Hi, I'm looking to buy a treadmill, recumbant bike, and possibly an elliptical machine. What are the best ones? I don't want to end up buying a cheap one that breaks down on me. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, D.
Hi D.,
My husband and I own a personal training studio and have Life Fitness equipment that has worked out really well for us and the clients enjoy doing their cardio on the equipment (we have all three of the machines you are looking for). I also have a Nordic Track Treadmill at home and I love it.
We bought a Sole treadmill 2 years ago & love it! It was recommended by Consumer Reports. Four years ago we bought an used elliptical. It has stood the test of time.
I go to Lifetime Fitness in Canton and they have an open house every month. I would suggest going (it's free) and trying out which equipment and brands to see what you like best. I would love to have an elliptical but the brand I want runs about $3,000 for a basic one. They also have true stair masters which are awesome but they are about $10,000 for one! We have a treadmill that is a nordic track from Sears and it works great but it's in the creepy basement. I like the elliptical much better because it takes the pressure off my knees and I am prone to shin splints on the treadmill. If you go with an elliptical make sure you try it first. There are many different versions that have different stride lengths and motions. Just because it is an elliptical doesn't mean it will function the same as another brand (like a straight forward treadmill).
Hi D.,
The two pieces of equipment that I had - and really miss - are the Gazelle Edge & the Ab Lounge. I know that Tony Little has come out with newer, better models of the Gazelle, and you can check those out here: http://www.tonylittlestore.com/exercise-equipment.html. The Ab Lounge I had was by Fitness Quest, but Tony Little makes one of those too. Both products are available now in retail stores like Target & Walmart. I got rid of mine & got a Body by Jake Gravity Force Trainer, which is pretty great, too, but not in the same vein as what you're looking for. Hope this helps.
L.
The PreCor elliptical is best. You won't get the wobbly feeling that other ellipticals give. They are the brand in most gyms and are quite expensive. My family chose a membership at the YMCA in lieu of spending the money on home equipment.
