Best Exercise Machines

[tartytwenty]

I am curious to what everything thinks is the best exercise machines? I commonly use the elliptical and the rowing machine. I find that the rowing machine helps work your arms as well as your legs. Plus these machines don't kill my knees. What does everyone else think? I commonly wonder if machines are better than others because they do cardio and a bit of toning, or if all out running on a treadmill is better, etc.

[and1grad]

Do you mean strictly cardio machines or those weight ones also (as opposed to free weights)?

[MetFanL]

I really like this machine. I think I'm in love with it...

Cybex Arc Trainer (http://www.ecybex.com/products/CV/ArcTrainer/arctrainer.aspx)

I use everything, though... this machine, the bike, stepper, elliptical, treadmill, rowing...

For lifting, the only machine I use is the Gravitron so I can do pulls ups and dips. Otherwise, I'm a free weights girl.

[and1grad]

Otherwise, I'm a free weights girl.
You should mix it up.

[paiger81]

I love the elliptical cause it's easy on my ankle, and for arms I LOVE the Gravitron.

[LakeJay]

The elliptical is definitely easier on your joints than the treadmill. With that said, I never feel like I have as good of a workout using the elliptical as I do on the treadmill. Whatever machine you use, I would recommend going with interval workouts.

[MetFanL]

You should mix it up.

Yeah? I never know what to do with those cable machines... It's like it's overwhelming b/c there are so many options.

I don't like the other machines, though. I have to do everything one arm/side at a time b/c my body is crooked, so when I use machines, I always feel like I'm pushing more w/ one side than the other.

I use the squat rack on the track thing-y,though. Does that count as a machine? Probably not.

[paiger81]

Oh, I also like something my trainer calls the "Buttmaster"(don't know if that's the offiicial name or not).

Basically, it's a machine where you are on your knees(Mind OUT OF THE GUTTER) and are pushing one leg out. I do 3 sets of 20 on each leg, at 40 pounds of weight/resistance.

[LakeJay]

Yeah? I never know what to do with those cable machines... It's like it's overwhelming b/c there are so many options.

I don't like the other machines, though. I have to do everything one arm/side at a time b/c my body is crooked, so when I use machines, I always feel like I'm pushing more w/ one side than the other.

I use the squat rack on the track thing-y,though. Does that count as a machine? Probably not.

For those machines you don't always need to use both body parts at the same time. I can understand the need to isolate to even things out. Like for the leg curls and leg extension machines, I will do those one leg at a time. You could probably do the fly machine/pec deck one side at a time if you lower the weight. I guess it is good to not always use machines so you give your stability muscles a rest.

Just as an FYI...I think that track thing-y is called a Smith machine. I kind of think of that as a machine too. You're not really using your stabilizing muscles.

[cornflakegirl]

if i am gonna use a cardio machine, it will probably be the elliptical. it is easy on my body & i can read while on it. i love running, but my body can't take much of it. i prefer to go somewhere when i run, but the treadmill isn't too bad. yesterday, i ran on my gym' s tiny track. 16x around= 1mile. it was hard to keep count.

i like the dip assist/ chin-up assist machine. i like that it works a lot of muscle groups & it is challenging.

[tartytwenty]

Do you mean strictly cardio machines or those weight ones also (as opposed to free weights)?


Hmm,

I guess I'm thinking that the elliptical and rowing machine I feel like I can sorta "cheat" by toning and doing cardio all in one shot (intervals, and varying resistances are involved).

But then I wonder if that's really defeating a really good workout of cardio one day, and weights the second day.

That Cybrex Trainer looks very interesting, I am going to read more about it :)

[NoWomanNoCry]

Based on time, you will burn more calories on a treadmill in one hour than you will at the same intensity on other machines. The elliptical trainer comes in second. Ellipticals are a good option if running is hard on your joints.

Don't just stick with one machine, though. Pick a few that you like and mix it up throughout the week. If you don't, your body gets used to what you are doing and does not expend as many calories.

Also, make sure that you alternate your speed and intensity during a work out for optimal results. (I think someone else already mentioned intervals.) And for God's sake, don't be one of those people that jumps on the elliptical trainer and just ho-hums it along at a low resistance. If you don't push yourself, you won't see results.

[paiger81]

If you don't push yourself, you won't see results.

Good point. I always have good rock music on my radio to go on the elliptical because I go faster. I can't wait to get my iPod(getting it when I visiit Kirk) so I can program songs I like.

[cornflakegirl]

Good point. I always have good rock music on my radio to go on the elliptical because I go faster. I can't wait to get my iPod(getting it when I visiit Kirk) so I can program songs I like.

i love exercising with my ipod. that way i can make a playlist of all upbeat songs to run to.

[paiger81]

I know, Kirk has already made the comment that I seem more excited to get the iPod than I do to see him :redface:

[wordsmith]

I'd like to sing the praises of a little machine called the Gazelle. Basically the eliptical principle...easy on the bum knee, so I can actually do it long enough to elevate my heart rate, unlike running. Plus, it's at home, so I don't have to factor in gym time or dues anymore.

[megrocks]

I have a Gazelle as well and I debated posting about it here. The thing drives me nuts because it is so freaking noisy. Well not noisy, creaky. And it takes up a huge amount of space and I run into it a lot. However, its really easy to use. I don't feel like I'm exercising at all until about 20 minutes into it. The timer is pretty conveinent. And it's nice to work the whole body at once.

I had a really bad fall on a treadmill in high school. It was like time stopped when I fell because I was aware that I was on the machine while it was running and scraping up my leg. I was in pain for months and will never get on one again.

[cornflakegirl]

I know, Kirk has already made the comment that I seem more excited to get the iPod than I do to see him :redface:

that reminds me of the 2nd time that i met deadend. he came here to pick up an ipod that he bought on ebay. he was very excited to get the ipod, but i found a way to get him to stop playing with it.;) if kirk needs any suggestions on how to tear you away from your new toy, i have a few for him.

[wordsmith]

Really? What model do you have? Mine's basically silent. It also doesn't take up much space, if I fold it up, it slides behind my couch...but even out, it's pretty compact. I do have a big, open apt., though. Mine's got a timer that also monitors speed, distance and calories burned, but I really only turn the distance on, usually.

[paiger81]

that reminds me of the 2nd time that i met deadend. he came here to pick up an ipod that he bought on ebay. he was very excited to get the ipod, but i found a way to get him to stop playing with it.;) if kirk needs any suggestions on how to tear you away from your new toy, i have a few for him.

Actually, he's buying me the mini iPod AND getting a digital camera for himself :lol: Apparently he's been getting a LOT of overtime working for the Mouse.

ANd don't worry, I don't plan on heading to the electronics store till after we've played around for a bit ;)

[megrocks]

I think its the power plus but I'm not sure. I think it was the most expensive one availible when we bought it back in 03. It's too heavy to move but it's our own fault for sticking a huge bed and desk and shelves in with it. I like the little cup on the side to hold the remote and water.

[pisces2473]

Paige...you can bring the iPod home...Kirk can't come home yet. So, you should definitely give the iPod more attention. :lol:

[paiger81]

:bigger: I told him something similiar to that, but it didn't go over too well :p

[and1grad]

Yeah? I never know what to do with those cable machines... It's like it's overwhelming b/c there are so many options.

I don't like the other machines, though. I have to do everything one arm/side at a time b/c my body is crooked, so when I use machines, I always feel like I'm pushing more w/ one side than the other.

I use the squat rack on the track thing-y,though. Does that count as a machine? Probably not.
I think the cables would be really good for you. You could use it to concentrate on doing exercises with both sides equally and would help with your symmetry. The squat rack is good as long as u do it right.

[MetFanL]

I'm really anal about form (you should have seen me at my golf lesson. I made the dude put my swing to an 8 count so I could be sure to do it right), so I'm not concerned about symmetry w/ my free weights. i'm really careful about keeping stuff stable.

My issue w/ the cable machines is that I don't know what to do with it... both sides, one side, bar, handles... there are a million different combinations and I guess I don't know where to start.

[pisces2473]

Met doesn't know something about the gym?!?!?! What????

Get a trainer! :D

[biodork]

Ok so what have I learned from this thread? Ipod=best exercise machine. hehe :p

[and1grad]

Met,
It depends on what you want to work out. You're right, its an all-purpose machine but there isnt THAT many things per body part. The cables wont make u sacrifice form but adding that variety to your workout would do more for you than free weights all the time.

[mishl982]

I'm a fan of the elliptical too, although I haven't used it in the longest time (it's only available at my apt gym, not work, and lately I've been going to the work gym). Treadmill is a close second, but I can only use that a couple times a week because running wears me out.

And I love the "buttmaster!" I haven't used that since college and I'd like to say using that thing had something to do with me having a quasibutt (I used to have a very flat ass - it's somewhat growing, hehe).

[paiger81]

Met-
Most gyms give you a free session with a trainer, so you can see if you like it, see if your gym has one. IF not, it's a great way to pick up guys, cause you could ask someone how to work the machines. :bigger:

Mishl-
I have a huge ass, and the "buttmaster" has given it a firm & smoother shape!!!

[mishl982]

Mishl-
I have a huge ass, and the "buttmaster" has given it a firm & smoother shape!!!
Hehe, I just want to gain muscle so I will have an ass! At least it works for people with and without butts!

[pisces2473]

Met, actually I'm really surprised you don't have a trainer, given how dedicated you are to working out. I, OTOH, need one to get my ass there.

[MetFanL]

There are a few reasons I don't have a trainer right now...

- I used to have a trainer, but I fired him b/c he couldn't get there on time in the morning.
- I sometimes work out w/ these two guys who are trainers and compete and stuff, but I usually just like to workout by myself.
- I could probably ask people at the gym to show me stuff, but I don't want them to think that I want to have conversations with them and be all chatty... I have them all trained so well to leave me alone that I'd hate to ruin that. ;)
- My brothers friend who usually helps me switch up my workouts has a shoulder injury and is out of commission. He's pretty depressed b/c he no longer has a shot at a career in baseball and can't workout at all, so I hate to ask him about gym stuff right now...
- They have free "trainers" at my gym, but they're all idiots. I've watched them train people and they all look like injuries waiting to happen.

However, there is one girl that teaches the classes, though, that I could probably ask... Maybe I'll see what she says.

[tartytwenty]

I could probably ask people at the gym to show me stuff, but I don't want them to think that I want to have conversations with them and be all chatty... I have them all trained so well to leave me alone that I'd hate to ruin that. ;)


And I thought I was the only one who did that!!! LOL