Jo Answers Letters from Readers Helping You Decide What Exercise Equipment to Buy
Sep 12 '05
The Bottom Line What you buy depends on your space, budget and fitness level. Do research and talk with your doctor before you buy anything.
It may be helpful to read the reviews below. This essay is intended to answer questions that may be in your minds but you haven’t asked. Others have and I’ve answered them. Some letters have been shortened and all names have been changed. The links are provided merely to help the consumer.
What you should know about the Bowflex brand and
How to choose a Treadmill
From: James and Pam
Subject: exercise equipment question
We are interested in purchasing some exercise equipment. We read some of your reviews, but it sounds like many of the Bowflex type machines are lacking. Do you have a recommendation? Or is it better to get several different pieces? We are almost 60, average weight, good health, small home, but we do have an exercise room.
Thank you for your help.
My response:
Hi, Thanks for writing. The answer will depend. If you have the money and space I would certainly go for a couple of different pieces. The "universal"
type equipment is great. It is ideal as an economical and space saving way to get a lot of body work done in a corner of a room. Having said that I do like the Weider Crossbar a lot. It isn't cheap but it is a nice piece for an all inclusive.
Getting back to a few pieces. I would recommend a treadmill. I love elliptical machines and the Cybex Arc Trainer is one of the best. However it costs $5500. If you have never used one you may not like it. A treadmill will work your heart and lungs and allows you to incline it so you can walk uphill which will give you a super workout. If you want to work your upper body you can buy one with moving handles.
Once you have a cardiovascular piece of equipment I would really suggest you invest in a bench and dumbbells. You will be able to get the most for your money and work every part of your body. You can find a trainer who will come to your house if you need to be shown how to use dumbbells. You can also buy a book or two but proper form is essential.
You will want a mat so you can stretch and do abdominal work. You don't need a piece of equipment unless you really want one. I've reviewed many pieces of abdominal equipment. They have their pros and cons. If you can get down on the floor, in my opinion, you don't need any kind of machine.
You can add some Resistance Bands for variety if you like.
If you have the money, the Bowflex Select Dumbbells are an easy way to add dumbbells in your home rather than having many sets of varying weights around. These will run you several hundred dollars more than buying dumbbells by weight which cost about $1.00 a pound. jo
From: Dan
Subject: weighted vests
what is your opinion of weighted vests to add
conditioning to a walk?
Thank you.
Dan
My response:
Interesting question. Personally I don't like weights when walking. Hand weights were popular a while back but it was found not to be beneficial and it seemed people were getting injured. They also have a tendency to throw you off balance. You are asking about weighted vests which are a different animal. As far as I know they are not meant to be used as walking aids. They are used for specific reasons and for specific sports. I hope this helps. I thinking walking is great; weights are wonderful - together they are not a great mix! jo
From: Rick
Subject: treadmills
hi i live in Brazil. i saw a review from you of a reebok treadmill, i want to buy one but the prices here in Brasil are tooo expensive, for an example:
PRO FORM 545 EKG US$ 1,080
Reebok RE3000 US$ 1,200
Reebok RL545 US$ 1,200
HORIZON ANDES 101 US$ 1,600
ANDES HORIZON 200 US$ 2,400
yesterday i saw the Reebok RL 545 and the price was a little bit more than i was expecting but i may afford the price but more than US$1,200 its difficult. With your experience could you say if it’s a good equipment for home use? i found it a lot better than the proform 545 EKG (its a little bit fragile), by the way i weight 98kg its about 200pounds? i am 1,82m tall (about 72"), but i am afraid its much worse than the horizon ones (should i wait to get more money and buy this brand?)
sincerily yours
Rick
My response:
Hi Rick: Reebok and ProForm are made by the same company – ICON - so I would guess the quality is about the same. There may be differences in features which would be reflected in the price.
I am not familiar with Andes or Horizon. Some people do not like ICON products. I think the products are a decent quality. You can get a good elliptical for less than what you expect.
