Just getting an idea of what others are using

I used to run on the treadmill exclusively. After awhile it began to cause issues with my left hip joint (it would make an inaudible "pop" during everyday walking). I've since moved over to the recumbent bike and it's doing wonders. Less strain on my legs and joints and I feel like I'm getting some fantastic cardio sessions in. I'm in a cutting phase and the fat is burning off at a very nice pace.

:tu:

I used to run on the treadmill exclusively. After awhile it began to cause issues with my left hip joint (it would make an inaudible "pop" during everyday walking). I've since moved over to the recumbent bike and it's doing wonders. Less strain on my legs and joints and I feel like I'm getting some fantastic cardio sessions in. I'm in a cutting phase and the fat is burning off at a very nice pace.

:tu:

I currently use a treadmill but hate it. It is loud and I get really bored using it. During warmer months of the year, I like to walk or jog around the neighborhood. I can walk 5 miles in no time outside but a mile on the treadmill seems to take forever. :rolleyes:

I am thinking about getting an eliptical machine. I haven't tried one yet. We'll see :D

I have to say that the equipment depends upon the day/mood. Currently I would usually alternate between treadmill or eliptical depending upon mood, what's free in the gym, and what's on the TVs at the front of the gym. I used to use the bikes (upright and stationary) but have changed since I feel that if you have to support your own weight during the exercise, then it will probably be doing you more good than if you are seated.

The one exercise that really knocks the shit out me is the rower. I would use the Concept 2 rowers in my gym as a sort of overall test of my fitness. You need good strength, technique and above all else, excellent cardiovascular fitness to perform well on them. I would favour 2000 meters, as that is the standard olympic distance, and try to continually chip away at my best time.

My best is 7m 59.0s currently, and I very nearly puked all over myself once I had finished.

Oops wrong time, it's 6m 59.0s. Just below 1m 45s for the 500m splits.

All that said, someone made an excellent point in another thread (sory, can't remember where). The best piece of equipment is the one you will actually use.

Andrew.

My best is 7m 59.0s currently, and I very nearly puked all over myself once I had finished.
Andrew.

THAT'S INTENSE!!! :tucool:

I run outside at lunch-time 3 days a week - either 4 or 7 miles depending on the route, but I also have a stationary bike at home that I use sometimes in the evening.

I use a stationary bike at home, mainly cos it's now setup in front of the TV and I find I can keep going longer when watching something I like (Stargate SG-1 is on when I get home from work, which is nice) than I can just listening to music. I have a Polar A5 which beeps at me if I drop below 65% MHR, so it stops me slowing down if my concentration drifts too much. (the computer on the bike is cream crackered anyway, but heart rate seems more relevent than the computers calculation of speed was).

I plan on getting Sky Sports soon as I used to be able to watch a football match (or soccer, if you prefer) quite happily whilst plonked on a bike down at the gym. Of course, that was back in the day when I was knocking around 8mins for the 2000m on the rower. Hopefully, I'll be back there by the summer.

I prefer the stationary bike - I can do HIIT most effectively on it. Close second is the elliptical. If I want to use a treadmill, I'll go outside and do it the old-fashioned way.

This spring, I plan to purchase a bike so I can hit the bike trails. I want to spend more time outdoors this year. I won't do HIIT obviously, but a nice 30 mile bike ride will be just fine with me (once I build up to it, of course).

I'm so stupid I need to chase a ball to get a workout ;)

Actually I've been doing team ball sports for 25 years, and I've realized that this is the best way for me to keep in shape. Everytime I try to start crosscountry running I get bored out of my skull, and can't get any intensity. And just sitting on a bike at home is OUT. Rollerblading is fun, and I do that in the summer (hard to get the intensity though).

The last several years I've just done one workout per week. Combined with a not so healthy diet (2-4 hours commutes every day means it's easy to do fast food and snacks), I've put on some padding...

But after reading about John in January, I've started living healthier. I've laid off fast food, snacks and sodas, started drinking a lot of water and eating fruit between meals to keep the metabolism up.
I still eat breakfast, lunch and dinner the same as I did before, only a bit less of it (and more veggies).

So currently I do 60-90 minutes of pretty intense games (my pulse meter says 180-205 bpm max, 140-150 bpm avg), 3 times a week. Now I just need to get a couple of weight training days in as well. I don't have a home gym, so time is an issue :(

/d-andy
---
Started at 187 cm, 94 kg in January.
Currently 91.5 kg, 18% BF @ Health Central.
The immediate goal is to get under 90 kg, under 14% BF, and a better muscle profile (my arms/chest/shoulders are too skinny)

Oops wrong time, it's 6m 59.0s. Just below 1m 45s for the 500m splits.



That is a very good time! You can see how you rank against your age group at concept2 (http://www.concept2.com)

I prefer the rowing machine too, but then I'm a rower and therefore may be biased. :D