Buy a Treadmill or a year long gym membership?
Mawra
Posts: 37 Member
Hello there! I'm so confused between buying a treadmill/elliptical or signing up for a year-long gym membership. To be honest, I'm not that motivated to go to the gym everyday, but then again I loved the charged up atmosphere at the gym. I'm thoroughly confused as buying a treadmill or an elliptical would cost me almost a month's pay (around$600).
Also, which would be better at burning calories: Treadmill or elliptical, I personally find elliptical to be a bit more challenging, but I have seen better results on the treadmill in the past (I'd know, since I'm losing weight for the second time and had almost managed to lose and gain back close to 80 pounds
)
Also, which would be better at burning calories: Treadmill or elliptical, I personally find elliptical to be a bit more challenging, but I have seen better results on the treadmill in the past (I'd know, since I'm losing weight for the second time and had almost managed to lose and gain back close to 80 pounds
) 0
Replies
-
Neither, get a good pair of Running shoes, and go jogging/running. Save your money to spend on decent food and drink water.Hello there! I'm so confused between buying a treadmill/elliptical or signing up for a year-long gym membership. To be honest, I'm not that motivated to go to the gym everyday, but then again I loved the charged up atmosphere at the gym. I'm thoroughly confused as buying a treadmill or an elliptical would cost me almost a month's pay (around$600).
Also, which would be better at burning calories: Treadmill or elliptical, I personally find elliptical to be a bit more challenging, but I have seen better results on the treadmill in the past (I'd know, since I'm losing weight for the second time and had almost managed to lose and gain back close to 80 pounds)0 -
If I was you I would buy a treadmill you can use it at any time in the day and don't have to get to the gym and it will last longer, I wish I had a treadmill rather than my gym membership!
Treadmills burn calories faster for me0 -
I had this debate with myself about a year ago. Membership or a bow flex.
I decided to go with the bow flex because if i decided I was not going to use it, i could sell it and get most of my money back. A gym membership would not allow for that.
Bowflex is also good rain/shine/snow and tornados. Gym...well...yeah.0 -
Its a question of what do you enjoy most and hence what will make you exercise regularly. What about a good DVD programme ( Chalean Extreme, Insanity, Tiebifire, jillian Michael's Body Revolution). Do you just want Cardio or want toning too.0
-
Neither, get a good pair of Running shoes, and go jogging/running. Save your money to spend on decent food and drink water.Hello there! I'm so confused between buying a treadmill/elliptical or signing up for a year-long gym membership. To be honest, I'm not that motivated to go to the gym everyday, but then again I loved the charged up atmosphere at the gym. I'm thoroughly confused as buying a treadmill or an elliptical would cost me almost a month's pay (around$600).
Also, which would be better at burning calories: Treadmill or elliptical, I personally find elliptical to be a bit more challenging, but I have seen better results on the treadmill in the past (I'd know, since I'm losing weight for the second time and had almost managed to lose and gain back close to 80 pounds)
I wish I could, but we get 10 months of scorching heat in India, that would char your skin and bone rather than giving you a nice tan (don't believe the authors who mulled over Indian summers, it's nowhere as pleasant as the books state), So going for a run/jog isn't much of an option for me.0 -
Its a question of what do you enjoy most and hence what will make you exercise regularly. What about a good DVD programme ( Chalean Extreme, Insanity, Tiebifire, jillian Michael's Body Revolution). Do you just want Cardio or want toning too.
I was looking to shed a bit of weight first. Since i gained around 80 pounds in a year, maybe if i could shed the 1st 20 by concentrating hard on cardio and healthy eating, i could move on to toning along with moderate cardio. I have the 30 day shred, but never really went past the 1st level.0 -
Personally I would go for the gym, you can get a more varied work out then. If you mix up your work outs then you will be more likely to go too as you won't be bored.0
-
Do any gyms around you offer a trial period? I know most of them around me here will give you a week pass so you can check it out. See if you like it (if the charged up feeling helps you get there) or if you don't find you use it enough. If you don't-then think about the treadmill or elliptical -plus if you get to do that you can see which machine you prefer better.
It's up to you-I do both. Everyone is different. I have a treadmill at home as well as a gym membership(I love it in the winter or if it's raining!) but I prefer to be outside whenever possible so I also own a couple pairs of running shoes0 -
I would say a gym membership. You are (as someone already said) getting a more varied workout with access to more equipment, resistance machines and with most gyms, memberships allow you to join some classes and swimming. I think a gym would be better to mix around what you feel like doing and avoid possible upcoming boredom from doing the same thing every day, you can find what's fun for you and adjust to working out to what you want instead of it being the same thing.
My gym membership also allows you to play tennis, badminton, squash etc. So you really do have a wider selection.0 -
I had this debate with myself about a year ago. Membership or a bow flex.
I decided to go with the bow flex because if i decided I was not going to use it, i could sell it and get most of my money back. A gym membership would not allow for that.
