My hubby has agreed to buy a piece of exercise equipment. I want something that I can use for strength/weight training, since I've heard/read alot about this burning fat and streamlining the body. I looked at a regular bicycle, but I don't want to ride alone. I've also heard "bike exercise" is not as effective for weight loss as strength training. I don't need a treadmill, since there is a park close by with a walking/biking trail, so I walk there or just around the neighborhood. The whole idea is to have something at home to work out with when the weather is bad, the Texas heat is too much, or I'm just too lazy to get out.
Should we buy a weight bench, bar and weights, or something more sophisticated? How about a gazelle/glider? Should we buy from the sporting goods store, or would something from the want-ads in the paper be okay? I don't want to spend more than about $150 on something. I would appreciate any and all opinions and ideas.

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I'm fairly new to the whole strength training thing being into it a little over 9 weeks but what I'm doing right now seems to be giving me fairly good results and has the added benefit of being cheap. I bought 2, 3 and 5 lb. weights and a video tape. I need to buy 8 lb. weights (the 5 lb ones seem lighter which I think is a good sign) and would really like to get a bench but this program does seem to be working out really well without any huge costs. Just my 2 cents.

Elisa

Maxibee, I think the Gazzelle is great. It is good for when the weather is bad. It is cardio as well as strength training. He teaches both on the video. Not to mention it is kind of fun. It is also a little below the price range your looking for brand new. Just thought I would mention it. Good luck on your decision. Let us know what you decide.

yes, a gazelle (the tony little thing, right?) is great cardio and has the added resistance... but if you want to strength train, and only want to spend about 150, then get a good bench and free weights.

look thru the want ads for deals.... everyone gets the bug and it doesnt last, so some will dump them cheap to get rid of them.

hope this helps, and for tips,,,, you may want to drop into the Exercise forum

Terese

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My LC web site
LCE Member since 2000

Congtratulations Maxibee on your decision to add strength training to your routine. My opinion is that a set of dumbells with interchangeable weights and decent bench is the way to go. You can hit every body part with dumbells, and they don't take up much room. The dumbell bench, without the uprights, can also double for a coffee table in a pinch.
And for cardio, a brisk walk through the park or a bike ride is way preferable to any of those machines IMO.
A good combination of strength training and cardio is just what the Dr ordered and will take you quite far in reshaping your body!

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keep on keepin on

As of 1-3-2009
213/213/180

I have to make a plug for my favourite piece of equiptment, the Total Gym! ( I lovingly refer to it as "my toy") You've probably seen it on tv...its the one that Chuck Norris and Christy Brinkley are hocking...

Its very easy to use, and allows you to move between excercises quickly. You control the weight resistance, and get a REALLY good aerobic excercise with it.

I got mine off of Ebay from the manufacturer for only $100.

You definately will not get bored, because there is so many different excercises to do...and believe me, you'll FEEL it.

I combine that with running, jumping rope, and my tae-bo tapes for a good workout. (Not all on one day, of course...)

Good luck!

-Buzzy

We conned our boss to buy an Ultra Gazelle for work. I have been using it 5 days a week, 2 times a day for 15 minutes. I absolutely love it and am seeing the results. We bought ours on sale at Sears for $199. :jump:

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Atkins since 09/01/03
275/185/135 :silly:

I have been impressed with my 'total gym" equipment. Because I am a big and tall guy, I bought a longer and heavier duty one. They can do many exercises.

Here's one from the home shopping network, it is 149, but another 30 for shipping:

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx?webp_id=1231958&web_id=1231958&sz=0&s f=hf&dept=hf0010&cat=&subcat=&gs=&attr=&prev=hp!sf !dept

I think it is this one that other people raved about and talked me into geting a total gym.

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261/226/215?
Started Atkins on 6/12/03

i second the weight bench and dumbbells ...
get a nice set that have interchangeable weights. maybe your husband could also hang a large flat mirror on the wall where you'll be lifting. that way you can carefully watch your position as you lift.
i would also get a big exercise ball w/ a video tape ... those balls can be used for SO many exercise. you'll get amazing ab and back workouts. they're my favorite piece of "equipment" at the gym!!!

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Carrie
SBD since 9/12/2005
Re-started 5/8/2006
My new journal: Just Breathe

I bought a set of interchangable dumbells for $40. I don't even need a bench. I can set them at 5, 10, 15 and 20 lbs. In addition I got a copy of "Weight training for dummies", because I had no idea where or how to use weights. It was very helpful to get started.

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Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal

do you like that book?? what kind of info is in it? and where did you get your dumbells so cheap?
twenty questions.

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Carrie
SBD since 9/12/2005
Re-started 5/8/2006
My new journal: Just Breathe

It's a pretty good book, especially if you are a beginner who knows absolutley nothing. The first 80 or so pages are an introduction: at home vs health club, personal trainers, free weights vs machines, safety, etc. The rest of the book covers excercises for each section of your body, i.e. back, chest, arms, etc. They go through 10+ excercises in each chapter, some that require weights, some machines, some that can be done on your own. Finally the book goes through how to put together a workout from the book, advanced techniques, weight training myths etc. They still recomend a personal trainer, but if you can't afford one (like me) the book is probably the next best thing.

As for the dumbells, I found them on sale at Dicks in my local mall.

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Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal

There is an outfit in Chicagoland called Play it Again Sports. They always have lots of used exercise stuff. Benches, weights etc. I don't know if it's a national chain thoufgh.

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keep on keepin on

As of 1-3-2009
213/213/180

Wow, thanks for all the great responses to my questions! I knew you all are the ones to ask! I think we are kind of leaning toward a Gazelle, or a TotalGym. I like walking, but I want to add more cardio and some strength training...maybe my weight will begin to go down again. There is a PlayItAgain somewhere here in Dallas, I think we will go check it out and try some of the equipment to make a final decision. And, probably stop by Half Price Books for a copy of a "Dummies" book. We all gotta start somewhere!

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