Need advice on home gym equipment

[el_beardo]

My wife has been bugging me about getting a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical.

I've been holding out, telling her that we can exercise using other methods like weights, jumprope, walking, pushups, etc. I bought the "You are your own gym" app but we have not used it for lack of time. I suspect the same thing will happen to whatever machine we buy.

My main workouts are walking/running around the neighborhood and jump rope in the garage.

My wife stays at home and cares for our one year old + plus 3 school age kids. She has no time to be walking/running outside and doesn't want too. She does no specific workouts, but would like to strengthen her legs/lower body.

We've saved a lot this year and can fit a gym-like machine in our budget. If I were to purchase any equipment what would you recommend for most bank for buck/ maintenance friendly ?

Thanks.

[Katnina]

Why can't she put the baby in a stroller and go for a walk?  or what about doing free aerobics or dance or yoga or pilates or....videos off the web?  This Pilates video kicks my ass:  http://surfgym.com/2012/05/full-body-40-minute-equipment-free-pilates-workout-video/

if she's dead set on having a piece of 'real exercise equipment,' here's an option: Do you already have bikes?  If yes, a bike trainer could be good-it allows you to convert your bike to a stationary bike.  Never tried one but have a friend who swears by his.  Plus when the little one is older, she could put her/him in a bike trailer and get outside.
I used to like the elliptical but a few trainer friends have said it can be bad for knees-actually worse than running if you're not using proper form.  So a treadmill could be better than an elliptical.
Whatever you get, get it used, ESPECIALLY if you don't think it will get used at your house...in that case, if it's just taking up space and not getting used, then you can at least sell it and recoup a lot of what you spent.  I found 4 used bike trainers in my city on craigslist for $60-75.  And lots of treadmills for free-$100.

[Left Bank]

Probably depends where you live but keep an eye on the "Free" section of Craigslist and you can get almost anything you would want with patience.
YouTube also has some great workout routines that require no equipment.

[matchewed]

My advice would be to not buy it. If someone is unmotivated to run around the neighborhood what will motivate her to run on a treadmill? I know it's an oversimplification but in general someone may use these things for a few weeks/months then it becomes a fancy clothes hanger.

[Rebecca Stapler]

My advice would be to not buy it. If someone is unmotivated to run around the neighborhood what will motivate her to run on a treadmill? I know it's an oversimplification but in general someone may use these things for a few weeks/months then it becomes a fancy clothes hanger.

If I were a SAHM, what would prevent me from running outside? (1) Naptime. Maybe she wants to work out while the kids are napping. She can't leave the house while they're napping. (2) Maybe it's dark out by the time parents pick up their kids and OP gets home from work, and she doesn't want to run in the dark. (3) The inexistence of a 4-child stroller / bike trailer. (I'm just assuming here, I've never actually tried to find one)

If she wants a piece of home equipment so she can work out without leaving the house, you can find something on craigslist. I am about to do the same thing. I'm looking for an elliptical, because it's different than running or biking -- both things that can be done with at-home equipment -- so I think it's a good compliment to the "free" possibilities.

[matchewed]

My advice would be to not buy it. If someone is unmotivated to run around the neighborhood what will motivate her to run on a treadmill? I know it's an oversimplification but in general someone may use these things for a few weeks/months then it becomes a fancy clothes hanger.

If I were a SAHM, what would prevent me from running outside? (1) Naptime. Maybe she wants to work out while the kids are napping. She can't leave the house while they're napping. (2) Maybe it's dark out by the time parents pick up their kids and OP gets home from work, and she doesn't want to run in the dark. (3) The inexistence of a 4-child stroller / bike trailer. (I'm just assuming here, I've never actually tried to find one)

If she wants a piece of home equipment so she can work out without leaving the house, you can find something on craigslist. I am about to do the same thing. I'm looking for an elliptical, because it's different than running or biking -- both things that can be done with at-home equipment -- so I think it's a good compliment to the "free" possibilities.

How about the dozens of other exercises which can be performed without buying a piece of equipment and can be done during nap time or in the garage when it's dark. Plyometrics, shuttle runs...etc.

Spending money to solve the problem of "I need more exercise" can be avoided. You can throw as many excuses as you want in the circumstances but they are just that, excuses. It's cool if the OP wants to spend that money, just realize that the only reason that money is being spent is not out of health, it's because someone won't change their perspective.

