So, it's the new year, and I have begun eating healthier. I am now trying to decide on whether I want to buy a treadmill, or elliptical machine. Another option I am debating on is joining the gym again. I used to be a member, but found that I didn't use it as much as I thought I would. I found it more of a pain to have to get up early before work and head out there. So, I quit going. When at the gym though, I mainly walked on the treadmill.

So, I thought, well why don't I just buy a treadmill for my house?! I think I would be more inclined to use it if I didn't have to leave the house. I could just put it in front of the tv and walk or run! I mentioned this to my Aunt, and she said she would get an elliptical if she were me. She goes to her gym daily and swears by the elliptical.

I have used the elliptical once or twice, but not long enough to know if I really like it.

So, this is my dilemma. Joining the gym would cost a lot less than buying the equipment, but I may not be as inclined to go as often as I would if I had the machines here.

Does anyone have any advice on the two different types of equipment?

Treadmill, great machine, but if you can go outside and walk its alot better ( at least in my opinion ) the fresh air, the different surfaces, things to keep you occupied ( your surroundings ) ect... Just layer yourself and go outside and save yourself the money from both the gym membership and treadmill.

If you only go to the gym to use a treadmill though, I would just buy one. Now if you go to the gym and take advantage of all their equipment, then I would get a gym membership.

I like the elliptical too, but I don't feel like I work half as hard as I do on the treadmill. The elliptical is suppose to be easier on your joints The machine says your burning all these calories, but I never feel like Im working that hard no matter how fast I pump my legs or how I high I decide to make the resistance, but it has given me some results in my legs, so I guess it must work

If you end up buying one of these machines, I would reccomend getting some resistances bands, some light weights, and some workout videos for abs, pilates, yoga ect. Also check out shape or fitness magazine. I love them, they have tons of info and alot of different things you can do at home.

Hey Labluvr, I saw in Shih's South Beach Diet thread you mentioned something about the Weight Watchers thing, how is that? What does it consist of? Ect.. share please

thanks

I can tell you from my experience, and all the treadmills advertised in the classifieds, ( and sold at garage sales!) A TREADMILL IS NOT THE WAY TO GO! They are so darn boring! At least when they are sitting in your house.

At one time mine sat in the family room for 6 months, always with something hung over the bars. I finally moved it out to the storage shed, along with a stair stepper, and a few other exercise machines. ( Did I mention I need to have a garage sale? )

There's just something about a gym that makes exercise so much more fun! I think I'll sell all my exercise equipment to help pay for TWO gym memberships!

I wouldn't recommend signing a membership contract unless you really mean to use it! One time I signed a one year contract and went about twice. ( By the second visit my thoughts were
" this is just too much exercise for me." ) Yikes! What an expensive membership that was! I still had to pay every month. I wasn't yet motivated and ready to commit to my new diet and exercise at that time.

Then the time came when I was finally motiviated and ready for a gym. I joined, I went 6 - 7 days a week, morning and night for six months! I simply got hooked on fitness! So I guess I made up for all the money I had lost earlier on a membership. I'd recommend looking for gyms that will let you have a one or two week trial membership, before you decide to sign that contract.