I know this is a hard decision and in this case I can't give you a straight answer because I would have to be in front of them and review them to really be able to give you a good answer. I hate to just give you an answer without really knowing. I will just say again that I don't think you will find any quality differences between ProForm and Reebok so it will just be the features (do you want moving arms? what kind of pedals or treads do you want? what kind of console do you want - as in holding a water bottle) and what do you want to spend that will give you the features you want? Hope this helps!! Jo
From: Tony
Subject: Total Gym Workout Machines
Hi, I've been reading your Crossbow exercise review on ePinions.com and hope you'd give me your thoughts on machines like the total fitness home gym and the quality of the benefits you get with that kind of equipment for Pilates, joint flexibility and resistance training. I'm a 45 male with no health problems.
Best Regards,
My response:
Hi Tony: I don’t like the Total Gym 1300 but for the right person the Total Gym 1500 is recommended by me.
I like many of the Bowflex machines and the Crossbar by Weider.
In spite of the claims it is not my opinion that these machines are geared toward Pilates conditioning or joint flexibility. For a few dollars you can buy a tape and a Pilates ring. You can do Yoga on your own as well which will work your joints and gain you some flexibility. You'll get the resistance training of course with the machine.
Hope this helps.
Jo
From: Tony
Subject: Re: Total Gym Workout Machines
Thank you JoL for your guidance on the equipment advertised on TV, I like the looks of the BowFlex and will do some research on the less expensive models. If a question comes up, I'll take a look at your ePinions review,
but hope it's ok to contact you again. Have a great week!
Tony
My response:
Let me know what you decide and please feel free to contact me. Jo
From: Don
Subject: total gym
Jo, I'm thinking about buying one of the cheaper models of Total Gym. Any recommendations?
I work out in a gym 2 or 3 times a week and have been for seven years. I do it mostly because I get back pain in my work (computer programmer) and the workout does away with the pain. I also do it for the exercise. I do 15 minutes of stretches, 15 of weightlifting and 15 of cardio.
I recently retired and am moving away from my favorite gym, so I'm considering getting my own equipment. I have an elliptical trainer, so I just need something for back exercises and maybe weight work.
Do you think the Total Gym 1500 (or any other model) would work for in-house exercises? Do you favor any other machine for home exercises?
Thanks.
Don
My response:
Hi Don - I can answer that quickly. Right now my favorite machine is the The Crossbar by Weider I love it. Let me know what you think. jo
From: Mike
Subject: Swimming replacement
Dear Jo,
My name is Mike and I just read your very helpful review on the Total Gym at epinions. Thanks for your efforts. I moved to Georgia 5 months ago. Prior to the move I swam a mile (took 40 minutes) 3x’s/week. A former martial artist at 6 feet and 200 lbs, I ruptured my disc 8 years ago. Presently 43, I’m committed to low-impact exercises. I stayed consistent with swimming for 4 years even though I didn’t enjoy it a lot. I know it was good for me in so many ways. Since moving, I’ve been using an elliptical machine at work, 3x’s wk for 25 minutes. I like the leg and cardio work, but my upper body is definitely suffering: shoulders and chest have shrunk. I’m not concerned about having bulk. I want to have some strength and be healthy-toned while doing something I enjoy. I’m considering a number of options at this time: join the Y and get back to swimming, purchase a home gym (Weider, Total Gym, Weights), a swimming simulator or even just exercise bands to simulate swimming and add other exercises.
Do you have any suggestions? Many thanks for your consideration.
Very Truly Yours,
Mike
My response:
Hi thanks for reading my reviews. First of all let me ask you the status of your disc. I'm not a doctor and never ruptured my disc but I did herniate it about 8 years ago as well. I might be able to answer your question once I know that.
Jo
From: Mike
Subject: RE: Swimming replacement
Thanks for the quick response. My disc was removed, or I should say the majority of it was. My neurosurgeon said that the two disks above L4/5 didn’t look too good. But that did not necessarily mean that I was limited. They may or may not cause me trouble in time. I asked if I could play competitive softball and he said yes. The next summer I played in 2 leagues and didn’t have any challenges until the next to last game when my back tightened up and it took about 2 weeks to get back to normal. So I retired. I haven’t had any problems to speak of during the past 7 years. But at 43 I want to be careful so that I don’t regret what I’m doing later on. That’s why I went to swimming. I could go back to it but I just didn’t enjoy it. I stayed with it for 4 years and could go back to it and be disciplined. But I’d like to try something else.