[captainawesome]

Airdyne's are one of my favorite cardio pieces of equipment.  Next to a versa climber.  Both really don't need a lot of space, can kick your butt in under 15 min, and have pretty good resale value on craigslist if you ever want to sell it.  The versa climber might be a bit more expensive.  I bought an airdyne bike on craigslist when I was in California, and before I moved I put it back on craigslist for the exact same amount.  sold within 3 hours.  Rowers are also pretty good for home gyms. 

As far as a home gym, I could go into what I would recommend (power/Squat rack, barbell, weights, some kettlebells and an adjustable bench) but it doesn't sound like your going that direction.  If you really want to keep it simple, I'd recommend convict conditioning.  Don't let the name scare you, it's got a lot of good progressive bw exercises that can get you really pretty fit.

[hybrid]

I'm of the opinion shared above that attitudes and habits need to change first without spending the cash up front.  When the mental part of the equation is solved, the rest will follow soon enough.  I've seen very few pieces of home exercise equipment that weren't gathering dusts or laundry.

[Random]

The first, and possibly only, piece of equipment you likely need is a pull up bar.  Cheap end is a door way style bar for maybe $20 new.  And then follow a good progressive body weight program (primal fitness, convict conditioning, al Kavadlo, fitness666, you are your own gym).  If you stall out on that, the best addition will be a barbell setup (bar, weights, simple bench, squat stands or rack).  Craigslist is a great place to look for these.

IMO, the more elaborate the machine, the less effective is is likely to be and the more likely it is to get kicked to the curb after taking space in your lives for too long.

[Rebecca Stapler]

The first, and possibly only, piece of equipment you likely need is a pull up bar.  Cheap end is a door way style bar for maybe $20 new.  And then follow a good progressive body weight program (primal fitness, convict conditioning, al Kavadlo, fitness666, you are your own gym).  If you stall out on that, the best addition will be a barbell setup (bar, weights, simple bench, squat stands or rack).  Craigslist is a great place to look for these.

IMO, the more elaborate the machine, the less effective is is likely to be and the more likely it is to get kicked to the curb after taking space in your lives for too long.

This thread is really making me LOL. Especially this! A pull-up bar for a woman who wants to get her legs and lower body back in shape after it expanded enough to hold something as big as a watermelon and then deflated once the watermelon was gone? And the watermelon continues to need constant supervision now that she's not carrying it around anymore.

Yes, yes, I know that it's not just cardio that helps people lose weight, it's strength training. But I just feel bad for someone stuck at home watching 4 kids and she just wants to get her heart pumping. OP, if you really want her to use the "You Are Your Own Gym" app, I recommend that you both workout together. Make it a fun bonding activity. My fondest memories of me and my spouse pre-baby are when we worked out together. I would love to be able to do that again! If you can workout at home with that YAYOG app, go for it -- do it together.

[aaronpct]

There are lots of options, but I wouldn't just want to focus on one area (legs) when she doesn't seem to have time to workout to begin with.  She should focus on overall body exercises such as compound exercises such as squats which will put her whole body through stress and not just a single area.  Focusing on single areas are more for all-round athletes who are trying to min-max certain areas of their fitness to meet their goals.  Also I would start small and grow your workout equipment.  Its easy and inexpensive to start with a Jump Rope, Plyometric Box, and some dumbbells to get a good work out in...instead of going out and spending 500+ on a single machine.

[Eric]

Whatever you do, don't buy new.  You can get very gently used equipment for a fraction of the new price on Craigslist.  It's definitely a buyers market for used workout equipment.

[Hunny156]

Some people need to have the option before figuring out it's not the right option for them.  If your wife feels she needs something in the house to help her workout more, then pick something up on Craig's List.  Almost all the equipment on there is barely used, b/c none of it comes w/motivation.  ;)

I prefer to get out and walk - it's one of the few exercises I can do as a result of a medical condition.  But the heat in TX makes this difficult to do most of the day, so having equipment inside is very helpful.

My physical therapist suggested I purchase a recumbent bike for home use, to get exercise while supporting my lower back.  I got one on Craig's List for $75, and the screen still has the protective plastic covering on it!  It was ridden for almost 10 miles, so probably used 3 times and then ignored.

