Elliptical Envy!

Hi All, I need to get my butt in gear with exercise...especially with Winter around the corner. I hate the cold! I went to Sears and tried all the Ellipticals....and I am SO LOST! I have done lots of research as well but I thought asking here might me the best solution. Those who own Ellipticals: 1) What brand and Model? 2) How sturdy is it? 3) Any suggestions if you were to buy a new one today? Thanks ! -Karen

I would suggest the tread climber. Its small, compact and durable. But if your looking at price then a proform would be best. Sears has pretty decent prices.

I personally LOVE the Life Fitness Brand. The movement is MUCH smoother than other brands and the ellispsis is more fluid. I find that it eliminates the shock to my knees that other brands have. I first used these machines at my local Ballys and have been hooked since. Now im upstate at school and I will suffer the line that builds up waiting for the life fitness machine. Seriously, we have like seven ellipticals 3 are Life Fitness and people will wait for a Life Fitness when the other ones are empty. I would say if you are unsure, go to your local gym for a day use their machines and figure out which one is right for you. I just really like the Life Fitness ellipticals. I dont know who sells them though.

Thanks ! I am going to google "Life Fitness Brand" right now...somehow I suspect they are professional-grade and therefore BIG $$$$$ ! I appreciate your feedback. -Karen

Karen: I bought a Proform one at Dicks just in case to have at home, I am a gym rat kinda girl and love thier ET much better but I didnt want to fork out $2-3K tobuy one like that mine was $400, sturdy enough for ven my hubby who is 6'2'' 250-280# (*he has lost wt but used it when heavier) Mine is Proform Stride Select 825 Maybe a membership to curves would be a good idea for the winter? just an idea..I was more motivated to go out than stay in but that is me! PS dont forget exercise videos rent or loan from library as well! Variety helps! I loved my proform treadmill until I burned the motor out I ran on it daily for 2 yrs! I had it for 6 yrs and didnt use it much until after wls! Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

I wish I had some input for you Karen. I am a treadmiller myself. Every darn day. I think you need to decide what features and price range are most important to your routine. Also try consumer reports (consumerreports.com). They can at least heads up you about the lemons out there. Good luck! xo Amy

HI Karen, It's funny that you mention Ellipticals. I had my RNY on 7/31/06 and have only done a little walking and not even everyday. Well, my doctor was angry with me at my 3 month checkup when I told him that I don't exercise regularly. I finally got myself to the gym on last Friday, (of which I get for free at work but have only used once prior in 3 years!) and used for the first time ever the elliptical. I was only able to do about 6 minutes, then I moved onto a treadmill and walked a mile, which I am ashamed to say took me 22 minutes. Anyway, since Saturday, my calves feel like they have bricks hanging on the back of them. I am in REAL discomfort every time I walk. I know that this means I haven't used those muscles in ages and need to do it more often, but I just couldn't get myself to go back yet, it hurts too much. My goal is to attempt it again at least once this weak and hopefully for more than 6 minutes. I don't remember the name brand, but I will get it and send it to you. Actually, while doing it, it truly didn't bother me too much, got alittle sweaty though. Anyway, my point is have you tried any? I see that you are local. If you want maybe you can come to my gym at St. Joseph's College where I work, they allow non-employees and non-students to attend for $5.00 a visit. So, it may be a nice way for you to try out a few machines. And it would be a great excuse to get me back to the gym. Let me know if you are interested. Maryellen

Hey Maryellen, I will make you feel better....ready? I lasted 30 seconds when I tried the machine at Sears !!!! Not even ONE Minute!!! Yikes. I heard the Elliptical gives the best cardio workout so I am set on getting one. We have a gym where I live!! Have I gone? Nooooooooo. I dread the idea of going there, and having to change into gym clothes and then carry my work clothing back on hangers...in the snow! Ok, ok, maybe that's a lame excuse but I prefer to have one in my home. I work down the road from you ( we discussed this months ago LOL). What day will you be going? Thanks for the info! Hugs, -Karen