We've had a basic Nordictrack ski-type machine for 20+yrs. Have gone a month or two without using, but most years it's been used almost every day.

Rower concept II

I row 5000 meters at a vigorous rate 6 days a week. I had to work up to this though.

I also walk 10,000 steps each day, but always did.

I've been told I look like I've lost more weight than 12 pounds, but I think it's because I'm more fit as a result of the rowing.

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for the rower. Six months in I've dropped 12 pounds and two dress sizes and I'm still losing. It's a total body workout and burns a ton of calories.

That's great! What's your weekly routine and do you combine with some other form of exercise?

Another vote for the rower. Six months in I've dropped 12 pounds and two dress sizes and I'm still losing. It's a total body workout and burns a ton of calories.

Rower. Best all body work out I've gotten from a machine. I have a treadmill and a rower and prefer the rower - its actually saving me time on other workouts since I don't need to add in a upper body weight work out anymore. We got a water rower that stores upright and is nice and quiet for early morning work outs when kids and hubby are sleeping. Its worth every penny. I haven't felt this in shape in years.

an exercise bike

Anyone have a TreadClimber?

Rower. Total body workout. I have been wanting one for almost a decade.

I'd join one of the cheap gyms for a month or two and see what you like. I personally like the elliptical but it's not the best workout. If you can get into stair climber or rowing its much better. A lot of the gyms right now have no sign up fee and $30 mo (I go to LA Fitness and its that, others are cheaper)

I have an ancient treadmill, and I love it.

We have an elliptical and a bike, but now I would trade them both for a good treadmill.

I have a bike set up on a fluid resistance trainer (by CycleOps) in my basement, and I love it. The cool thing about the trainer is that you can just use the bike you already own (or buy a new one that you love). With mine, the bike pops in and out in about 5 seconds, essential because I frequently ride it outside too. I found that moving to clipless pedals and bike shoes made the bike a MUCH better workout than using regular pedals.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/11/2014-winter-trainer-recommendations.html

Probably an elliptical though the reason I go to a gym is there is a certain consolation in seeing others working out. For most people, working out on a regular basis is difficult because it is boring - having others do the same thing offers a measure of companionship even if one does not socialize with them.

Looking for suggestions other than a treadmill.

Background is that I don't want to join a gym because I already pay for a yoga studio. It's the style of yoga I like and I don't want to compromise that with "gym yoga". I've tried for the last 6 months adding running to my yoga workouts and I hate it. My body hurts and I don't find it remotely enjoyable. The only thing I like is that I can feel the cardio benefit. I don't want to lose that, so I'm thinking of buying some sort of cardio equipment for my home. I have a large finished basement with plenty of space.

So what would you get? An elliptical? A bike? A spin bike? (that's different, right?) A rowing machine? Something else I could look in to?