Houston, I have a problem...

[Mr. Bloom]

I burned out my elliptical machine

So, what to do? Get a real bike and mount it on a trainer? Get a new elliptical to maintain variety in exercise? Get something like a rower to enhance my back and abs?

I can't tolerate "impact" exercises like running...

What would you do?

[LBTC]

Depends how much room you have, and how much money you want to spend.

The only cardio machine in our house - the trainer for the bike, and the stairs

We also have a pretty good universal style gym, a variety of freeweights, several exercise balls, exercise tubing, the cheapest of all possible wobble boards, a skip rope (our ceilings are too low to use it inside, though), free weights from 5 - 30 pounds, and the latest item, an Everlast 75 pound heavy bag that DH had to mount with a pully and hitch system since we don't have the room for it to stay up all the time.

There's so much variety in the things you can do.

Han-grrl says it best though. You have to do the workout you love. What do you like using the best?? If the elliptical is fun for you (it must be, you burned it out already!!), better replace it!

Good luck making your choice! And let us know how it goes,

~T~

[silver]

Mr. I think that you should consider replacing it as soon as possible. Maybe go higher value this time?

Or what about joining the Y?

[crazycanuck]

Hmmm...I agree with madame silver..Join the Y..only because i want to hear all the stories about the folks that go there...


can you do the Y M C A?

c

[Blueberry]

What will you enjoy doing inside?

I hate to ride a bike on a trainer - I'd probably use an elliptical machine more (if I'm riding, I want to be outside). LBTC is right - if you used it enough to burn it out, you might want to get another Ellipticals do a nice job on arms and indirectly help abs some. I think you can get a better ab/shoulder workout in other ways (e.g. weights and a balance ball) than a rowing machine. I'm not a big fan of using those either (I can do other things for longer/higher intensity, so I burn more calories).

So...think about what you want to do for exercise and when you want to do it. If you think you'd go to a gym, join one. If you jump on the machine in the house when you really don't want to face the world (ahem - I do that), then get something for your house.

CA

[Meaux]

I can honestly say I hate the trainer, but it's good work when I'm not able to ride outside. DH and I did pilates last night with the body band for the 1st time. (Probably amusing to watch as we have a tiny living room and he's 6'3") It's great exercise for the core!!

[Mr. Bloom]

I'm glad to hear the feedback on the trainer...I highly suspected that it just wouldn't feel right.

I've pondered the "Y" as an option, but I really hate crowds and my schedule requires that I use it at peak times.

I think I'll look at replacing the elliptical and getting something for weight training.

Any recommended products?

[Bluetree]

Mr Silver - (Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere before but...) If you cannot run, absolutely find some sort of weight training plan to supplement your cardio.

There has been many studies recently about the prevalence of osteo degeneration among cyclists... turns out calcium is lost in sweat as well as sodium. Just google "osteoporosis" and "cycling" and you'll get a ton of hits.

From what I've heard, it's best to supplement your cardio with some kind of impact exercise (weights, etc), and add 200mg of calcium for every hour of cardio exercise.

[doc]

The stairs are a really great option. I work 24 hour shifts, and I sleep in a townhouse kinda thing when I'm working. I can't ride because I need to be close by, immediately available. So I plug in some great tunes and walk up and down the staircase. I definitely don't run the staircase and would NOT qualify it as high impact. But I can easily get my heart rate up to aerobic range, and with only a little more effort I can go anaerobic. Still all low impact.

I do it for an hour. If you aren't used to that length of time let me warn you, your legs will be awesomely sore the next day. I have also heard it is a decent substitute for hills.

[mimitabby]

The stairs are a really great option. I work 24 hour shifts, and I sleep in a townhouse kinda thing when I'm working. I can't ride because I need to be close by, immediately available. So I plug in some great tunes and walk up and down the staircase. I definitely don't run the staircase and would NOT qualify it as high impact. But I can easily get my heart rate up to aerobic range, and with only a little more effort I can go anaerobic. Still all low impact.

I do it for an hour. If you aren't used to that length of time let me warn you, your legs will be awesomely sore the next day. I have also heard it is a decent substitute for hills.

Doc, why would't it qualify as high impact? Or are you saying that it is good weight bearing exercise?

[Toni]

We have a Precor elliptical.......worth every penny. My DGF has used it DAILY for over 2 years now........no problems at all.

[Mr. Bloom]

Thanks Toni...I agree that Precor is a good name and Silver is encouraging me to trade up...

Doc: I like the stairs idea, but I'm afraid that it might irratate my sciatica if I wasn't careful. Has this ever been an issue for you?

[SouthernBelle]

I have to admit I have just sold several pieces of exercise equipment in favor of my trainer. During the summer it can be stuck away and take up no room. Of course right now it and it's mat take up a substantial portion of the living room.

But you obviously use your ellip, so get a decent one. You might take a look on craigslist. People buy these things and sell them unused a year later.

I can't run either.

[doc]

Doc, why would't it qualify as high impact? Or are you saying that it is good weight bearing exercise?

Weight bearing and high impact are not the same. High impact is always weight bearing such as running, for example. Stair climbing is not high impact but is a great weight bearing exercise.

[doc]

Doc: I like the stairs idea, but I'm afraid that it might irratate my sciatica if I wasn't careful. Has this ever been an issue for you?

I don't have sciatica so I can't say. It is hard on certain knee problems, but you know who you are. If climbing a single flight of stairs bothers the knees, don't do it again and again and again!