exercise equipment

I have been walking outside and need to add weights to my routine, i'm trying to decide if i want to get some equipment for the house or join a gym.  I have been checking out a bowflex and a treadclimber and like the idea of working out at home, but considering a gym since i don't know what i'm doing and worry about staying motivated.

Anyone have any of this equipment, how do you  like it or hate it or any thoughts about the benefits of home vs gym?

My wife and I are members of a local health-club/gym.  You are on your own for motivation whether you join a gym or have something in the house.  Even an expensive high-end/health-club gym for a year is equal to the cost of a cross-fit/bowflex/etc.  

I have some gear at home and for work-outs if your motivated, you can do just about everything you need with a jump-rope, a couple of dumb bells (I have a kettle bell), and some resistance bands (Not even a $100 in total equipment). Even with all this at the house, I still have a gym membership.

I like my gym membership for the facilities and resources -- primarily indoor/outdoor pools that are open year round.   Now that I'm just about 6 weeks post-op (and waiting to get my Dr's clearance), I'm going to try and get my energy up to join the club's adult swim team and try and start swimming 3-5 days a week.

A number of gyms these days include classes for aerobics, biking, swimming, and more.  I find that the classes push you to work out harder.  You don't have to be the best and as your strength increases, you get better and better at the classes.  The better your form, the harder and more beneficial the classes.  Not to mention, there are people there to help you which will get you better results and less likely to injure yourself.

If you join a gym, make sure its close.  If its difficult to get to you won't use it.  

In the end, whatever you choose, if you don't use it, its a waste of money.

There are tons of use workout equipment at the local Play it Again Sports. I think that says a lot about how well things like bowflex work in the long run.

The nice thing about the gym is that you can change it up if you get bored with your routine.

I also am a big fan of things like Crossfit. You use your own body weight as resistance so you don't need a lot of equipment and you can do it anywhere -- at home, in the gym, in a park. Plus, every day the workout is different.

if you don't know what you are doing and worry about motivation, don't get a home gym. although, they are great for hanging clothes.

join a gym.

thanks i have enough clothing hangers at the moment, but i wanted to tell you that i read your disboards posts and i dis all the time, my personal cross addiction. My goal is to get to the point that i can do a disney marathon or at least fit into the astro orbitor.

...and if you do the full (or the half) you run right by the astro orbitor.  I too looked forward to riding that but then my balance was off for about an hour.  My wow was riding dumbo with the kid.  I got a bit teary eyed during that one.  I love the Dis and the WISH in particular.

you know, we NEED a disney OH group, perhaps we could get Pete to come one just to rant occasionally, I hit WDW in May at 3 months out and food was a challange!  but it was so sweet climbing out of space mountain and not looking as if i needed a crane assist to dislodge my rear. Getting to go to Disneyland in September and can't wait to see the new world of color show, the previews look wonderful! 

Is there a site that lists the disney runs? I would like to find some info on the routes, length, times and who picks up the dead runners during the race.

Some people do just fine at home, but I'm not one of them.  

My suggestion for you is that you join a gym first (maybe one that you can do short-term if you'd rather) and get some experience and knowledge.  Then if you think you'll really do it at home, get some equipment that's worthwhile to you.  

It's really most important to make sure you get a good cardio workout (NIH says 30 minutes 5 days/week), so if you can do that without the gym and can supplement it with with some strength training a couple times a week you'll be fine.  Otherwise, spend the money on the gym.  Besides, it can be a nice social atmosphere as well!

Linn

i agree, most home gym stuff is used for a couple of weeks/months, then it becomes furniture and collects dust (all the stuff we have and our friends have at least).  i also agree, that with a gym membership, you can switch up your routine and keep things fresh, this will become very important down the road when you get burnt out doing the same thing over and over day after day.