice and then a spin bike to compliment that.
Reason being that a rowing machine gives a full body workout, with an element of resistance for upper body, lower body and core along with the cardio element. Then spinning is a great compliment to running, it really does help strengthen glutes and gives a fab cardio workout

Hairwizard · 27/04/2020 17:13

Dont bother with treadmill. Diff running mechanics than running outdoors.

Id go with a rower myself. If i had no other choice. Personally i hate cv equipment. Makes me want to kill myself if i have to be on them. Boring.

Saharafordessert · 27/04/2020 17:16

Exactly what Firef1y72 said. I was coming on to say just this!
(I’m a gym owner)

Duvetday8 · 27/04/2020 17:20

I do beachbody workouts and pay for that subscription. There is a whole icky MLM side attached to it but the workouts are great

Original poster
fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 18:02

Thank you for your suggestions. I hadn’t thought of a bike and rower.

OP posts:
Buzztothemoon · 27/04/2020 18:06

We looked into a treadmill a while ago (before all this - just moved house) and didn’t bother as it seemed such a faff. You need to spend a lot to get anything decent, more fiddly to maintain and got to be confident in the floor/wall structures as vibrations can cause damage. Got a spin bike instead!

Original poster
fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 18:08

Actually Buzztothemoon those are things that were concerning me. It would need to go upstairs and that might be impossible etc, etc, plus agree that the cheaper ones look flimsy. Have you enjoyed the spin bike and felt that it kept your fitness up?

OP posts:
BunnytheHoneyBee · 27/04/2020 18:13

Do you need / want to buy expensive equipment?

I used to go to the gym regularly and di a mix of cardio on cross trainer, some body weight exercises and classes such as bod combat, body attack and zumba (all cardio)

Since the gym closed I have been running outside and doing body combat and other cardio classes online. Some of them have a lot of strengthening and conditioning like squats, lunges, press ups and mountain climbers.

For me that’s enough but otherwise I’d go for a cross trainer over a treadmill. I prefer it, less impact on knees and you can run outside.

I like a rowing machine for intervals in warming up.

Bienentrinkwasser · 27/04/2020 18:15

A decent treadmill costs a small fortune and you need quite a high ceiling as you tend to be quite bouncy on them! I don’t love cross trainers personally as they are low impact (great for older or less fit people but not amazing for building on fitness IMO) and it doesn’t really relate to anything in real life! I’d go bike (although I prefer a road bike on a turbo trainer to a spin bike personally) or rower.

Original poster
fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 18:20

I was considering a cross trainer as do use them at the gym but I always think that they don’t mimic normal body movements!

Bunny... I work really long hours normally and am looking ahead to the winter when I would have to run later at night. Few decent running routes near me too. I thought a machine would keep my cardio up,

OP posts:
Twattergy · 27/04/2020 18:56

Rowing machine, defo. Wasn't til I started using one regularly that I found out what an all over work out they give you (legs! Bum! Back! Abs! Shoulders! Arms!) It is also meditative and low impact. Top tip is to put it at 7 ish resistance (Not top whack) and aim for longer session, rather than full whack short ones. Also can do sprints within a longer session to build up cardio. I've become a big fan and it is the one thing in the gym I am missing!!!

BunnytheHoneyBee · 27/04/2020 19:01

Really up to you OP. The last couple of weeks I’ve actually not run much and have been doing the exercise videos on YouTube so I get that. If you want to buy exercise equipment, have the money and space, go for it. Lots of great suggestions but you know what you’ll use. I’m liking doing the classes but I did them anyway.

lljkk · 27/04/2020 19:37

I am thinking about a rower...

Original poster
fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 19:42

Do you know, a rower never crossed my mind. I wear a Fitbit and am used to doing 'steps' whether it is walking, jogging or running.

OP posts:
Blue5238 · 27/04/2020 19:51

We have a normal road bike, on a wahoo kickr turbo trainer. It means you can go for a bike ride or use the turbo. Combined with online training like the sufferfest you can work out really hard, and cheaper than a decent spin bike. I'd go for a good turbo though, where the back wheel comes off the bike, not one with a roller

BrassicaBabe · 27/04/2020 20:20

Then when all this is over everyone with a rowing machine can join their local rowing clubs! 

@Saharafordessert hope things aren't too dire for you. It must be a worry

Original poster
fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 21:29

Thank you all for your suggestions which has given me food for thought and prevented me shelling out in haste for a treadmill!!

OP posts:
Saharafordessert · 27/04/2020 22:00

It’s a huge worry but to be honest I’m trying not to think too much about the long term right now! Thanks @BrassicaBabe
Stay safe all x

Thismummyruns · 27/04/2020 22:23

Sorry to jump on this but I was also looking at getting a treadmill but worried about where we would put it (thinking about getting an outside wooden cabin built for the kids this year and was going to put it in there).

Seeing this has given me food for thought. I love going on my mountain bike, can you use a turbo trainer with them? I never even thought of it before seeing this post

ZagaduBoo · 27/04/2020 23:05

If money were no object I might get a pelotron bike, and a pilates reformer.

I agree the rower is underrated, my gym said that.

I have an underused exercise bike. I also have and really rate an aerobic step, a fitball, and a firm pilates roller.

Original poster
fortunatelynot · 27/04/2020 23:11

Ok...do bikes make your thigh muscles bigger??

OP posts:
jasjas1973 · 27/04/2020 23:15

Indoors i use a Smart cycle trainer that hooks up to the Internet via an app called Zwift or Sufferfest (which also inc strength training too) you need a road bike and big fan to keep cool, each app costs around £12 per month (You don't need either but it kills the boredom)

Everyone i know who has bought a running machine has either broken it or used it twice and then its on Gumtree.

superram · 27/04/2020 23:15

We have a concept rower and it is great.

jasjas1973 · 27/04/2020 23:17

No, they don't or your bum for that matter.
Its a myth, you lose weight, get definition and become slimmer.