Hi all,
I'm about to try and purchase a couple of bits of cardio equipment (elliptical and recumbent bike).
I was wondering if any of you had any advice/feedback re the following bits of equipment or the stores I'm considering buying from. Hopefully some of you have bought similar equipment or have bought from these stores before…
Alternative suggestions of store/equipment would be welcomed too, at similar price range. I live in Darwin, so would need to be something that delivers here for a reasonable price (I have been looking at "free delivery" sites). Would also need to be something where warranty issues wouldn't cause problems being based in the NT.
Ellipticals: Proform 720 or Nordictrack E8.5
Recumbent: Nordictrack GXR4.2
Stores: www.fitnessmarket.com.au OR www.justfitness.com.au OR www.fitnessdealsonline.com.au
I can't comment on the brands or the suppliers you've mentioned, but with regard to the elliptical, I wouldn't waste my money on one again unless you're an absolute and complete beginner. Ellipticals are very deceptive in that you think you're getting a good workout but in reality you're not - they get your heart rate up but once you're moving a lot of the motion is just momentum and you're not really working hard.
I have owned several and have outgrown them very quickly, hence the comment about absolute beginner.
The absolute best piece of cardio equipment is the rowing machine - this gives you a proper workout for strength, endurance and cardio fitness. There is no way that you can cheat on one of these.
Next best is the bike - upright, recumbent or spin - choose the one that suits you best. I've used recumbents a few times but I much prefer the upright style as I find these a bit easier on the back and you can vary your position.
Apart from the bike and rower, most other machines are a waste of time. Treadmills and stair climbers are ok, but you are much better off getting outside and actually walking, running and climbing real stairs.