Need recommentions for exercise equipment.

Hello All!

I'm about to go have surgery (hoping for a sleeve, but likely will have an RNY) on June 3.  My husband and I have talked about getting a piece of exercise equipment.   A gym, and walking outside aren't very feasible for me (since I'm an agoraphobe and don't leave my house too often).   So I was wondering if anyone out there has any recommendations for a good STURDY exercise bike or a treadmill.  I'd like a treadmill, husband (who will be going through this next year) wants an exercise bike.  We have limited funds and VERY limited space, but will do what we need to do to make it work.  Any ideas/suggestions for us??

Is there any chance you could try them out.
I know you said you are agoraphobic, but is it something that you can moderate with a reduced number of people or is it just the fear of public places in general?  Maybe the changes you see will have a positive affect and you might enjoy the outdoors, but I'm really just guessing.

Anyhow what I am getting at is if it is just public places with lots of people, perhaps one of the 24 hour health clubs, you could go to during very low volume hours like at night or something just to try the equipment and see what you liked the best.  If you can try the equipment and get a feel for it, it might help you to make a better educated choice on a piece of expensive equipment that you will hopefully continue to use and won't have it end up being an expensive coat rack.  I have seen a lot of those in my garage over the years.

The big issue with the treadmill is that they do have a weight limit, and I broke a couple early on at the gym.  I burned up a couple motors from stressing them out with my weight.  Not sure how much weight you have to lose, but that is something to consider.  Later on it won't be an issue for you, but it may be in the beginning, and that could last a year or more if your husband isn't getting the surgery until next year.

If I am working indoors, I personally perfer the treadmill.  For some reason I am able to push myself harder on the treadmill and I feel like I get a better workout than I do on the stationary bike.  Once the nicer weather comes around I get all of my riding done outdoors.  I can't stand to be on the bike for prolonged period, and only do it during the winter to keep my cycling fitness up.

I would recommend looking at craigslist or a local used sports store.  We have one locally called play it again sports.  They have a lot of treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, weights etc and it's cheaper than buying new.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery and good luck with your equipment choice.  I hope you are able to find one that you enjoy and gives you many years of healthy exercise.

Scott

Definitely buy used. The other thing is, most people buy these things, use them for a short time, and then abandon them. So maybe instead of an expensive piece of exercise equipment, you should get something that's cheap and versatile.

I have a TRX strap, for example. I can do all sorts of exercises with it by hanging it over a door. I also have some hand weights. I'm working on a pull-up bar and on getting some rubber bands for assisted pull-up and other exercises. (I bought some bands, but I bought the wrong ones. Ugh.)

Here's more info about the TRX Strap:

http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/

I say save the money on expensive equipment that ends up collecting dust or being used as a clothes rack and get dvd's for in home-gym workouts.  I do P90x, Insanity, TurboJam and am a Beachbody coach. I'm 7 years out from surgery and have been maintaining ever since.  It works for me!!

http://beachbodycoach.com/coachdanielleh