Question:
Where can I find large exercise equipment????
My RNY surgery is in 22 days and I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row here... <p> Does anyone have an idea where I can go to find exercise equipment like a treadmill and an exercise bike for someone over 400 lbs and not too expensive? All I've been able to find is equipment so expensive, I'd have to take out a 2nd mortgage on my house to pay for it!! Thanks for any help. — thumpiez (posted on December 22, 2002)
December 21, 2002
I can sympathize. Unfortunately like most things for very large people
they cost a lot more. Buying a treadmill that isn't quite as expensive
will not stand up to your weight. I speak from experience! I bought an
$800 (not cheap in my book) treadmill back in 1994 and I was down to about
350 lbs at that point. I burned out the motor in less than a week. I had
bought it at Sears and so I took it back. The salesman and I had discussed
my size and he certainly could see me and yet assured me it would be fine.
So I starting looking at a step up - around $2500. I found that those
tended to be high end home units and still not able to work for me. If the
belt drags at all when you step on it, then it's not the right machine for
you. I had no money but ended up buying a low end commercial unit -
Trotter - built like a brick you-know-what house. The treadmill alone
weighs 250 lbs and had to be carefully placed across (perpendicular) the
floor joists because with 400 lb me on it, it would be too much otherwise.
I had to finance it with a finance company at lord only knows what interest
rate, but I was committed to the exercise. I ended up paying $4000 for the
treadmil, but I have something that will always deal with my weight.
Technically it says it has a limit of 300 lbs but I've never had a problem.
Cost is not the only factor. The design of the treadmil and the motor are
critical. Bigger motor doesn't necessarily mean better either. Do lots of
research.<P>A used exercise equipment store is probably your best bet
- demo model?. Even used, I suspect you will have to pay at least
$2000-$2500. Make sure you get some warranty! As far as an exercise bike,
I think the weight is less of an issue. If you can get on it and are
comfortable I think that will be okay. Again I am assuming you are buying
a good quality unit. If it doesn't feel solid and squeaks and makes noises
then it's too wimpy for you. In my opinion invest in the treadmil first as
it's more of an overall body workout.<p>Maybe renting is an option.
That way you could rent till you got to a lower weight and then buy a unit
that will be good quality but less expensive because it isn't built for the
very large people. Sorry I do not have any great answers. All I know is
that if you spend the money and invest in a treadmil that will support you
now it will be money well spent. You will never have to repalce it. Once
you lose the weight, exercise will still need to be part of your life and
if you live in the cold/snowy states you will continue to use it for life.
Maybe taking a 2nd mortgage, which would be tax deductible most likely,
isn't the worst idea. You are investing in your long term health. Good
Luck!
— zoedogcbr
December 21, 2002
Buy a month to month health club membership? Walk in a mall in the winter?
See consumer reports they had a treadmill review awhile ago. Buy a cheaper
one with a extended warranty.
— bob-haller
December 21, 2002
Go swimming at a local schools pool? Many are open to the public when not
being used for school activities. Ask at the support group I HOPE you
attend what others are doing? Surgens suggestions? Swimming is good because
its easy on the joints. Makes us weigh nearly nothing while exercising.
— bob-haller
December 21, 2002
I had concerns about excercise as well because I was very heavy. Some of
my answer is other stuff I do, in case you have some of the physical
concerns I ran into. I purchased a used recumbent bike. I was 460 and it
held up fine for around two years now. The recumbent is nice because it
has a broad seat and you are semi reclined. My doc recommended the bike at
that point because I could do more time without straining my knees. Plus
there is no motor to wear out. I walked short circles around my house at
first so that if I suddenly got worn out I could return quickly. Also I
did excercise videos but started out sitting down or doing the leg lift
type stuff in bed, that way I still was moving and excercising even if the
incision area or my legs were too sore. I mainly do my walking at the Y
pool because it doesn't hurt and I can stretch by body more, I looked up
water aerobic on line and do some of them too. Plus no sweating in the
pool so I last lots longer and you weigh only ten percent in the water.
Only 46 pound to carry was much easier than moving 460. My girlfriend has
a treadmill that doesn't have a motor, but she was given it used, so I
don't know where to find one. Best of luck.
— Carrie R.
December 22, 2002
Hi there, Christie! Unfortunately, I have wider hips and was worried about
the same thing. I can't afford to buy new equipment, but what I did get
was an older exercise bike, that I got for $25. in a local sales ad. I
also looked around in bike magazines, because they do sell seats seperate,
(my husband is a bicyclist), and was ready to buy a larger seat if need be.
Didn't have to, the older bikes have larger seats and I've never had any
problem with it at all. Just a thought. Vi
— Vi F.
December 22, 2002
A traditional treadmill usually tolerates 350# and you will be losing wt.
so fast, you will be 350 very quickly. Just walk or swim till you get on
your way, don't spend extra money for something you won't need in a few
months, ie. a treadmill for over 400#. good luck
— Dana S.
December 25, 2002
Check out the for sale ads in your local newspaper as well as the yard
sales. A lot of people buy exercise equipment with the best of intentions
and then find it's gathering dust or they're hanging their clothes off it,
so they unload it in a yard sale. Moving sales are good too, since people
would often rather sell that heavy equipment than move it. Also, some
stores sell second hand exercise equipment.
— sandsonik
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