Bowflex is also good rain/shine/snow and tornados. Gym...well...yeah.
and you can find one on Craigslist!! I vote for the bowflex or eliptical, easier on the knees. My ex husband has a 40 year old coworker who loves to run and is on his 3rd knee replacement. He has since switched to an eliptical. I know when my treadmill dies i will be getting an eliptical0 -
What is the heat like at 5am in the morning? I've a friend from the Punjab who tells me it can get a lot cooler in the morning round about 29 to 30oC, why not run then?
Neither, get a good pair of Running shoes, and go jogging/running. Save your money to spend on decent food and drink water.Hello there! I'm so confused between buying a treadmill/elliptical or signing up for a year-long gym membership. To be honest, I'm not that motivated to go to the gym everyday, but then again I loved the charged up atmosphere at the gym. I'm thoroughly confused as buying a treadmill or an elliptical would cost me almost a month's pay (around$600).
Also, which would be better at burning calories: Treadmill or elliptical, I personally find elliptical to be a bit more challenging, but I have seen better results on the treadmill in the past (I'd know, since I'm losing weight for the second time and had almost managed to lose and gain back close to 80 pounds)
I wish I could, but we get 10 months of scorching heat in India, that would char your skin and bone rather than giving you a nice tan (don't believe the authors who mulled over Indian summers, it's nowhere as pleasant as the books state), So going for a run/jog isn't much of an option for me.0 -
Gym.
You want to lift weights from the beginning along with doing cardio.. not just do cardio to start and then start lifting.0 -
3yrs ago I purchased an elliptical. I used it consistently for about 5mths, then went off the idea.
After about 1 year of using it as a clothing rack, we sold it.
Over a year ago I joined a gym, And I've been at least 3 times a week for over a year now, I'm much more motivated to go, I enjoy access to classes, to weights, to the treadmills, ellipticals and personal trainers.0 -
GYM! Yes, having a treadmill at home is nice and convenient, but let's face it, how often would you actually get on it?? I have a treadmill of my own just sitting in my basement, untouched for months! When you get a gym membership, there's a bunch of people around you which naturally makes you push yourself harder. Plus, if you find the right gym, like Aspen Fitness, the memberships are cheap and include free group fitness classes like zumba and yoga and such which will give you something new to do to break up the monotony.0
-
Its a question of what do you enjoy most and hence what will make you exercise regularly. What about a good DVD programme ( Chalean Extreme, Insanity, Tiebifire, jillian Michael's Body Revolution). Do you just want Cardio or want toning too.
I was looking to shed a bit of weight first. Since i gained around 80 pounds in a year, maybe if i could shed the 1st 20 by concentrating hard on cardio and healthy eating, i could move on to toning along with moderate cardio. I have the 30 day shred, but never really went past the 1st level.
These programs are great for losing weight because if you build and maintain muscle, you'll burn more calories at rest; causing you to lose weight quicker. You'll also maintain a nice lean physique instead of just a skinnier version of you (with the same body fat).0 -
I would buy the treadmill, and if you find you don't like it, you could sell it and then still join a gym with the money.0
-
Buy a gym membership! What I have notice from anyone I know to purchase a piece of workout equipment including myself it turns into a coat rack or taking up space collecting dust. Going to the gym gives you more choices and motivation seeing others working out encourages you. Having the choice to be at home with your bed and tv isn't a great combo for working out! lol. Whatever you decide keep working out because it makes you feel better!0
-
Im not sure how much a gym membership and treadmill hire costs over there, but in Australia both is reasonably priced, personally i would trial both choices that way you can see what works for you.
Get a 3 month gym membership and see how you go or hire a treadmill for a couple of months, thats my advice!0 -
I was going to suggest neither, get some running shoes and get outside, but then you mentioned the heat and I HATE running in the heat so I totally understand that! Someone suggested getting up at 5am when the heat is *only* 29-30 degrees?! Yikes that may be cool in India but that's hot here in the UK and I sure as heck don't want ot be getting up at 5am if I don't have to!!
All things considered, I'd go with the gym membership. At a nice, air conditioned gym where you can get a varied workout. Ask a trainer to draw up a program for you and review it every few weeks to make sure that you continue to push yourself as you get fitter and don't get bored of the same old routine.0 -
Before I joined a gym, I had bought a treadmill.
I used it a lot, but eventually I decided I wanted more out of my workout - not just walking/running... so I sold it and joined the gym.
