Home elliptical machine

Snake_p20 · 02-12-2008, 09:36 PM

I've decided to use my tax refund this year to buy some cardio equipment for my house, to have better access to training. What I am curious is about how much it will cost to buy an elliptical machine that doesn't suck to use for personal use. I've seen Walmart has a $400 Gold's Gym one but I am not sure if it is worth the money or if it will be worth it to buy a $1000 + one from a specialty sports store. sorry if this is in the wrong thread but it is for my conditioning.

perpetual_newb · 02-12-2008, 10:30 PM

my opinion:

it doesn't matter how much or little you spend, an elliptical trainer will suck by virtue of the fact that it's an elliptical trainer. I've been stuck on one for the last 5 weeks with a bum knee and it's driving me bananas.

get an erg instead.

**Standard** · 02-12-2008, 11:23 PM

A pair of running shoes is a far better investment in my books.

If you're going to buy a machine first thing is make sure it fits your body, some machines have a wide base and it does bother peoples hips if they run for an extended period of time.

As with any equipment what it costs really doesn't matter too much, what matters is the time you put in. In most cases getting a "gym quality" machine is just too much money as the normal user just doesn't need that well built of a machine, they use it once a day and not all day like at a gym. If this is your first machine for home i would say go cheap, alot of people lose interest working out at home, or just don't use it enough to jusify the purchase.

Snake_p20 · 02-13-2008, 10:43 AM

Ok thanks for the help. I am by no means buying one for sole cardio work. I also do sprint work, LSD runs, HIIT, burpees and several other workouts along with sparring. I like to mix up my work outs as much as possible. I have been going to the ymca 3x a week for over a year now to use their equipment and just thought that it would be so much easier to just set up some equipment in my own house to use.

JPC · 02-13-2008, 10:45 AM

I work for a fitness equipment dealer, and I can tell you with all certainty, that you can't get a well made elliptical for under a grand. And the highest quality home models run over 4 grand. And they all feel different. Different motion and stride, some nice a fluid and others very awkward and unnatural. Don't ever buy one without trying it out. If you buy any cardio equipment from Walmart, Sears, etc, plan for it to be broken in a year if you use it regularly.

I'm with Standard, I work in the field and can buy them at cost for myself, yet I don't own any cardio machines. Running shoes, a jump rope, medicine ball, barbell and dumbells, and some creativity and you can get in the best cardio shape possible.

Snake_p20 · 02-13-2008, 04:58 PM

I actually went to an MC Sports store about an hour away from where I live today to get a treadmill and found an elliptical machine that may work out. It was a $1700 machine they had clearenced for $500 so hopefully it won't be too bad.

erskine777 · 02-13-2008, 07:03 PM

i'm just curious, but why are you so determined to get an elliptical? you mentioned that you're doing all these other high-intensity conditioning routines, so why not just continue with those? To me, a 1700 dollar machine marked down to 500 dollars isn't exactly a good bargain when you can get a better workout by swimming, sprinting, or doing bodyweight training.

Snake_p20 · 02-13-2008, 07:24 PM

It wasn't really a determination to buy one as much as a desire. I also bought a treadmill and I am going to buy a exercise bike to go with it. I have been working on these same machines, along with a stair stepper, at the local YMCA 3x a week for over a year now. I also spar at night and work in HIIT and other routines too. I am trying to give myself the option to be able to get in a workout whenever I can. I work second shift and have a family so trying to balance time with the family and finding workout partners is sometimes not easy. Also, trying to get some outdoor running time in during the winter is not easy, as weather is usually not permitting. I am not really driven to have to have one but I know I will use the equipment that I buy and it is convenient to have, also the wife wants to be able to go to the gym but as a stay at home mom is hard pressed to have time so this way she can use the equipment when my son is taking a nap.

erskine777 · 02-14-2008, 12:24 AM

ahh got it. you might also want to look into ross enamait because he endorses workouts that are quick and extremely effective. good luck with your purchase