purchasing an exercise machine

I think that it is a great way to save money and have equipment permanently for yourself.

That being said, I know that I've bought an elliptical only to find that I just did not like the quality compared to gyms and I rarely use it. A gym offers equipment that exercises many different parts of your body while one machine (depending on the machine) will only workout the same muscles. Also, when you are at home, it can be easier to put off doing the workout completely because there are so many other things you could be doing. Just remember to research the equipment pretty well. It always makes me nervous when I read reviews about a product that doesn't last 3 months. At a gym, they take care of maintenance. At home, you take care of maintenance which can be good or bad. Even if there is a warranty, there is the mailing of parts and dealing with customer service. Plus, most equipment you get will come with the fun job of putting it together. My elliptical wasn't bad, but it was awkward doing the wiring and always made me worry how easy it would be to mess it up or break it but mine wasn't high quality or anything. I'm just saying this because I know countless people who bought some sort of equipment that became a close hanger because they don't end up using it.

In the end, I've found that I prefer going out and running outside (taking my dog on a walk, he loves it). Or just trying different workout videos. I get bored on my machine, facing a wall, while my pets watch me like I'm crazy(to be fair, they do that whenever I do anything). But I don't regret my purchase, I love having my own machine to use, especially in the winter time.

I have a stationary bike and for cardio, its great!

But I am getting flabby and need the resistance training that a gym offers so I joined one. If you cant, do get some weights and incorporate them into an exercise program to tone your body.

If you buy one make sure you are under the weight limit by a considerable amount. The equipment you buy for home use are not built to take a beating. For instance, a person that weighs 200 pounds would want a treadmill with a 300 pound weight limit. If they were to buy one that was a 250 pound weight limit, its not going to last long if they run on it. Even though they would be 50 pounds under the limit, they just are not built for that type of beating. I bought a treadmill with a 300 pound limit and I weighed 290. I figured I was under so its all good, it was beat up and not working within 3 months. So i bought another one. This time I was down to 255 pounds, so I bought another one with a 300 pound limit. Again it was non working within a few months. So I would get one that has a limit of at least 100 pounds over the weight of the heaviest person that will be using it. Especially if you plan to run on it.

It sounds like it might be the go for you - as long as you commit to use it. You can add in other exercise to balance your fitness.
I use a treadmill at home and I like it a lot. Previously I loved going to the gym but in a similar situation to you I didn't want to be around people and I didn't want to have to travel to get there so working out from home is the best option. I bought mine off ebay risky but worth it as it turns out the machine has a lot more grunt and options than cheaper store bought ones I priced. It has lasted for a few years (and only started giving me trouble this year). At first I had to practically whip myself to get on it and used many excuses not to exercise but now I'm in the groove I'm like a hamster with her wheel - when I'm not injured!
I also have free weights and a weights machine which I use in conjunction with the treadmill.

So I was calculating how much it would cost for a gym membership for my boyfriend and I. $25/biweekly. So that's $25 x 26 weeks = $650 / yr. For two people, that would be $1,300. (That's the cheapest I can find.) And we'd likely be stuck in a one year contract.

So that's pretty expensive ... perhaps it would be better to purchase an actual exercise machine? I figure we can do that for less than $1,300. What are your opinions on this? Logical?

I was thinking an elliptical would be best ... I used to use that when I went to the gym and it was much more "work" than a treadmill. It looks like I can find ones for under $800. (If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!) We can't fit a huge machine in the apartment but we would try and find a smaller one. The other option would be a treadmill. Especially the kind that you could fold up while you aren't using it. (Again, if anyone has any suggestions, let me know!) I was mostly looking at ellipticals and treadmills at Walmart and Canadian Tire (yes - I'm in Canada).

I feel like it would be easier if it were at home. The closest gym we have is a 15 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk. I take the bus but my boyfriend doesn't. It's a Goodlife fitness. I get really anxious at gyms (anxiety issues *sigh*) and I get self conscious and stuff. It seems like it would just be much simpler to have one in our apartment and I wouldn't have to deal with the other people and the showers and changerooms and stuff like that.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on this?

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i paid $200 for 2 year contract at 24 hour fitness

Many moons ago, i joined the Y and liked it. My son attended preschool there and it was convenient to work out while he was in class for 2 years.

When i made the decision to begin a journey towards health again, I opted not to go back to the gym for several reasons. Cost was a consideration. Time was another - it's just more convenient for me to climb on whenever i feel like it - may be early morning or late evening...right before breakfast or right after dinner, etc. No travel time is a plus.

Variety is a consideration, but I also have a pool to use from late spring to early fall. I can take a walk outside as long as it not bitterly cold, blazing hot or pouring cats and dogs. DVD's are cheap and convenient as well if you find you need variety. My kid was willing to share some of his free weights and i also have resistance bands

I do sometimes think about joining again simply for the weight training ( really don't have room for any other machines), but after weighing cost and convenience, I'm happy with home equipment for now.


A decent elliptical will run you at least $1000. I adore my Sole e35 and it was around $1150 on sale in January. Weight limit is a consideration - the cheaper ones usually are rated for no more than 250 lb and many are 200 lb and lower. I started using the Sole at 322 lbs....can't say I used it hard at 322 lbs, but i used it daily. My husband (and son before he left for school) use it daily as well and it is still going strong

You can always look on Craigslist, etc to find a quality machine at a cheaper price.