Best but easiest work out machine?

Are you talking about cardio machine or a strength machine? I'd recommend visiting a gym on a free trial and using some of the equipment there - you'll find out first hand what you do and don't enjoy. As for weight loss, make sure you're eating less calories than you are burning. You don't need any machine to lose weight. Cardio machines/workout are good for cardiovascular or heart health. Strength machines are good for building muscle/strength.

Good luck!

JenHuedy wrote: »

What they said ^^^^.

And in addition to their suggestions, a pair of running shoes is pretty darn compact and suitable for any experience level.

I was about to suggest some running shoes as well when I saw this post.

For weight loss alone, eat less. For fitness & strength...

Cardio: I personally can't stand hampster wheels and absolutely will not do cardio on machines except for a 5 minute elliptical warm-up before weightlifting (and I absolutely despise those 5 boring-AF minutes each and every time). So my preference would be for running shoes, trail running/XC shoes, running snowshoes, road bike, roller blades long before an exercise machine.

Strength: Personally, if I didn't prefer to workout outside the house, then a barbell, plate set, collar, adjustable bench, and rack would be nice purchase (no waiting for a rack/bench/barbell/hunting for collars would be awesome, and at <$600 to get a barbell, plate set, collars, adjustable bench, rack - somewhat tempting compared to the gym membership)..but I would have trouble coaxing myself off to dancing afterward.

I would suggest trying the gym first and seeing what you like doing in terms of machines. Also- if you are not finding the time for the outside gym, there is a pretty good chance that anything you buy (especially if you haven't confirmed that you don't hate doing it) would just turn into an expensive clothes rack.

I like the Gazelle Edge glider. It's primarily for cardio, but it also helps to strengthen muscles. While that's not its primary purpose, it's certainly an extra benefit. I also take long walks (leisurely pace, for the most part) and use resistance tubes for further strength work.

If you're looking for something compact to fit into a small space in your home, I'd suggest a stationary bike. Mine is quite old and plain, but perfectly serviceable for raising my heart rate for 30 minutes, and easy on the knees. Its about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Used listings and garage sales are your friend.

weeman123 wrote: »

JeepHair77 wrote: »

I totally get it. For YEARS I was a single mom, running on a treadmill every night after the kiddo went to bed. It was really the only way I could do it. I did most of my first half marathon training on a treadmill.

So there's that - a treadmill. Useful for all levels of fitness. But they can be expensive and take up a lot of space, so really, I don't recommend it.

Honestly, I'd recommend trying some workout videos and see if you can find one you like. Inexpensive and no bulk.

It is hard isn't it..I wish I had the time to go to the gym and a cleaning/clothes washing fairy sorted out my house while I was away! I had a treadmill a couple of years ago but ended up getting sore knees and as arthritis runs in my family I thought I best find something more suitable. Sonye mentioned about the suspension trainer, have u tried this? I had never heard of one but sounds good.

Suspension trainers are great, you can use them for so many different workouts, strength , some cardio and stretches etc , its so versatile and takes up no room. Google TRX, its really popular, most gyms have them these days, and a lot of people on MPF use them. its not a gimmick , its a legit thing. And there are tons of videos you can get with workouts, or design your own. If you are looking for for a cardio machine, check out your local thrift stores they almost always have used stationary bikes or treadmills for really cheap.

I'd say an elliptical or a spin bike. Low impact if you have bad knees and great for maximizing calorie burn.

the op might need to know if the trx needs any kind of special stuff like drilling holes into walls. not that i've ever seen one in the wild afaik, but most of the pictures i've come across seem like the do.

just mentioning in case it's a factor.

Kettlebells - very time efficient, take up little space, cardio and strength in one. Hell of a lot cheaper than a machine, fun as you can mix up the workouts.