Very Truly Yours,
Mike
My response:
Hi Mike: I think a swimming simulator would be limiting. Does the Y have a weight room? Then you could have the best of both worlds. Swim when you feel like it or your back was bothering you (Even a little twinge should be enough to keep you away from weights). Re: cardio, ellipticals are a great way to work out and some have moving handles so you can work your upper body a bit as well. I would look into the Y's weight room and see if it has some decent equipment. However I am not a doctor. You should be addressing your physical abilities with him or her, please. Hope this helps. Let me know how you make out. jo
From: Mark
Subject: Friendly advice?
Hi Jo,
My name is Mark. I was surfing around epinions tonight and came across several of your reviews on health equipment. Thank you for taking the time to do the reviews. Excellent stuff in them. you mentioned in several of your reviews that we could contact you for a host of reasons...
I wanted to ask your advice in the purchase of a piece of home equipment...
I am 31 and close to 220 pounds. My weight should be 190 or so. I consider myself athletic, but as I have gotten older, it has been harder for me to maintain my level of fitness. I have no interest in bulking up-- I want to be in good cardiovascular shape, at my target weight, and
have some definition but nothing dramatic. Lastly, I am a cheapskate; however, for an investment in my health, I am willing to spend money (lets say 1000 bucks total.) If I do, I want good value.
For someone in my condition with my goals and my adversity to spending lots of money, is there a single piece of equipment (or perhaps 2) that would be best suited for me? Also, I noticed you had not written a review of
the Total Gym systems... I would be interested in hearing your opinions on it. I had always liked this machine because it seemed it would increase flexibility while toning and building endurance. However, the
informercial stigma has been hard for me to get past.
If this e-mail is completely over the line in terms of questions you like answering, I completely understand. Again, I loved your reviews and thought you might be able to help me... I have not purchased any equipment because I am afraid to commit to something-- that's not going to
get me in shape any faster.
Best regards,
Mark
My response:
Hi Mark: Not at all - thanks for writing. I am getting many e-mails and enjoy them. Remember this is just advice. I have not reviewed the Total Gym. (I have since this letter. Total Gym)
My two favorite pieces right now are the Crossbar by Weider and NordicTrack Futura 2600. They are priced in the $1200 range but if you look around online you will find them for as low as $900. I can help you look if you don't find one. They are made by the same company - ICONfitness. Sort of like one company making the same two cereals with different names. The warranties seem a bit different but I am always leery of warranties anyway. I think these two machines give you everything you need: weight training and cardio work. You get a rower on this machine. There are no weights or plates so it is totally electronic. That may cause problems I suppose though I have not heard of anyone having problems with the technology. I love them because it is so easy and it is quicker because I don't have to take pins in and out or put plates on and off. So as of February 4, 2005 those are my recommendations. I can't promise you that I won't find one I love even more but with what is out there, these are unique and do everything. Hope this helps but feel free to let me know if you have other questions. jo
From: Paul
Subject: Need advice on inexpensive rowing machine
Hello!
I've read a few of your epinions.com reviews on rowing machines, and was wondering if you could give me some advice. I hope this isn't an inconvenience!
I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive low-impact exercise machine for my wife and I. My wife is 45 and I am approaching 49. Neither one of us is a fitness enthusiast, but we know we need to start getting into the practice. We'd like something that would give a good cardiovascular workout, as well as help us lose a few pounds here and there. One thing I should note is that we both have to watch out for our lower backs; too much heavy lifting can sometimes cause a muscle or two there to spasm a bit. If the machine could help us strengthen out backs, so much the better!
I read your nicely detailed opinions on both the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower and the Fitness Quest Integrity Air Rower 3000. Do you think that either of these would be suitable for us? Which of the two would you pick as better? Is there any other machine that you'd recommend even more for about $200 or less?
Thanks for any and all help!
Paul, Colorado
My response:
Hi: I like both rowers: The Integrity Rower
and the Stamina Rower. If you have never used a rower go to Sears or somewhere and try it out. You can set the resistance but depending on how serious your back issues are you may feel this in your back ONLY because you will be leaning forward and backward. It doesn't bother my back and I herniated disc years ago.
Surprisingly I like the Gazelle Elite and it is great for the beginner.
With back problems I'd stay away from a stepper. Ellipticals are great - you might want to look at one by ProForm which are inexpensive. I hope this helps. Let me know what you decide and if I can help further.
From: Paul L
Subject: RE: Need advice on inexpensive rowing machine
Hello! Thanks for the quick feedback!
I'd still like to know though, if you had to select the "best" overall choice, which one you'd go for:
Fitness Quest Integrity Air Rower 3000
Stamina 1205 Precision Rower
Fitness Quest Tony Little's Gazelle Freestyle Elite
or possibly an elliptical
Thanks again!
Paul
My response:
Hi, ok in general, if money is not an object AND you already work your upper body I would go with an elliptical. I think the calories burned are great and it is the easiest on the joints than a rower. The Elite is good for the beginner but I think many people may get bored with it. Then again it is less expensive than most machines. If you don't go with the elliptical and your joints are ok and your back can handle it then I'd go with a rower. Rowing is great. Personally it is not one of my favorite ways to exercise but I am advising you, not me. Hope this helps. Let me know. Jo
From: Paul
Subject: RE: Need advice on inexpensive rowing machine
So between the two rowers, the winner is....?
My response:
Ohhh I hate making the decision since it is your decision to make. They are so similar. Fitness Quest's is a tad more expensive but if I were to choose I'd go with the Integrity Air Rower. I like Fitness Quest also although I do know others who hate the company! By the way Fitness Quest makes the Ab Lounge and Total Gym, just fyi. Let me know what you buy and how you like it. jo
From: R.
Subject: pls advise
Hi Jo,
Hope all is going well.
I came across ur site thro epinions after reading ur
reviews. I would really appreciate if u could give me
some advice/suggestions on purchasing the right
product.
Over the last year ive developed a belly which Im
looking fwd to seriously reducing. Obv i will hv to
change my eating/drinking habits. I was looking at
purchasing a treadmill and a abs machine, like the Abs
Lounge. Could u pls recommend me the right products?
My present sitiuation is:
1. I live in a spacious apartment.
2. I hv a mild back problem. nothing major...
3. am a vegetarian.
Will treadmills/ab machine help me in getting rid of
this belly fat? would be of real help if i could get some advice. pls do reply.
warm regds
r.
My response:
Hi the best way to get rid of belly fat is through cardio work (like treadmills) AND diet. Many say that the fat around our bellies is 90% diet related.
You are a vegetarian. Do you use a lot of sodium? Are you eating enough protein or mostly carbohydrates? And if you are drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol you may never get rid of the belly fat Hope this helps.
Jo
From: R.
Subject: Re: pls advise
Thx Jo.
How many mins shld i walk/run to start off on the treadmill? Also, i did read a lot of ive reviews on the ab lounge. Will it be helpful in my case? If so how many sets shld i do daily? I belive it comes with a video/diet guide but not sure if its a veg based one. Where could i get a good diet guide for veg?
Thx Jo. Too many q. but im glad that uve helped.
warm regds
r
My response:
Hi- I would hold off on the ab machine - you can really get the same ab workout doing crunches and the ab machine isn't going to get rid of the fat. If this is the first time you are exercising you should start off by walking 20 minutes. Go slow and listen to your body. I know there are a lot of good books for vegetarians. If you get into working out you see look for one that is specifically designed for athletes. I don't know of one off hand but I'm sure if you do a Google search you can find one. Good luck! Jo
From: Tamara
Subject: Question about a NordicTrack product
Hi there,
I just read a few of your reviews on epinions.com and I was impressed with your knowledge and your objectivity. Question for you: have you reviewed this product: Nordictrack Incline Trainer X10? I see it in the NordicTrack store every time I go to the mall, and I am intrigued. I have tried it out in the store and it looks like a great product-- but who knows. I work out 5-6 days a week at the gym doing a well-rounded routine-- a variety of cardio as well as lifting. However, I am really interested in setting up a home gym before my husband and I have kids, so that I can continue with my workout routines more easily than going to the gym. This particular piece of equipment seems ideal for the cardio aspect of the home gym because it can create so many different training situations (running flat, hiking up a steep incline, etc). So I was wondering if you have any opinions about it, because it is very expensive.
