What home exercise machine should I buy?

[notinacton]

Hi! I used to go running regularly, but since becoming a single mum I don't have time any more because there is nobody to look after the children. So I am thinking of buying an exercise machine to use at home - something that won't take up too much floor space, so maybe a cross-trainer/elliptical. I have used these machines in a gym but never had one of my own. I guess I'm willing to spend a couple of hundred ££s. So, my questions are:

1. Is a cross-trainer/elliptical the best thing to get for not taking up too much floor space and for providing an all-round workout? Would anything else be better?

1. Any recommendations about what one to get?

Thanks very much for any suggestions/advice!

A cross trainer is probably the best all round option. That's what we went for. Rather than buying a cheap new one see if you can pick up a good second hand one.

You can get some decent cross trainers on eBay for a couple of hundred if you're able to collect, we got a fairly sturdy York one which has served us well for several years that way.

We have this one

I bought a confidence pro cross trainer from Amazon - avoid anything by this brand at all costs, really bad quality. I have sold mine and would love to get something I can actually use.

We have an elliptical cross trainer and a treadmill. The treadmill gets used regularly, the cross trainer is mostly used to hang towels on

However - the cross trainer is actually quite good, it's a Horizon with lots of workout programmes and doesn't take up too much space.

I've seen people on here recommending rowing machines for a really good all round workout, but don't have any experience of them myself.

I have a rower, overall I think they take up less room than a cross trainer, as in most cases the sticky out part of the rowing machine will fold upright when not in use. Our cross trainer was quite big but we've had two rowing machines and never had any trouble storing them.

I agree it does give a good all over workout tbh. I found the cross trainer killed my thighs but didn't do much with my arms, back or shoulders.

I have a rower and in principle I love it, however it's the same make as the awful cross trainer I bought (confidence pro). I only have size 5 feet and the straps don't hold my feet in place, and the mechanism for the seat have become bent (we are well within the weight restrictions).

Yes good point Cordelia, the footplates on some are big and the straps don't sit down low enough for small footed people! I wear size 6 trainers and the strap is only just low enough to hold my foot in place - and feet really do need to be held firm the prevent knee strain on a rower, IMO.

So try one out if you can before you buy, OP, if you can. We don't have a gym superstore type place anywhere near us so we ordered a Tunturi off the internet, luckily it turned out to be fine.

Home cross trainers are quite different to gym ones,unless you are spending upwards of £600+. So the suggestions for getting a top quality second hand one from ebay etc is a great idea. They are also often larger than regular home ones.

I think its probably more about how you use the machines, rather than which one you go for. Theres a difference between doing a 30min full pelt session on equipment, vs doing 20mins at say a heart rate of 150+bpm, then 30 mins with a heart rate between 120-130bpm. The latter type of session has in my experience been excellent for.burning fat, although it may not have been traditional 'cardio' exercise. But you could get that result from any equipment, treadmill/bike/rower/cross trainer. The only trouble I have with a rower is that its awkward to do HIIT sessions on it - the other machines you can do a 'sprint' on no.bother, sprinting on a rower seems to be tricky!

These suggestions are all really helpful - thank you! The idea of a second hand machine is great. Will look into that. I am not sure about a rowing machine because I don't like using them that much so realistically it might not get used after a while ...

If you do go for a rower, don't get a skull one, had one years ago and they are the most awkward things to use.

In case anyone is interested: I ended up buying a DKN XC-140i Elliptical cross trainer from here. It is fabulous! I picked it after doing a lot of research and deciding this would be the best quality for the money. It is really great, completely solid, silent. I honestly don't notice a big difference between it and the pro ones at the gym. Of course, it is incredibly boring using it in my dining room, but worth it - since getting it I have noticed that my legs and arms are more toned and my stomach flatter than it has been in years. Now I have to hope I can keep it up and that it doesn't end up as a £500 clothes airer like everyone else I know who bought ...