Quality of Cardio Equipment Question

velix

I usually work out at the gym, but circumstances at the moment have me working from home and keeping very wonky hours.
I tried to go to the gym, but it takes too much time from my work schedule right now, and want to work out from home. I have the weights, medicine ball, fancy-pant mat, etc. but nothing for cardio.

I was doing cardio on the basement steps but want to get a temporary machine (bike or elliptical) but really don't want to put too much $$ into it since I will be back at the gym in a month or so.

SO - the question is - cardio is cardio right? If I just want to get my heart rate up for prolonged periods of time, a $150 machine should do the trick just as well as a $2500 machine? I mean, the great outdoors is free (but I don't actually want to leave the house).

Opinions?

velix

rjmwx81

Yeah pretty much. Most of the cost of the expensive machines are for the onboard computers and such.

bringit30

I bought a used eliptical from one of my friends on facebook. It was a nordic trak and was cheap because they just wanted it out of their house. I think it was originally $900 or so. Try that first because sometimes used name brand stuff is just like new and may last you longer than a cheaper version of the same thing...

Shelby814

Jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, boxing punches....all free & can be done anywhere. Also, spending $20 on a good cardio DVD you can do at home might work too. Good luck!

velix

Jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, boxing punches....all free & can be done anywhere. Also, spending $20 on a good cardio DVD you can do at home might work too. Good luck!

thank you I already do a weight training circuit but cannot jump in my house (1914 old hardwood floors - they move when you walk even!)

raevynn

craigslist, 2good2toss, etc.

Quality does matter, if you are looking for a machine to last. And, not all the $$ is for the computers. We just got a higher priced treadmill, and the difference is amazing for my joints.

If you are really only going to use it a short time, get something someone is getting rid of... even post on one of the above sites that you want one.... you could end up with a decent machine for not a lot of money (if any). If you have any sort of impact issues, and want something for the long haul, plan for getting something better.

velix

craigslist, 2good2toss, etc.

Quality does matter, if you are looking for a machine to last. And, not all the $$ is for the computers. We just got a higher priced treadmill, and the difference is amazing for my joints.

If you are really only going to use it a short time, get something someone is getting rid of... even post on one of the above sites that you want one.... you could end up with a decent machine for not a lot of money (if any). If you have any sort of impact issues, and want something for the long haul, plan for getting something better.

thank you - i only need it for a few weeks. my mother in law gave me her old '80's bike but the cable was snapped when we got it here. Will actually post a "looking for" add I think.

icemaiden17_uk

Also cardio wise you can do aerobics dvds if you have the space! I do the Y plan fat breaker sometimes and it is really really good and only 35mins for the top level!