Hi everyone! I am planning on joining a gym in the near future. But, since I am a mother of 5 children and very busy with transporting, and sometimes homebound with a sick child, I would like to get something to have here for when I can't make it to the gym.
I have been considering an elliptical, recumbant bike, or treadmill. What in your opinion is most effective for burning calories and giving the best overall *quick* workout? What features should I look for?
Thanks for any intelligent answers you leave me :)
2007-01-29 03:32:41 · 3 answers · asked by zinntwinnies 6 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Treadmills are statistically proven to be the most effective for cardiovascular health and weight control. Elliptical come in a close second.
The disadvantage of a treadmill is basically put...the running. If you haven't learn how to properly run, the constant pounding on the joints will eventually catch up with you. It doesn't offer upper body or arm workouts but you can simply carry weights which is very helpful. I suggest a treadmill which is made for commercial use, an absorption platform, a separate motor for incline/decline feature and offers many different programs.
The elliptical doesn't offer the pounding of the joints and if you purchase one with the ski poles type, you can include the arms and upper body in the workout or you can also use the weights if desired. The intensity is not that of a treadmill, but you can counteract that with a machine that offers a variety of programs or increase the time and/or level. I also suggest a commercial grade machine which offers a variety of programs as well as user programs.
The recumbent bike provides sitting while exercising but your level of intensity is greatly reduced. Though, not entirely ineffective, you would have to work much harder to provide the same result as a treadmill for the same duration. Along with the treadmill, you cannot work upper body or arms, but again, you can carry weights, though not as effective as carrying them while running.
My choice would be the elliptical. I don't mind exercising a little while longer if needed.
2007-01-29 03:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by S H 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a huge fan of the elliptical.
2007-01-29 11:38:12 · answer #2 · answered by Pippa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that bowflex treadclimber looks versatile
2007-01-29 11:37:09 · answer #3 · answered by Jim G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