Thanks,
Tamara
My response:
This is one amazing machine and I am giving it 5 stars because it is unlike anything I have used. However it is not for everyone and I urge you to try to walk for 20 minutes at 50% incline. The claim is that you will burn approximately 480 calories versus the 75 you would burn walking level at 2 miles per hour. At 50% incline you cannot walk much faster. Those of you who work out on a treadmill know how slow 2 mph is. However on the X10 it is a hike. I had trouble sustaining this for 20 minutes. The calorie calculation is close to accurate. I believe I actually burned more because I found it quite difficult and I hike at 50% inclines.
I would recommend the Incline Trainer only to those already in great shape; those who are training; those who hike; those who have checked with their doctors first and those who want an amazing workout. If you do not fall into those categories think about the x5 which will cost you less and still give you a great workout.
For example, in a 20-minute walking workout at an incline of 25 percent, you can burn three times the calories compared to walking on a level surface. Or, walking at an incline of 50 percent, you can burn seven times the calories! From the website. Although this sounds like a lot of money, you get a lot for that money. There are many machines out there for more that are not as good and many for less. I said I really like the ProForm and I do. Check that out if that is your budget. However for a superb workout consider the X10 or the less expensive X5.
NordicTrack Incline Trainerx10
From: Zac
Subject: ab machine recommendation
Hi Jo, I have been reading your reviews on epinions for a few days now, and now more confused about what I should buy.
Here is my background info....
I am 24 years old, 5' 9", currently I weigh approx 160 pounds.
After 5 years of working at a desk I started to notice 'love handles' forming. So for the past month I have watched what I ate, allot of mountain bike riding, pushups, dips, playing with my golden retriever (allot of chasing, to get the ball back), I bought a pair of 20 pound dumbbells and do various arms exercises. The 'handles' are just about gone, the rest of my body feels great as well. In highschool I owned a ab roller, which I used and liked. I dont remember having a sore neck, back then after using it, but when I started using it this time, my neck hurt for days.
If you were to pick one of the ab machines on the market as the best to really tone/sculpt (I am starting to sound like the informercials) which would you pick/reccomend?
Thanks for your time!!
-Zac
My response:
I really dislike the ab rollers. They hurt my back and neck. I would learn how to do crunches really well rather than buying a machine in all honesty but if you want a recommendation I would say the one I like best at this point is the
Ab Scissor
But for the money this one is less expensive and does the same work. Yukon Ab Crunch Hope this helps
And finally
From:Jen
Subject: machines
Dear Jo, I've read your reviews on Epinions and found them VERY helpful. but there were so many I couldn't decide on which machine to choose from. Could you give me a list of your top rec. machines from inexpensive to pricey? I would like a machine that is great for cardiovascular (not so much strength training since I want to lose weight/fat not bulk up). what do you think of: 1. gazelle 2. gazelle elite slider? 3. stationary bikes 4. rowing machines if you could rec. your top picks that would be so helpful! I really really do appreciate your help, thanks so much! Sincerely, Jen
My response:
Hi Jen, Ok let's see what I can do here and thanks for reading! I don’t know your fitness level and that would help so I’ll keep this general.
My preference for cardio machines are ellipticals. I think they are versatile, easy on the joints and just less boring than rowers for example.
I like the Gazelle for the beginner. They are inexpensive and will give the beginner a decent workout.
Ok I love the
Star Trac Pro Recumbent Bike 6430 but at $2800 it is pricey.
The Cybex Arc Trainer is $5500 and is fantastic but you'd do just as well with the Gazelle for so much less!!! Hope this helps a bit? Let me know how you make out.
jo
All my equipment reviews are listed on my profile page. I do try to review equipment requested by readers. Please leave me a question or comment. I hope this has helped. Thanks for reading. jo
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