I used it for a while, but recently developed a knee injury, so I've been working on my elliptical instead.  I'm listing the bike on Craig's List today, and I'll easily get back the $75 I paid for it.  Craig's List is the only way I'll ever buy gym equipment, especially if I'm not sure how useful it will be.

[Riceman]

I plan on eventually getting one of these:  http://amzn.com/B004I576SM

You hook your bike up to it and boom, you have an exercise bike.  I've heard they work well, are inexpensive, and don't take up much space.  I'm holding off now because I have a gym in my apartment building, and will continue to have one for the next two years, so I can't justify it.

[MgoSam]

Depending on what goals for fitness she has, I think programs such as P90X and Insanity are phenominal! P90X might be extreme for her, but the length of the videos might help as she can do one half during one naptime and the other half another time, that way she can build into it and the timings are convienent for her. Insanity is more cardio-based while P90x emphasises strength training more, but both are great workouts.

P90X will need some equipment such as weights (though a resistance band can work), pullup bar, and some other things.

[Gizbar]

It sounds like she wants something simple, and you want something inexpensive:

If she wants strength in her legs, and maybe her abdominals, then squats and situps/crunches/planks are great.  Only need a couple exercises, and no equipment.

If she wants to get her heart going, and has no time to walk/run/bike/hike etc., she could skip rope (like you), or she could get into hopping around exercises (jumping jacks, mountain climbers, burpees).

Barring all that, a used elliptical is a great idea, provided you have the space.  If she goes really fast for a bit (15-30 seconds even), then slow for awhile, rinse and repeat, then she can get a crazy good cardio workout in 10 minutes.  If you buy used, shouldn't cost much either (we got ours for $200).

Personally, (note, I'm a slim 26 year old male with no watermelons in me) I just do pushups, pullups, squats, crunches, and planks.  On a good day I then do burpees until I start to feel like I'm dying.  :)  I figure that until I'm awesome at these basics, I won't bother doing anything more complicated, though bodyweight ninjas are pretty awesome.

[beeth_oven]

My advice would be to not buy it. If someone is unmotivated to run around the neighborhood what will motivate her to run on a treadmill? I know it's an oversimplification but in general someone may use these things for a few weeks/months then it becomes a fancy clothes hanger.

I agree. Buying equipment sounds like it could be a waste of money. I seriously hate the gym, but have discovered the beauty of a workout app right on my phone. I use 'Workout Trainer'. The one I do is literally 15 minutes, and I can do it in my room without any equipment. Just search for the shorter workouts that have higher intensity.

[Hotstreak]

My wife has been bugging me about getting a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical.

...

She has no time to be walking/running outside and doesn't want too. She does no specific workouts, but would like to strengthen her legs/lower body.

We've saved a lot this year and can fit a gym-like machine in our budget.

...

Thanks.

It doesn't matter if you can afford it, those machines are not the best way to achieve her goal of stronger legs/lower body.  MUCH better would be squats, deadlifts, lunges.. all of which can be done while holding your baby (there's your equipment!).  I bet the little one will love getting moved all around by mommy.  As they grow, her workouts get harder!  Nothing to lose, and keep your cash!

[GuitarStv]

Strengthen legs/abs/lower body?  Get a barbell and some weights.  Do squats, deadlifts, and maybe lunges.  If you follow a good training program (starting strength is worth a read) you'll see regular improvement for quite a while, which helps keep your motivation up.  You can also throw together a workout that takes 30-60 minutes, will dramatically change your body for the better, and can be safely performed on your own quite easily.

Weightlifting is done in short sets with breaks in between, so if you need to stop to check on the baby a couple times it's not really a big deal.  You could probably pick up a bar and 300 lbs of weight for 2-300$ brand new, cheaper on Craigslist.

[Sweet Betsy]

There are lots of people who think getting an elliptical, treadmill, etc will be the answer to their fitness goals.  Eventually they sell their equipment on craigslist or just list it for free on freecycle.  Watch those sites for a few weeks and you'll find what you want.   Make a deal with her that if she tries it for a set number of months and finds that she really likes it then you'll invest in something with more bells and whistles. 