I've been a gym member and goer for over a year now and I don't regret the money I've spent on it. I love going to the gym, it's my own personal ME time.0 -
Definitely a gym membership then you can have the best of both worlds! They will have the cardio equipment and the weights. Plus you will make friends who will hold you accountable for being there consistently and encourage you along the way! Definitely the gym.0
-
The best workout is the one you'll do! If you aren't big on going to the gym then get the treadmill, just make sure to add some strength training in there too, google the 100 pushup, 200 squats programs (they have squats, pullups, pushups dips & Situps) to help build lean muscle while you're losing fat, it'll help you drop sizes quicker
And as a few others have said check for used ones, not sure what sites are popular in India but I'd check Craigslist and eBay along with local estate and yard sales.0 -
treadmill or elliptical. Best money I ever spent!0
-
What is the heat like at 5am in the morning? I've a friend from the Punjab who tells me it can get a lot cooler in the morning round about 29 to 30oC, why not run then?
Neither, get a good pair of Running shoes, and go jogging/running. Save your money to spend on decent food and drink water.Hello there! I'm so confused between buying a treadmill/elliptical or signing up for a year-long gym membership. To be honest, I'm not that motivated to go to the gym everyday, but then again I loved the charged up atmosphere at the gym. I'm thoroughly confused as buying a treadmill or an elliptical would cost me almost a month's pay (around$600).
Also, which would be better at burning calories: Treadmill or elliptical, I personally find elliptical to be a bit more challenging, but I have seen better results on the treadmill in the past (I'd know, since I'm losing weight for the second time and had almost managed to lose and gain back close to 80 pounds)
I wish I could, but we get 10 months of scorching heat in India, that would char your skin and bone rather than giving you a nice tan (don't believe the authors who mulled over Indian summers, it's nowhere as pleasant as the books state), So going for a run/jog isn't much of an option for me.
She wanted an opinion on a treadmill or gym membership. If running was convenient and a choice that she wanted to make, she would have made it.0 -
I actually just cancelled my membership today. I have my membership until August 31st and can still go unil then, but I have a treadmill, a bike, DVDs and some dumb bells at home, there is really no reason for me to continue to pay $50 a month for it.
It's all about preference. The reason i have decided to cancel my gyym membership is that it is getting too crowded at ALL hours of the day, and even if I go at 7-8pm I still have to wait on certain machines. I'm not gonna pay $50/month for that.0 -
How close would the gym be, could you walk there? It really depends on how you think you're going to feel after a long day at work - would you be willing to travel to the gym then?
The gym's great for atmosphere, but you don't need that if you find something to keep you going at home. Personally, I have a cross trainer and I just play some music and keep focused on some Jamiroquai for an hour. I couldn't care less that I'm alone in a room singing out of key scaring the neighbours by going "Doo doo doo-dooooo".0 -
Honestly, neither..... I have lost 28.6 pounds in three months with nothing but my body, and a dvd (power90). All you need is to move. You could go running, do jumping jacks and lift 5-8 pounds weights and work your way up to higher weights. They are MUCH CHEAPER....
You do not need expensive machines or a gym membership, you just need to push yourself.0 -
If you go to a gym and then just use the cardio machines then, buy a treadmill.
If you want to work at home, get the heart rate up, use circuit training with just your body. No gym membership, no equipment outlay.
You may want to buy good quality resistance bands to add to exercising at home and a heart rate monitor to ensure that you are working both you muscoskeletal system and heart lungs at the same time, rather than seperating the two. 45 minutes a day of intense exercise - NOT HIGH INTENSITY INTERVALS - just heart rate up, squats, lunges, adapted press ups, and with cables the wide variety of rows for your back and biceps.
Life is too short to spend 45 minutes doing cardio and then doing 30 minutes of weights. Combine the two, save time, burn fat, save money and if you get into the buzz of exercise, join groups, encourage friends and then maybe join a gym.
Lots of videos on youtube - full body body weight workouts, full body cable workouts - ENJOY.
"All the P90x, intensitty, blah blah $129.99 DVD's - similar workouts all available for free on You Tube. Better to spend money on a personal trainer for a few months than spend money on DVD's." EDIT0 -
Mawra in my experience it's hard to motivate yourself to exercise at home, much much harder than actually dragging my body to the gym. I used to own a static bike, but sold it, since I couldn't motivate myself enough to exercise regularly. I got gym membership instead and now I pretty much go ever one or two days. The atmosphere is good and believe me you'd feel stupid just sitting at the gym doing nothing, so you actually feel like you have to exercise which is awesome! 0
-
You know yourself and if you are normally bad at committing to things I would not tie yourself into year membership of a gym. It is all very well thinking that you will use it because you are paying for it but actually it never works that way. If you have family/friends that could join with you and motivate you to go that may work better, or can you pay a little more for packages that allow you to give a months notice or no notice/run for just 3 months etc. (that way you can convert to normal membership once you know you keep it up.
If you are buying for at home firstly can you get it second hand? that way it costs less and if you give up on that at least you can sell it and not lose too much (apart from when buying new) If you find that you stick to it well then maybe you look at gym membership 3 months down the line to get use of other machines and/or a pool etc.
Alternatively is there other exercise for you to consider, a local pool, kettle bells, (cheap) stretch bands etc as a starting point.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 423 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions