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Post by Dixie Lou on Jan 25, 2016 4:19:19 GMT
If you had to decide between the two, which would you choose and why?
I know I need to get exercise and really want an elliptical. It would be nice to get exercise without leaving the house. But would I do it?
My husband would rather I join a gym. But I am a loner and sometimes don't want to leave the house. Sometimes I don't want to see people or socialize. I decided I would try the gym first but then he wanted me to join a different one than what I had chosen. Now I'm back to just wanting the elliptical.
I really need a way to exercise without considering the weather (too cold or rainy or too hot.)
So what would you do?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 6, 2024 11:15:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 4:24:09 GMT
I personally regret joining a gym. We have a treadmill, and I should have stuck with that. My reason for joining a gym was to lift weights and possibly do a morning class. I was hoping home issues of unpredictable schedules would get better. That is not changing anytime soon so now I'm wasting money each month.
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Post by mom on Jan 25, 2016 4:27:02 GMT
If you had to decide between the two, which would you choose and why? I know I need to get exercise and really want an elliptical. It would be nice to get exercise without leaving the house. But would I do it? My husband would rather I join a gym. But I am a loner and sometimes don't want to leave the house. Sometimes I don't want to see people or socialize. I decided I would try the gym first but then he wanted me to join a different one than what I had chosen. Now I'm back to just wanting the elliptical. I really need a way to exercise without considering the weather (too cold or rainy or too hot.) So what would you do? Why didnt he like what you've chosen? Was there a good reason? Edited to add: I would choose the gym (but only if its the one I liked and picked). I know there is a zero chance of me being motivated to workout at home. I need to 'go' somewhere to keep me working out. Also, I like that I could try new things, classes even if I don't want to have it become a social event. Also? There is the whole accountability thing as well.
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tanya2
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1604
Posts: 4,422
Jun 27, 2014 2:27:09 GMT
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Post by tanya2 on Jan 25, 2016 4:29:44 GMT
I always find that home equipment never quite works the same as gym equipment does, unless you spend a lot of money on it. And most pieces I've bought have usually ended up with a very thick layer of dust on them. The gym doesn't need to be a social activity, it just needs to become a habit
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Post by alexa11 on Jan 25, 2016 4:31:03 GMT
Join a gym and get out! There's so many different things that you can do and of course they have ellipticals! I would go absolutely insane if I had to only exercise on an elliptical. You don't have to socialize in the gym if you don't want to- just go in and do your thing. You have to get into the routine of going regularly. And go to the one that you want- not the one your DH has picked out.
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Post by katlady on Jan 25, 2016 4:37:57 GMT
I would choose the gym. But for me, that is what works best. I like the variety of equipment and I like going to classes. You don't have to socialize. I know very few people at the gym. I recognize some and we nod and say hi, but that is it. The classes though is what keeps me motivated, somehow someone yelling to keep going makes you keep going!
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Post by annabella on Jan 25, 2016 4:39:49 GMT
I would join a gym for the variety. Different machines, weights, and classes. I think I'd get bored with doing the elliptical everyday. You can always do workout videos at home on the days you don't want to go to the gym. How much is the gym in your area?
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Post by Dixie Lou on Jan 25, 2016 4:46:27 GMT
DH wants me to go to Just Fitness because it's in our neighborhood. I want to go to the 24 Hour Fitness that is about ten minutes away. I think I'll see more people I know at Just Fitness. It may be a little cheaper and he may belong to that one but he never goes. He will nag me about going if I join that one. I want the other one because it has more and it's open 24 hours. It costs $35 per month with a two year commitment. I'm not sure how much Just Fitness costs. My DD3 has a lifetime membership there. She, however, lives 1200 miles away.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 6, 2024 11:15:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 4:48:54 GMT
I don't like the gym so if I had a membership I wouldn't go. I like to workout on my own and not be bothered by others around me.
For what it's worth...try the elliptical before you buy it. I had one and hated it. My toes fell asleep after 15 minutes. I sold it and got a treadmill and I love it. I can do a 45 min work out every day and never get bored.
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Post by mom on Jan 25, 2016 4:50:58 GMT
DH wants me to go to Just Fitness because it's in our neighborhood. I want to go to the 24 Hour Fitness that is about ten minutes away. I think I'll see more people I know at Just Fitness. It may be a little cheaper and he may belong to that one but he never goes. He will nag me about going if I join that one. I want the other one because it has more and it's open 24 hours. It costs $35 per month with a two year commitment. I'm not sure how much Just Fitness costs. My DD3 has a lifetime membership there. She, however, lives 1200 miles away. If it were me, I would leave out the part about knowing more people and him nagging you. Keep it just based on what the gym offers: more equipment. Unless there is a safety concern, I say join whichever YOU like as long as its in your budget.
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Post by chaosisapony on Jan 25, 2016 5:06:34 GMT
If you had to decide between the two, which would you choose and why? I know I need to get exercise and really want an elliptical. It would be nice to get exercise without leaving the house. But would I do it? My husband would rather I join a gym. But I am a loner and sometimes don't want to leave the house. Sometimes I don't want to see people or socialize. I decided I would try the gym first but then he wanted me to join a different one than what I had chosen. Now I'm back to just wanting the elliptical. I really need a way to exercise without considering the weather (too cold or rainy or too hot.) So what would you do? I just went through this decision process for pretty much the exact reasons you listed. I chose to buy an elliptical. I just knew that I would never got to the gym. I hate the crowds, the social aspect, I don't feel comfortable being around all the fit people while barely being able to do anything, etc etc. Gyms just aren't for me. So I bought the elliptical and I've used it almost daily. I am so, so happy with my choice. The key, for me, was in getting a quiet, small model so I can leave it out in the living room and watch tv while I use it. I knew if I got some large contraption I always had to move out of the way I would never use it. So the elliptical just lives a few feet to the right of my couch and it's impossible to ignore. I love it. I've lost 10 pounds since January 5th just by counting calories and doing about 10 minutes a night on the elliptical.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,410
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jan 25, 2016 5:17:01 GMT
For me, a gym is what I would go with. After I get clearance from the doctor after delivering my kiddo in March, I'm joining the gym in town. It's classes only with one class in each time slot (very small town, very small gym) and it's $60/mo. This is the CHEAP gym in town! Anyway, I like classes. I have tried the at home exercise route. Nope. Not me.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 6, 2024 11:15:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 5:50:09 GMT
I would buy the machine, because I love and it is the only piece that I used at the gym. I can spend 2 hours on it just watching tv. And tv that I want to watch not those crappy sport stations or news
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Post by psoccer on Jan 25, 2016 5:54:50 GMT
Join a gym. I had joined a gym, then we bought a treadmill figuring it would save money and I did use it for several years, but I'm back at the gym. I like the variety. Choose the gym that works for you. My son had 24 hour fitness and he loved it because he could go whenever.
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Post by jengels999 on Jan 25, 2016 7:10:31 GMT
I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago, except I was deciding between joining a gym and buying a treadmill. I chose to buy the treadmill, I also prefer to stay home. I watch TiVo and Netflix on my iPad walking on the treadmill in my basement.
Janell
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057
Jul 4, 2014 6:57:02 GMT
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Post by AllieC on Jan 25, 2016 9:08:58 GMT
I would join the gym. For us, we have bought several home gym pieces (good quality ones) and all have ended up being expensive clothes hangers. We start out with good intentions but there is always something else that we can make an excuse to do.
With the gym, I almost have appointments with myself so that I know what days and times I'm going and I tend to exercise more.
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Post by gar on Jan 25, 2016 9:46:16 GMT
Gym. After too many purchases of equipment I swore blind I would use but never did, I will never pretend to myself that I will exercise at home. I just won't. I need the commitment of going somewhere. At home it's constant excuses and delay tactics even when I don't realise I'm doing it.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057
Jul 4, 2014 6:57:02 GMT
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Post by AllieC on Jan 25, 2016 10:30:38 GMT
Gym. After too many purchases of equipment I swore blind I would use but never did, I will never pretend to myself that I will exercise at home. I just won't. I need the commitment of going somewhere. At home it's constant excuses and delay tactics even when I don't realise I'm doing it.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 25, 2016 11:55:07 GMT
I would buy the elliptical.
I know for me personally, I like privacy when I exercise. I feel embarrassed at all my fat jiggling around for everyone to see at a gym.
Plus I like to have an excuse to watch lots of television, so I would watch as I exercised.
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Deleted
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May 6, 2024 11:15:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 11:59:27 GMT
I joined a gym, went 4-5 days a week, did great. Then craft show season started and I didn't go for 2 months. I realized I want something I can do at home because it'd be easier and quicker to get a 30 minute session in and get on with my day as opposed to the hour and half going to the gym took.
Plus I don't care for the general public. I'm OK with not seeing anyone but my husband for days.
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Post by ihaveonly1l on Jan 25, 2016 12:07:34 GMT
You should check with your insurance to see if they reimburse any. I was going to buy a treadmill for running at home in the winter, but the quality I wanted was very expensive. If I go to the gym 12 times a month, my insurance pays $25.00. My gym membership is $25 plus tax so I end up paying like $1.53 a month. That's a lot of months towards the expensive equipment and the accountability of going at least 12 times a month has kept me going when I felt like I was hitting a slump.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Jan 25, 2016 12:50:28 GMT
I personally regret joining a gym. We have a treadmill, and I should have stuck with that. My reason for joining a gym was to lift weights and possibly do a morning class. I was hoping home issues of unpredictable schedules would get better. That is not changing anytime soon so now I'm wasting money each month. I signed up for a one year membership which should be over Feb 1. As luck would have it, I have a doctor's appointment that day and I'm going to drop by the gym and cancel my membership. I'd love to go, but with the kids' schedules this year, it's been extremely hard to go. I'm always going back and forth between going to the gym and just doing something at home. They both have their allure. For me, right now, the gym doesn't fit into my insane schedule.
