Anonymous wrote:present_tense I'm with you on the benefits and importance of lifting. I believe in it strongly and spend most of my week in the gym doing just that. Unfortunately, you lose all credibility with your claim that cardio will only make you sweat. Being fit and looking good isn't an either/or proposition. There are many benefits to both and people are much better served incorporating both. OP I wouldn't spend money on a machine until you are committed to working out. you listed one reason after another why you couldn't get to the gym even once a week. If I were you I would get an exercise video (try T25 - short and high intensity) and once you're doing it regularly (3-5 times a week for a few months), then evaluate what type of machine will serve you well.

I didn't say cardio only makes you sweat, I said elliptical machines only make you sweat. I doubt you'll find many fitness professionals who would recommend an elliptical machine as an efficient use of a mother's precious time.

I think there are two issues we're all trying to disentangle here:

1.) With limited time, what should be the focus? The preponderance of the recent research says strength training.

2.) What do we mean by strength training? I would argue that building a base of strength and conditioning with a periodized program and then moving onto supersets would get almost anyone more bang for the buck than almost any cardio machine.

Longterm health and fitness is about building a foundation of basic movements, especially the squat. Before doing any of the T25 or P90X or any of that stuff out there, I would learn how to squat, press, and pull. When someone can do those basic movements, then you can do supersets and possibly other more dynamic movements once a foundation of strength and flexibility is developed. As a trainer I've seen far, far too many people--and especially women--place their focus squarely on cardio when in fact they would reap more longterm benefits from strength training of increasing intensity.

I just want to be clear that I'm not saying cardio itself is bad. I'm saying in a busy world with responsibilities and children and jobs, the most fit people figure out how to prioritize. That was my point. I stand by my assertion that for most people an elliptical machine is too high an opportunity cost of time to pay.

Highly recommend the TRX. You can do so much with it in such a short amount of time each day. It is inexpensive and you will see results quickly.

Former rower here: it's a kick-ass workout, and will give you both cardio fitness and build muscle mass. The caveat is that you need to learn how to do it properly, otherwise you'll (a) injure yourself and (b) not get a particularly effective workout. Ask around to friends, etc., to find a former rower who can show you how to use it.

The brand you want is Concept 2. Not sure what model they're up to, but it's well worth the investment.

OP here. Thanks for the input. When I go to the gym, I actually do free weights, so that is a given. But I find cardio to be more of a mood lifter and energizer.

Garage is okay because I am in SoCal, so it's rarely below 50 during waking hours. And pretty dry so I'm not too worried about rust. I'd just walk for cardio but it takes Too. Damn. Long.

there was a recent post on rowing machines, did you search the archives?

present_tense I'm with you on the benefits and importance of lifting. I believe in it strongly and spend most of my week in the gym doing just that. Unfortunately, you lose all credibility with your claim that cardio will only make you sweat. Being fit and looking good isn't an either/or proposition. There are many benefits to both and people are much better served incorporating both. OP I wouldn't spend money on a machine until you are committed to working out. you listed one reason after another why you couldn't get to the gym even once a week. If I were you I would get an exercise video (try T25 - short and high intensity) and once you're doing it regularly (3-5 times a week for a few months), then evaluate what type of machine will serve you well.

I think she should try to fit in both cardio and weight training. (I do both.) Either alternate days for 30 minutes, or try to squeeze in 15-20 minutes of one in the morning and another 15-20 minutes of the other in the evening. Don't lift with the same body part two days in a row. Also consider some yoga moves (manipulating your own body weight), especially planks. I think weight training is very important, but cardio is also really helpful for losing and maintaining weight.

An eliptical will keep you in the game with 15-20 per day while you have no time for weight training. It's ideal to do both, but until that day comes an eliptical takes no planing and 15 minutes later you've finished for the day.

present_tense wrote:Your time constraints are fairly common and I empathize with your plight. Honestly, I'd say you ought to save the $1500, learn how to use DH's weights if you don't know already, and focus on strength training. It's a far more efficient way of achieving your fitness goals (I'm making some assumptions here, but most people want to reduce body fat, get stronger, and feel better) than trudging along on a cardio machine. Focus on basic multi-joint movements like squats, lunges, presses, and rows. For a busy mom like you, efficiency is your friend. Cardio machines are anti-efficiency. Perhaps most importantly, getting stronger almost certainly will help with your joint issues unless you have a serious or chronic injury.

+1

Strength training is the way to go, hands down. Cardio is a waste.

See if you can find a used arc trainer with moving arms. It's my favorite cardio machine at Golds.

Will you be warm enough, though? I'd be inclined to put it in the basement vs. the garage.

Sole brand elliptical from Sears with extended warranty. It got me started with my fitness journey.

exercise bike/Lifecycle?

Stair climber provides an excellent workout.

I have two kids under three, work full time, and can't get to the gym even once a week. It's about a ten minute drive but with parking and everything, it just takes too long. I can't go at work because there are no gyms within 15 minutes, and I do daycare dropoff and pickup. I'm thinking of getting an exercise machine for the garage. DH already has weights out there. Treadmill is out due to joint issues. I enjoy the elliptical butsm not convinced its a great workout. It also seems prone to breaking down. Other choice is a rowing machine, which DH is more likely to use. Pros and cons? Brand recommendations? I'd like to stay under $1500.