Home Exercising/equipment

[nicolewi]

I am feeling really out of shape and the long cold winter is approaching. Like, for my health I feel like I really need to do something, plus I would also like to be fitting in my clothes better. Looks like I will be spending the winter hibernating in the house, helping my kids with online school, watching TV, and cooking/baking a lot. Not a great recipe for fitness. 

In the past, like, um, pre-kids, I ran regularly. I never liked it, but I did it, and got it done, because it was convenient and I knew I needed exercise. I stayed in decent shape. I hate going to gyms and am not going to be doing that anyway b/c of Covid. 

I like walking. I would try running again, but my Achilles tendon has been sore, possibly related to me deciding to do a full-out sprint around the house with the kids one day from a totally cold start. Oops. 

I have never liked biking IRL--too freaked out about cars and stuff. 

I had started going to Pilates last winter and really liked it until things shut down. They are open again, but I'm not comfortable going back right now. I am looking into trying her online classes, but I need something else I can do, too; more aerobic. 

What home exercise equipment actually gets used, or what routine is do-able for you? A treadmill? An elliptical? I don't want to spend 2K on a Peloton and I don't really get why they are so awesome, but if you think that's the ONLY WAY you can try to convince me. I would like to go downstairs in my own house, do a quick warm-up and about 30 minutes of exercise, a quick cool-down, and go back upstairs to my regular life. If I can watch TV or something to entertain myself that's good.

We have nothing at all right now. 

Also, I could/should do some kind of videos or something but am unmotivated. Are there online resources you really like that you can just do on your floor without a lot of equipment? 

[dcrunnergirl52]

Just get the Peloton, if you are able to. The rides are fun and for all levels, you can tailor the ride to how you're feeling that day, they have a variety of other type of exercise choices, and there is something awesome about knowing you're doing the same rides/exercise as thousands of other people. I ran marathons in my pre-kid life and did OTF 3-4x per week until the pandemic, and always thought I'd hate spinning. But, I love our Peloton. It's the one thing that has saved my sanity the past few months.

ETA: We also have a Peloton tread, and it gets used way, way less, mostly by DH. It's awesome, but I find it so much easier to motivate to get on the bike than the treadmill. With the bike, I just put on my workout clothes, shoes that don't need to be tied, and get going. With running on the tread, I feel like I have to pick the right clothes to prevent chafing, make sure my shoes are tied just right, go to the bathroom so I don't need to go mid-run, etc. It just feels like more prep and motivation is needed for that.

[scribellesam]

If you can’t afford a Peloton (I certainly can’t) the app still has a lot of great home workouts you can do with little to no equipment - bodyweight strength, yoga, HIIT cardio, plus audio runs and walks you can take with you outside. I really enjoy the workouts, and I’ve always loathed exercise videos.

[acr]

We turned our dining room into my office + gym

I got a Schwinn IC4 spin bike + a new iPad and peloton app. So very happy with this (just over 1100 for both)

We have a big gorilla workout mat next to the bike for floor workouts and a handful of weights.

[thebreakfastclub]

I lost 15 lbs so far this year with beachbody on demand workouts. There is a wide variety of content, most is 35 min or less. You would need 3, 5 & 8 lb dumbbells to start. I like that you can just cast to your tv and have access to many programs. It is $100 for a year.

[acr]

As much as I like the peloton bike in theory, I didn’t like that I couldn’t pause workouts or move the screen to another part of the room for floor workouts.

[pinkpeony08]

I also bought a Schwinn ic3 spin bike with a wahoo cadence monitor, heart rate monitor and peleton app. Much cheaper than the peleton app and gives a lot of data into the app that makes the workout more fun. I had only taken a few spin classes at a gym about 10 years ago. The app also has lots of other workouts - yoga, boot camp classes. It’s been fun and the coaches are super positive. Lots of people looking for bikes used too, so If you don’t like the bike, you can sell it easily.

[icedcoffee]

Just get a Peloton or a Sunny bike with an iPad and the Peloton app. It’s exactly what you are looking for and you will love it.

[Susie]

I have a space set up in my basement with a treadmill, my road bike set up on a trainer, adjustable dumbbells, a couple swiss balls of different sizes, and a space with a large mirror that I mostly use for lifting with the dumbbells, and also stretching and yoga.



The big ticket items (treadmill, bike/trainer, and TV set up) are not new, but this year I added the weights, the foam tile flooring, the mirror, I cleared out the clutter, and I painted and decorated a little.

I admit I am struggling with consistency because of external factors that have messed with my routine.  In October we had a storm that knocked out power for days, followed immediately by a 2 week daycare closure, etc. etc.  But I am trying to get back on the wagon.  I have to get up at 6 to workout before the kids are up or it doesn't happen.  Right now, I am doing New Rules of Lifting for Women 3 days a week with some dumbbell adjustments (because I don't have a full set of gym equipment/squat rack/bar/pull set up).  I warm up on my bike, do my strength workout, stretch a little, and go up to shower and start my day.  On off days I just ride my bike, and I try to pick shows to watch that one episode is a good length, usually something in the 45-60min range.  Ideally I want to be hitting 5 days/week.

I like running, but I've been struggling with core strength (or lack thereof) and injuries since having the kids in 2015 and 2019.  Prior to that I was a half marathoner/half ironman triathlete with ambitions of moving up to full.  The plan is for lifting to help me get the strength back in my core (not just abs, but lower back, hips, etc.) to hopefully be able to get back to doing that eventually.  For now my treadmill doesn't see much love.

I've never done workout videos, but if you liked pilates classes, then pilates videos might be good.  

I find that when I work out regularly, my anxiety is lower, I sleep better, and I also make better food choices just because I feel better about my body and am more conscious about what I put into it.  Good choices beget more good choices.  So for me the most important thing is to just. start.  

There's also a recent post over on H&F right now about home gyms that might have a few more ideas: pandce.proboards.com/thread/622437/home-gym

[gerberdaisy]

Another vote for a peloton!

It seemed like a crazy purchase, but has been amazing. I got it in January and love the motivation it gives me. The classes are engaging, and can feel myself getting stronger.

I’m not getting into strength and the other classes they offer.

[keweenawlove]

I got a membership to obe fitness on a free trial at the beginning off all this and ended up loving it. There's a ton of categories (pilates, barre, hiit, dance, strength) so I've stayed occupied doing it for 6+ months. Workouts range from 10-60 min.

I also have a bike trainer that I use 1-2 times a week but I get bored any more than that.

[KellyEasterbrook]

I spent a few years in an area with no gyms and for a good chunk of the winter temps stayed well below -20. I had a treadmill but rarely ended up using it. It was a waste of money for us. Yoga Glo saved me. It has hundreds and hundreds of yoga, Pilates and meditation classes with a wide range of search criteria. I’d definitely work up a sweat with certain yoga classes. I think it’s around $18 a month.

And not to hijack the thread, but does anyone have an elliptical that they rec? DH and I both have back issues, and both our physical therapists recommended an elliptical over a bike or treadmill.

[kdubs923]

We got an elliptical on Craigslist for like $250. It seems brand new! I want a Peloton, but I haven’t regularly worked out since having kids (age 7 and almost 5). I couldn’t spend that much money without knowing I’d use it.

I have managed to use the elliptical every day for about a month now. If I make it to 6 months, I think I’ll look into an upgrade. I also have started a 30 day yoga video challenge. It’s free on Amazon Prime and I’ve really enjoyed it (about 3 weeks in). It’s Julia Marie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge. If you don’t like that one, there are a lot of other free videos available on Prime. You might find something else that’s a good fit for you.

[freshsqueezed]

We plan to get a spin bike and use the peleton app. We loved to do spin classes though and I loved doing group workout classes so I am hoping I like those on the app to keep motivated to do that kind of stuff.

[dcn]

You don’t need a fancy bike to do what you want to do.

Yoga with Adrienne in YouTube is great.

For workouts I need a calendar that tell me what workout to do each day. I’ve done P90x in the past, and now I subscribe to Moms into fitness/Lindsay Brin. She has a bunch of different programs to choose from or you can just do her daily workout.

[VillainV]

We have the Echelon bike (very similar to Peloton but less expensive), and we love it. They also have a rower, “reflect” mirror screen, and just added a treadmill.

[icedcoffee]

Oct 31, 2020 14:06:35 GMT -5 kdubs923 said:

We got an elliptical on Craigslist for like $250. It seems brand new! I want a Peloton, but I haven’t regularly worked out since having kids (age 7 and almost 5). I couldn’t spend that much money without knowing I’d use it.

I have managed to use the elliptical every day for about a month now. If I make it to 6 months, I think I’ll look into an upgrade. I also have started a 30 day yoga video challenge. It’s free on Amazon Prime and I’ve really enjoyed it (about 3 weeks in). It’s Julia Marie’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge. If you don’t like that one, there are a lot of other free videos available on Prime. You might find something else that’s a good fit for you.

Not to be annoying but I got my Peloton after not working out in about 4 years and I have used it 5 days a week since. I’m truly not trying to be an annoying Peloton cult member but it has done so much for me. I think a simple bike like Sunny with the app is almost just as good though and a great alternative.

[gastro]

I hate working out. The only thing I enjoy doing is swimming and that’s hard with Covid and with three young kids who are home all.the.time.

I also had a baby last year and have had weight to drop.

So what do I do? Not any $$& equipment because I know me and I know I might use it for a little bit but then it will collect dust. I’ve lost a good bit of the baby weight by watching what I eat, doing quick strength and pilate videos. There’s a ton of stuff on Instagram videos that are free - like great gyms all across the world that have pumped out content because of Covid. @psyclelondon is my favorite. The have great videos all different lengths - 15min, 40min etc

[5thofjuly]

We have:

A NordicTrac elliptical that has all of these fun videos that automatically adjust with the terrain

A weight tower/bench (with stuff for flies, preacher curls, lat pull down, leg extensions, leg curls, squats, and tri pull down)

Free weights (the adjustable ones are...ok. Lots of bang for you buck, but they’re bulky

A Pilates ring

A medicine ball

A Swiss ball

A tv where I do free workouts on YouTube through Fitness Blender (highly recommended!)

I do NOT enjoy working out, so I need a lot of variety. We’ve just added items to our list over time. If I wanted a decent 30 minute workout, Fitness Blender is the way to go.

[abs]

I've been slowly building my home gym.

I will ditto others and say get the Peloton app. You can get a month for free so you can try it out and see. I like all the variety of workouts and you can tailor it to whatever you want. I usually build a workout between either my bike or HIIT plus a 10-20 minute strength session. It just depends on what I want. There is so much to do I never get bored. The instructors are super fun and motivating and also pretty engaging on social media if that is your thing. I tried beachbody, too, but it was definitely not for me. The instructors were so annoying and made me want to punch them. Not what I was going for, lol.

I do not have a Peloton bike...I couldn't stomach the price plus they are so in demand right now that you wouldn't get one until next year. I do think they are worth it though if you go that route. I have a Scwhinn Ic4 which I use with my phone or ipad. It works great and I love it. I also have several sets of dumbbells for strength training, a foam roller for stretching, and resistance bands. I would love to add a treadmill but we just don't have the room. No worries...what I have is perfect and it got me through the horrible hot summer when we were stuck indoors. Make sure you get something that will make you happy...you will be glad.

[runblondie26]

I definitely choose running as my preferred workout, but when I can’t be outside, I opt for my elliptical or spin bike almost every time. I welcome it as an opportunity to cross-train. My treadmill doesn’t get much use.

My elliptical has a 20% incline range, so it’s not monotonous working the same muscles the entire time. Look for that feature. Sole and Horizon are good, midrange home brands.

There are plenty of good quality spin bikes at a lower price point you can use with the Peloton app. Some people are motivated by the feedback, team-aspect, etc. you get with an actual Peloton. There’s value in that, so it’s worth considering if you think it’ll motivate you more to use it more. A heart rate monitor is plenty of feedback to keep me honest and engaged, so I don’t feel the need to upgrade. Echelon, Nordic track, and Schwinn are solid alternatives.

The MLM aspect is annoying, but the Beachbody on-demand workouts are challenging and are a low cost option, too.

[InBetweenDays]

Running is my preferred exercise, but I also used to go to weight classes at the gym. I won't go back to the gym until this pandemic is over. So we bought hand weights and a mat and I signed up for peloton. We don't have the bike - I just do the cardio, strength, etc classes. They also have classes for yoga, meditation, stretching, walking, and some for family/kids. I really like it.

[isabel]

I really want a rowing machine. Costco has one in store (couldn’t find it online) for $400 that I am seriously considering. Edit: they also had a stationary bike for $400 if you’re into that and want use the peloton app.

I only like to run outdoors and don’t enjoy stationary bikes, but I enjoy rowing and can see myself doing that consistently.

[wildrice]

Oct 31, 2020 13:54:28 GMT -5 KellyEasterbrook said:

I spent a few years in an area with no gyms and for a good chunk of the winter temps stayed well below -20. I had a treadmill but rarely ended up using it. It was a waste of money for us. Yoga Glo saved me. It has hundreds and hundreds of yoga, Pilates and meditation classes with a wide range of search criteria. I’d definitely work up a sweat with certain yoga classes. I think it’s around $18 a month.

And not to hijack the thread, but does anyone have an elliptical that they rec? DH and I both have back issues, and both our physical therapists recommended an elliptical over a bike or treadmill.

I think this is the one we have - it's definitely this brand and price point, it's possible this is a newer model: 


www.horizonfitness.com/ex-59-elliptical

We just got it in June so I can't speak to the longevity, but it seems to work well and it was pretty inexpensive. They shipped it free to our house and my H set it up, which sounds like a pain but he didn't complain too much about it so I think it must not have been too terribly hard. 

I truthfully don't really enjoy much of any structured exercise - I can get into yoga and I've enjoyed a Zumba class here and there, but I'm really just a couch potato at heart. What I like about the elliptical is that I can watch TV or read a book on my Kindle while working out, so the time goes by quickly. It's not something "fun" but the fact that I can combine a decent cardio workout with something I DO enjoy (TV shows) and get it over with helps me actually do it. It's been REALLY nice having one in our basement because it truly is a 40 minute start to finish activity, including cooldown/stretching. The elliptical seems to work better with my knees than a treadmill does, so that's what we went with. 

[ny96]

I realize that it’s approaching winter so for most people this isn’t an option, but I joined a gym that has outdoor only classes (mostly spin). I always sign up for classes within 2 hours of the class starting so I can’t cancel without a penalty which is what I need motivation wise right now.

[nicolewi]

Thanks, so many good ideas here! I love it!

I think I will start with some online classes and maybe the Peloton app...and then see if I can get into it enough where I think it might be worth buying a Peloton or similar in the new year. I like the "30 days of yoga" idea. I need something a little structured to get myself moving, but not too hard.

Susie, that is an AMAZING home gym! Wow.

[maudefindlay]

Your kids may be tall enough to use equipment too. With winter coming and indoor places we normally go for fun in winter out, it sealed my decision to buy a spin bike. My DS1 will use the Peloton I just ordered (eta Dec 21st). My younger 2 will be able to do the kid classes. I'm hoping DS2 will do the yoga and that it may help with his ADHD. DH plans to use the bike as well. I think we will all benefit from consistently having a way to burn off energy no matter the weather.

[sju1982]

Nov 1, 2020 10:59:18 GMT -5 isabel said:

I really want a rowing machine. Costco has one in store (couldn’t find it online) for $400 that I am seriously considering. Edit: they also had a stationary bike for $400 if you’re into that and want use the peloton app.

I only like to run outdoors and don’t enjoy stationary bikes, but I enjoy rowing and can see myself doing that consistently.

Was the rower iFit compatible? If so, I heard good things about it in my iFit Facebook group.

[Velar Fricative]

We got a Schwinn IC4 plus a new iPad to use with the Peloton app. Stil much cheaper than the Peloton bike and higher monthly cost. We love it. Now there seem to be more cheaper bikes hitting the market.

But if you don’t know where to start and don’t want to spend money on something you’re not sure you’ll like, definitely experiment with subscription apps and focus on workouts that don’t require too much equipment or any at all.

[stephm0188]

We have a Concept2 rower and TRX straps. Rowing is a great- it's low impact but works the majority of your main muscle groups across the body.

Both were quarantine purchases in March because we were going through OTF withdrawl.