Which home gym equipment ?!
Discussion
Wanting to purchase a cheapish machine which will help tone slightly, but mainly for keeping the pies off 
Narrowed it down to either a bike or rowing machine (as space is confined in flat).
But which is better for the body ?
Any help appreciated !!
ps. Really don't want to hand out gym fees they ask for round here !
Narrowed it down to either a bike or rowing machine (as space is confined in flat).
But which is better for the body ?
Any help appreciated !!
ps. Really don't want to hand out gym fees they ask for round here !
Home gym equipment, as said, becomes very boring very quickly. Also it is never that good if you don't spend a lot of money. As said, if you really don't want to go to a gym, then maybe going out running would be a cheaper option and perhaps get some dumbbells at home.
I go to a gym for £30 a month, it is possible to find reasonable ones, look for a local council run one. Believe me for the variety in work outs, having other people around, choice of equipment etc it is well worth it.
I go to a gym for £30 a month, it is possible to find reasonable ones, look for a local council run one. Believe me for the variety in work outs, having other people around, choice of equipment etc it is well worth it.
If you want to get fit and lose some pounds it's easy.
If you normally get up at 7am in the morning, have a lie in. Get up at 7:30....maybe even 7:45.
Then you'll be in such a rush to get ready and leave on time and not be late you will have the best aerobic excercise going, it's free and you get a few extra zzzz's in the morning too.
If you normally get up at 7am in the morning, have a lie in. Get up at 7:30....maybe even 7:45.
Then you'll be in such a rush to get ready and leave on time and not be late you will have the best aerobic excercise going, it's free and you get a few extra zzzz's in the morning too.
[url]www.concept2.co.uk[/url]
...as used by all rowers around the globe, the England rugby team etc etc. As far as calories per hr is concerned, I think rowing is about the 3rd highest intensity sport in the world - after basketball and water polo IIRC. Try doing 30 mins on one of these babies, compared to 30mins jogging...
They ain't cheap, but they will sort you out big time. They work chest, shoulders, arms, back, lower back, legs, so give you an all over workout that is hard to achieve with ANY other single piece of kit. Every single stroke is like doing a sit-up too. Very good for losing the pies.
It IS important to have the correct technique, or you could do yourself some harm (particularly back). Would recommend trying one out at a local gym / rowing club, before buying. Rowers will show you how to do it, and within a year, you'll look like Matt Pinsent. Maybe.
I have one at home, and it's awesome. They last for ever too - have had mine for 5 years(?), and it's developed very little since I first started usign them at school in about '92.
>> Edited by bouffy on Wednesday 12th January 11:01
...as used by all rowers around the globe, the England rugby team etc etc. As far as calories per hr is concerned, I think rowing is about the 3rd highest intensity sport in the world - after basketball and water polo IIRC. Try doing 30 mins on one of these babies, compared to 30mins jogging...
They ain't cheap, but they will sort you out big time. They work chest, shoulders, arms, back, lower back, legs, so give you an all over workout that is hard to achieve with ANY other single piece of kit. Every single stroke is like doing a sit-up too. Very good for losing the pies.
It IS important to have the correct technique, or you could do yourself some harm (particularly back). Would recommend trying one out at a local gym / rowing club, before buying. Rowers will show you how to do it, and within a year, you'll look like Matt Pinsent. Maybe.
I have one at home, and it's awesome. They last for ever too - have had mine for 5 years(?), and it's developed very little since I first started usign them at school in about '92.
>> Edited by bouffy on Wednesday 12th January 11:01
I don't like running much as it makes my knees ache and I find it really tedious. I do a bit of kayaking but can't do it after work during the winter. I found I could never be bothered to go to the gym on a regular basis and it took up too much time. Also, for me and the wife, it cost a fortune so we packed it in aiming to spend the money on some home kit.
We initially bought an elliptical strider which is a good allround exerciser. My wife likes it but I wanted something that focusses more on the upper body so bought an air resistance rower. I stuck it in the garage along with an old cd player and now row on it 2-3 times a week for 45 minutes each session listening to motorhead
. Both bits of kit cost us about 150 quid new from ebay and seem sturdy enough. The rower is a bit rough around the edges and now I know I really like it and, more importantly use it, I'll invest in a concept or similar when it breaks. You really could do with a heart monitor to train too. I row for 45 minutes at 150-160bpm and while I've only had the thing for a couple of months (the rower) and did b*gger all over christmas it really has made a difference.
Other things you could consider are stuff like a chin up bar from argos for a tenner coupled with press-ups and stomach crunches will make a difference to muscle tone without going bananas on the days you aren't rowing. You could also consider getting a punchbag and some mits which will give you a good workout too.
Mark
bouffy said:
[url]<a href="http://www.concept2.co.uk">www.concept2.co.uk</a>[/url]
Try doing 30 mins on one of these babies, compared to 30mins jogging...
They ain't cheap, but they will sort you out big time. They work chest, shoulders, arms, back, lower back, legs, so give you an all over workout that is hard to achieve with ANY other single piece of kit. Every single stroke is like doing a sit-up too. Very good for losing the pies.
It IS important to have the correct technique.
it's developed very little since I first started usign them at school in about '92.
I've got a Concept2, a kettler cycle ergometer, a kettler elliptical trainer and weights machine and I'm a medic so I think I'm reasonably qualified to advise
Yes they were expensive but I live a long way from a gym I've got 2 small kids and injuries that stop me running (which I agree is the best and cheapest way of keeping in shape). This means that I can use the equipment at any time when I have an opportunity or a window of motivation. I'm a miserable B'stard and am happy to train alone. If the sun's shining I'd rather be out on my bike
The concept2 is a fantasic all round conditioner but it is a medieval instrument of torture and 30 minutes feels like an hour on the other machines. They have improved the concept2 considerably over the years. It's now practically silent and the latest interfae allows you to race your previous sessions (pace boat) stored int he memory card. Even with all these lovely toys you will need iron will power to use one regularly. You will also need to warm up and cool down properly. The website is a great resource for training advice and programs
All of my aerobic machines give reasonably accurate physiological data via remote heart rate monitor which is a bit like having a rolling road for your body. This is a great motivator especially when you're starting out.
Try finding something you really like and carry on. For me that's cycling the other pieces of kit are for variety and vanity (end up with a body like chicken if all you do is cycle)
Have fun
T
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff