best home exercise machine for cardio and toning

[Anonymous]

I get too confused searching.

We have a treadmill, but it's dying, as well as a universal weight machine. But I'd like something that's all in one. My husband laughs at the Chuck Norris machine, but I'm a little intrigued by it.

any recs?

[Anonymous]

Rower

[Anonymous]

Get a kettlebell and one of Pavel Tsatsouline's books to teach you how to use it.

You have no idea how profound an impact kb work can have on your body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a kettlebell and one of Pavel Tsatsouline's books to teach you how to use it.

You have no idea how profound an impact kb work can have on your body.

Kettlebell, TRX, bodyweight exercises. All great tools.

[Anonymous]

Kettlebells and a TRX.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a kettlebell and one of Pavel Tsatsouline's books to teach you how to use it.

You have no idea how profound an impact kb work can have on your body.

I have kettlebells but I guess I never really got into them. I'll have to try them out again.

The TRX was new to me, too. seems so simple to use! Thanks

[Anonymous]

I second the rower.

[Anonymous]

IMO an elliptical for cardio and hand weights for the toning. You can find great YouTube videos for weights, or DVDs like Body Beast or online subscriptions like the Betty Rocker for TRX and free weight workouts.

[Anonymous]

Any recs for rowers?

[Anonymous]

For rower, it's the Concept2 Model D and then everything else is a distant second. Should be just under $1000.

I LOVE rowing. Started 6 months ago. Did an hour this AM while watching Wimbledon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For rower, it's the Concept2 Model D and then everything else is a distant second. Should be just under $1000.

I LOVE rowing. Started 6 months ago. Did an hour this AM while watching Wimbledon.

Is it good for shaping up flabby arms?

[Anonymous]

Definitely works your arm muscles so I would assume so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For rower, it's the Concept2 Model D and then everything else is a distant second. Should be just under $1000.

I LOVE rowing. Started 6 months ago. Did an hour this AM while watching Wimbledon.

Yes, but please get instruction in how to use it and the kinds of strength training you'll need to supplement (unless you want an intracostal tear and back problems).

-Ex-collegiate rower

[Anonymous]

Also a rower fan. Bought one a year ago as needed low impact home exercise equipment but high cardio and it has been wonderful. We have the WaterRower which was highly rated for people with arthritis since the seating angle is different than the Concept 2. Honestly I thought it was all hype and wasn't prepared to pay the $1k+ price tag. Bit the bullet and a year later I'm in so much better shape, no issues with arthritis - cardio and strength training all in one. I would advise starting out slowly and building up endurance - also evaluate your strokes to make sure you are using it properly - DH and I used a video to watch technique then video'd each other to make sure our form was right - once you get that down its been a great way to stay in shape. Plus I love the fact no electrical power is needed, the sound of the water thru the tank is very peaceful and its a pretty quiet machine to use early in the morning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For rower, it's the Concept2 Model D and then everything else is a distant second. Should be just under $1000.

I LOVE rowing. Started 6 months ago. Did an hour this AM while watching Wimbledon.

Yes, but please get instruction in how to use it and the kinds of strength training you'll need to supplement (unless you want an intracostal tear and back problems).

-Ex-collegiate rower

This is great advice. Any single movement (elliptical, bike, running) will eventually make you hurt if you don't balance it out with other things.