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peaname
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,389
Aug 16, 2014 23:15:53 GMT
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Post by peaname on Jan 25, 2016 12:50:58 GMT
Well I would personally prove to myself that I could stick with regular exercise by setting a goal like walk 20 min 5 days a week for 12 weeks and if I can do that then get the elliptical or join the gym. Make the habit first or you'll end up with an expensive coatrack or an embarrassing contract you have to break.
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Post by idahomom on Jan 25, 2016 13:53:28 GMT
I was like you - not extremely sociable, intimidated by all the fit people, unsure about knowing how to use the equipment. I joined the YMCA and boy do I love it. Everyone is so welcoming - big, small, young, old - it doesn't matter. I've made so many friends there, friends that I do things outside of exercise with. Since joining I've had joint replacements and I'm very thankful for the pool and the physical therapists at the Y. Even though I'm still overweight, I'm perfectly healthy inside now, and got my photo and story the "inspiration wall" at the Y. I was shocked, but they asked for my story since I'm there most every day even though I have had two knee replacements, a hip replacement, and the next hip will be replaced this year. When I walk in the door in the morning it's like Cheers when they say "Norm." Everyone knows my name and I get a big "Deb!" when I walk in. With all the friends I've made, if I'm gone for a day, I hear about it - I gets texts and phone calls asking where I am. I love and need the accountability. Those same friends will drag their feet in just because I'm doing the same to them and harassing them to come. When my son graduates college in a few months and moves out we're making his room a work-out room with an elliptical and treadmill for my teen daughter and husband. I will still go to the Y, but hopefully use our home equipment as bonus time. In the past when I had good intentions of using a home elliptical it was too easy to quit early or get side tracked and not do it at all. Since I no longer work, it would be a very long day for me if I didn't get out and see my girls at the Y. I'm there for two hours a day M-F (hour on the elliptical, hour of deep water fitness).
So, my vote is for joining a gym that fits you. Get a trial week at no charge to see how you like it before committing.
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Post by STBC on Jan 25, 2016 14:48:25 GMT
You should check with your insurance to see if they reimburse any. I was going to buy a treadmill for running at home in the winter, but the quality I wanted was very expensive. If I go to the gym 12 times a month, my insurance pays $25.00. My gym membership is $25 plus tax so I end up paying like $1.53 a month. That's a lot of months towards the expensive equipment and the accountability of going at least 12 times a month has kept me going when I felt like I was hitting a slump.
I was going to mention the same thing. I have a gym membership plan through my health insurance which allows me to go to just about any of the gyms in town. The monthly rate is actually cheaper than if I had joined any one single gym.
I don't socialize at the gym - just do my thing in my own little world.
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Post by mari on Jan 25, 2016 15:24:11 GMT
I love my gym. I have a choice of cardio machines, weights, and classes. When I don't feel like going, I either run outside or use an exercise dvd at home.
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Post by kckckc on Jan 25, 2016 15:29:21 GMT
I chose to join a gym. I like the variety - I use the treadmills, ellipticals, stairsteppers, indoor track, and weights. My gym also offers free classes and I take yoga 2-3 times a week. I wouldn't want to do the same thing everyday.
I am very introverted. I don't socialize at the gym - I rarely speak to anyone there.
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
Jun 26, 2014 14:43:10 GMT
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Post by scrappington on Jan 25, 2016 15:30:52 GMT
I'm a loner too. I joined a gym and got a trainer. I knew I needed a trainer so I could learn the machines right and also motivate me. I'm amazed at what I have accomplished. Honestly no one at the gym pays attention to what anyone else is doing. I go get on a treadmill watch the tv screen and listen to music. I have my ipod and use the weight machines. There is also a woman only room there. I am at LA Fitness.
Now sometimes its hard to get me to go or to get the mindset to go. But once I'm there I'm so happy I went. I have more energy, it helps me sleep better and I have lost weight. You just have to go. Once you make it routine. Its warm in the gym or in summer its cool in the gym. So pending how much you were willing to spend on the machine you want depends on the gym. With my trainer my monthly bill is high. Without the trainer it would be very reasonable. But I knew I needed the trainer and honestly she is worth the money. I see her once a week. Initial start up fee is a lot of money, because you have an initiation fee. which is standard at most franchises. Also how close is a gym to your house? Good luck
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jan 25, 2016 15:35:18 GMT
Honestly, I would do better if I had an elliptical at home. It's my favorite exercise at the gym too. But getting the motivation to go to the gym, especially when it is cold outside, it hard. And I would much rather exercise while I watch TV.
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Jan 25, 2016 15:47:12 GMT
go to the gym
no one is paying a bit of attention you - they are all worrying that you are judging them!
take some headphones and just smile when people recognize you
gina
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