I remember when my kids were little and how hard it was to feel like I had the time to workout.  My best advice whether you end up buying equipment or not is to help her set aside the time for working out.  If you can both get up before the kids (or after the kids go to bed) and work out together I highly recommend it.  My dh and I get up at 5 am each morning to get our workout in.  If working out before or after bedtime doesn't work for your family then you need to make it a priority to be available a certain time each day to be in charge of the children while she works out. 

I strongly recommend HIIT training.  It's fast and intense and gets the job done.  There are lots of people on Youtube that do HIIT workouts.  I personally prefer Zuzka Light (although she has now gone over to a paid subscription website). 

BTW...I never tried it but I recall several of my friends being involved in a group called Stroller Strides.  It sounded like a fun workout that you bring your kids with you. 

[Hunny156]

I'm not trying to threadjack, but I wanted to share my good news w/y'all!  I listed my recumbent bike on Craig's List yesterday afternoon, and posted the link to my community Facebook page.  By 9 PM, a neighbor came by and bought it for $80 - I purchased it used on CL about 6 months ago for $75.  SCORE!!!  :)

[ZMonet]

I second Insanity as a good workout, but she better be ready to work hard or be ok with doing less than the people on the screen.

On elliptical and treadmills, I've found that a lot of the inexpensive equipment is very rickety and annoying to use.  Regardless, if she goes with an elliptical/treadmill make sure that she tests it out for at least a couple of minutes.  If she wants something as sturdy as something you find in a commercial gym, you're looking at $500+ used.

[MakingSenseofCents]

I know that most people will say not to buy anything, but I will say that we bought a home gym recently and saved a ton of money. If you are looking for the best deal, try and contact the manufacturer directly. I did this and chatted with a couple of agents and managed to get a ton of things for free (such as a 3 year warranty and also a cleaning kit), and I also received around $500 off. I believe we paid around $800 for our treadmill that was a little under $2K at the store. And we bought a home gym (a "cage") plus all the weights and mats for around $900, and I think these were around $1,500 before our discounts.

I hate to advertise my blog but I do have a post on exercising cheaply on my blog:  http://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2013/04/exercising-with-no-space-and-no-money.html

[el_beardo]

Thanks to all for the great ideas - we are discussing and looking into the options.

I didn't know bike trainers existed, sadly we don't have adult bikes - yes, I know :(

The working out together is a great idea. I'm also looking at craigslist to see what is available, as I'm really trying not to buy new ( or anything at all )

[milla]

HIPPO.

I'm a woman with children and I've done the machines at the gym thing, the running thing, the yoga thing, borrowed equipment from friends (who BTW, are NOT using them, so go that route if you must)... but the best way I found to work out is Jillian Michaels' DVDs. Highly effective, 20-30 minutes. The music is boring so you create your own playlist. You don't need any equipment. Best of all? Nobody's using those either so you can find them for like $5 on Craigslist, facebook selling groups or amazon.com.

[ZMonet]

Still vote for Insanity, but if you want Biggest Loser DVDs that you can do together, Amazon.com is selling a number for under $5/each.

Credit to lusesita over at Slickdeals.

http://slickdeals.net/f/6165438-The-Biggest-Loser-The-Workout-DVDs-3-99-or-5-99-fss-amazon-warehouse

[Rebecca Stapler]

Thanks to all for the great ideas - we are discussing and looking into the options.

I didn't know bike trainers existed, sadly we don't have adult bikes - yes, I know :(

The working out together is a great idea. I'm also looking at craigslist to see what is available, as I'm really trying not to buy new ( or anything at all )

FWIW, your post, and writing it in your post, made me realize how much I miss working out with my spouse -- and that the key to my weight loss 5 years ago (30 lbs! woo hoo!) was working out together. I think that might be the key to doing it again this time. We have a jogging stroller and our son loves to ride in it, so we should have a family jogging time on the weekends; and we could work out to a DVD or a home exercise app together; but getting a machine is not going to get us working out together! Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for bringing up the topic!

[Insanity]

Resistance bands are another option. 

My brother - who is heavily into fitness - recommended them to me as I don't have time to get to a gym (two little kids that aren't quite old enough - though we do play a lot).  You can get them on Amazon pretty cheap and they come with a set of workout plans.

You can probably add them to any workout you do.