exercise equipment

[yesno]

My commuter biking isn't really working as exercise so I'm looking for something else.

So, I bought a ministepper to use while watching tv shows, but I think I'm going to have to return it because the amount of actual exercise I get from is is miniscule, and it squeaks really loud.

I might just go back to running, even though it's terrible on my knees.  At least I can take the dog running.

But has anyone had any actual luck with smaller exercise machines?  The kind where you can do some light aerobic exercise while reading a book or watching tv is preferable.

Also, does anyone else have trouble spelling "exercise"? 

[Richard_From_CHI]

I can't spell it either.

I too am devoid of knees to run so I'd love to hear some info on this topic.

[Martin]

I'm a lazy bum, so I'm actually seriously thinking of getting a Wii Fit. I don't own a Wii, and as much as playing games interest me, I just have this totally optimistic idea of what the Fit will do to my exercise regime. I have a sneaky suspicion it will be a massive failure.

So I'm thinking of getting an exercise bike instead.

Also: exercise exercise exercise

[Regular Joe]

From what I hear, that Wii fit actually works pretty well as an exerciSe regimen, so I hope you keep your experience with it posted if you do it, because I'm curious about it.

In fact, there should be an FOT weight loss "biggest loser" game show type thing on this board. That would be fun and I'd compete, even if I haven't the first idea how to organize such a thing. I'm quite sure you and I are not the only soft serves around here. I know Julie alone could stand to lose at least 300 pounds (I <3 Julie, I kid!).

[yesno]

I sold my Wii.  It was gathering dust, and it plus all its endlessly multiplying accessories take up too much space.

Even if the Wii fit works, I like the kind of exercise where you can do other things.  Running is good because you can listen to audiobooks and so forth.

An exercise bike is probably the best, because you can read, watch movies, etc.

If I had the space and money, I'd get an elliptical glider.  I'd join the YMCA or a gym but I don't like other people.

[AllisonLeGnome]

In fact, there should be an FOT weight loss "biggest loser" game show type thing on this board. That would be fun and I'd compete, even if I haven't the first idea how to organize such a thing. I'm quite sure you and I are not the only soft serves around here. I know Julie alone could stand to lose at least 300 pounds (I <3 Julie, I kid!).

I don't know if you listen to Jordan Jesse Go! or not, but we just wrapped up eight weeks of exactly that on the TSOYA board.

[courtney]

Get a rowing machine.

You work everything in, like, 1/2 the time it takes with stationary bikes, stair climbers, etc.

It's fairly low-impact, too. I have a kind of bad right knee (it's been slowly healing over the past few years since I switched from riding a heavy-as-a-mother Schwinn Cruiser to a light and speedy road bike) and I have no problems with rowing.

It gets a tad tedious after a while but you can set it up in front of the TV or something and time will fly.

Seriously.

[Gilly]

You have to have good technique to use a rowing machine though. If you have bad technique it can really mess up your back and knees.

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

I got one of those big exercise balls.   Also, yoga.

[Regular Joe]

In fact, there should be an FOT weight loss "biggest loser" game show type thing on this board. That would be fun and I'd compete, even if I haven't the first idea how to organize such a thing. I'm quite sure you and I are not the only soft serves around here. I know Julie alone could stand to lose at least 300 pounds (I <3 Julie, I kid!).

I don't know if you listen to Jordan Jesse Go! or not, but we just wrapped up eight weeks of exactly that on the TSOYA board.

I do not! But now I have to reevaluate everything in my life, because of this.

[courtney]

I want me one of these.

Sure, I'd look like a dork, but .... a CUT dork!

Rowbike.

[courtney]

You have to have good technique to use a rowing machine though. If you have bad technique it can really mess up your back and knees.

It's mostly a matter of keeping your back straight. There's a gal at my gym who lunges forward with her arms and pulls back with a jerking motion. I can't imagine the pain she'll go through down the line. But it's the University of Nebraska rec center and it's multi-level so there isn't anyone walking around showing people how to do things correctly unless you pay them.

Pilates will most certainly take care of you. You can do mat pilates at home without any equipment. It's a bit more work than yoga but it's still relaxing.

[Josh]

get the machine George Clooney's character built in Burn After Reading

[masterofsparks]

get the machine George Clooney's character built in Burn After Reading

I was waiting for someone to mention that.

I don't like people either, yesno, but joining a gym is probably the best move. Just load up your Zune with Best Show podcasts and the time on the elliptical machine will fly. Actually, that's a lie, but it will certainly make the time more bearable.

[yesno]

I'm going to join the YMCA if this running thing makes me start limping around again.  The YMCA, I imagine, is less likely to have steroidal salespeople/trainers wanting to charge me for classes and bogus supplements.  Also it's the last remnant of "muscular Christianity" which is the best-named religious movement ever.  Plus it's got a pool.

I really do like running:  no equipment, makes me feel happy, I can take the dog and make him less hyper (although carrying poo in a bag for 3/4 of a run isn't fun).