40th Birthday Present Help me decide my gift

trejon
trejon Posts: 203
edited September 21 in Fitness and Exercise
Treadmill? Tread Climber?

Elliptical?

Bike?

Gym Membership?


Brands Types Cost, Location, Pros, Cons. My knees are going to be 54 - keep that in mind:flowerforyou: .

Replies

  • Panda86
    Panda86 Posts: 873
    I've heard that the elliptical is actually much gentler on the knees that most other equipment....
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    I'm a big fan of the elliptical. It helped me build up the endurance once I picked up running, it's really easy on my knees, and it has a great calorie burn. I can burn about 10 calories a minute when I use it and I'm warmed up and have my heart rate up. I just set my ipod on the stand and watch shows on it
  • KellieMcMurdy
    KellieMcMurdy Posts: 49 Member
    My personal preference (before kids) was a gym membership, that way you weren't "stuck" with one machine and most of the gyms around here have a trainer you can use for a little more. Now that I have the boys, I'm looking at one of the Jillian treadmills for every day and trying to set up babysitters so I can go to a Zumba class twice a week. Not sure if that will help with your decision or not ... good luck :)
  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
    I would do a gym membership, because if you buy a decent piece of equipment, what about in 4 months when you are bored with it?

    24/hr fitness runs us about 30/mo per person
  • balfonso
    balfonso Posts: 370 Member
    I reckon gym membership and if you can, a personal trainer at the gym. Like other people have said, that way you won't get bored with one machine.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    How 'bout run a marathon. I think finishing a marathon would be a pretty phenomenal gift to one's self (and is a lot cheaper than any piece of equipment)
  • Joscelle
    Joscelle Posts: 93
    I vote gym membership as well. L.A. Fitness is about $29 dollars per month and you get lots of equipment, classes, pool, sauna, personal trainers, etc.
  • missouri_rain
    missouri_rain Posts: 560 Member
    I personally love my elliptical, much easier on your joints, and I burn more calories on mine.
  • MissingMinnesota
    MissingMinnesota Posts: 7,486 Member
    I would go with the gym membership then you have access to all the machines and exercise classes.
  • byHISstrength
    byHISstrength Posts: 984 Member
    A gym membership, definitely. You can choose different machines all the time, and if the gym you are considering is anything like mine, you can take 60 minute classes like spinning, step aerobics, body works, kickboxing, pilates, yoga, zumba....
  • dansdeb
    dansdeb Posts: 164
    Variety is the spice of life and also good for your metabolism, so I would go for the gym membership, I love mine. BUT I also have bad knees (one replaced already) and have to be careful. so if you select a gym choose carefully, make sure they have equipment you can use.
  • Amber030583
    Amber030583 Posts: 490 Member
    If you actually have the motivation to actually go to the gym then get the membership. However, if you aren't sure if you would go then get an elliptical. I have a awesome NordicTrack one. It even has shock absorbers so it is gentle on the knees.

    http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00623879000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3


    Not fair it is on sale too! I paid much more then that!
  • tn2010
    tn2010 Posts: 228 Member
    I have an elliptical. We made sure to do a lot of research and get a good one...that would be my advice. If you're only going to spend a couple hundred dollars, go with something else, if you're willing to put in a pretty penny, go with a machine. I like my elliptical because you can use the iFit cards for different workouts. I have a NordicTrak AudioStrider800. It's a couple years old, so there's probably something even better out there. If you do decide to get an elliptical, find one with the longest stride possible so you'll get the most out of your workout. Right now I do Jillian's Shred and try to do my walking outside 'cause it's so nice, but it's really nice when we get a dinner invite spur of the moment, to jump on the machine and burn a couple hundred before going out! I also like rolling out of bed and jumping on the machine when it's cold and icky outside. My biggest advice no matter what route you go is research, research, research!
  • bluiz13
    bluiz13 Posts: 3,550 Member
    your knees are going to be 54 but you are going to be 40????
    was that a typo or am i losing it??? LOL

    if you can make it to the gym, i recommend a membership to keep variety in your workouts...there are weights, classes, many types of cardio machines, trainers, camaraderie with other gym goers...that is my suggestions...
  • MissyMorganFit
    MissyMorganFit Posts: 37
    Ellipticals are so much better than the others you mentioned. However, I have been a trainer for over 10+ years. I can honestly say that I have NO DOUBT you will get BETTER results for much less money by going with a Beachbody program of your liking. My first recommendation for you would be CHALENE EXTREME. It is an awesome program & combines strength & cardio training both. Each day is a completely different workout which elliminates boredom. You will NOT be disappointed. I have had customers decide to use a gym & within 3-6 months come to me for a program because they simply were not getting results. If you go with a gym membership, I highly suggest you use a trainer. Hope this helps!
  • ssmom
    ssmom Posts: 128 Member
    gym membership is good if there is one really close, otherwise sometimes making it can be difficult. I loved going to the gym, mine had a daycare, but with kids and dinner time, nap time, play time and other stuff in between it wasn't alway convenient. I now have an elliptical machine at home and LOVE it! Even when I don't feel like exercising I just suit up and say I'll just do 15 minutes but usually once I'm on there 30 minutes is no problem. Good on the knees as well. I have a Nordic Trac that I bought on line when they were having a sale and it's great.
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