Any fitness instructors out there? Advise me which is the best exercise machine to buy please!

[anorak]

I need an all-round exercise machine that won't strain my injured ankle. I have a damaged cartilage and cannot do any impact sport. So I need something that's gentle on the ankles but will tone me all over and burn fat.

My plan is to ask for this for a Christmas present.

Any recommendations please?

How about a Bodyworks Pro part number(72105001)
have a look at this
and search in fitness.
We have one, and although it doesn't get out much is supposed to be an all round good toning, aerobic machine.

Depends how much money your givers have but could ask for a Concept II rowing machine . The new models aren't that noisy and they fold up and away, although they take up a lot of space when opened up. Excellent form of non-impact but strenuous exercise. However, for a tenth of the price, join a local rowing club and have a lot more fun. sorry, can't get enthusiastic as was once bought one as a birthday present by xh - sadly it went to him as part of the divorce settlement

ps you're bound to find loads available second hand, hardly used.

i'm not really selling this am i!

Emsiewill has just got a cross-trainer from ebay, her thread is in the weight-loss section.

The elliptical type are supposed to be zero impact as your feet never leave the foot plates.

They're great for overall body toning & calorie burn. You'd be wise to have a go at a gym for a couple of times first to be sure though. I've 2 free passes for mine at the moment, I'd be happy to take you as a guest.

Both me and dh have found the cross trainer really good - it definately works you, but doesn't feel too painful. I got it for £40 on ebay - we had to go and pick it up though (it was fairly local). Not sure whether you'd find another one that cheap - there was no photo and she knocked a £10 of as there was a little tear in the foam on the handles - made no difference to the functioning.
There's loads of exercise stuff on ebay - and most of it is hardly used, from what I've seen.

Thank you all for your suggestions - we can't afford to pay the best part of £1000 but the ebay suggestion may be the winner. I never think of ebay like you all do - I shall have to get with it!

I have used cross-trainers when I used to go to the gym before my accident. But the ones in our gym only exercised the legs, not the upper body. There are so many different kinds! It's like a specialist subject all of its own!