Exercising at Home

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

So, I'm determined to do something to lose some weight. The weather is getting worse, so walking outside isn't really an option (for the time being). We live in the middle of nowhere with no gyms.I have a whole library of work-out DVDs and a WiiFit, but I get very bored with them I stay on track for about a week and then lose attention.We're thinking of getting some kind of machine for the house for exercising (elliptical, stationary bike, treadmill), but don't know which would be best.Q1: Any advice on what kind of machine we should purchase, if we go that route?Q2: Any other excersize advice that will help me from getting bored and possibly motivate me to keep up with whatever I decide? (Because, apparently the thought of losing weight and getting healthier isn't enough).Thanks!

TheSaltyPeanut · October 2009

P90x

maggyruth · October 2009

x2 on p90x. Tony Horton can get to be annoying, but the routines will keep you guessing.

danieliza1127 · October 2009

If I knew the answer, I would totally give it to you. I'm the same way. I have pilates DVDs, even the 30 Day Shred and I just can't make myself do anything. I did the Shred for about 3 days and then quit. We even had my H's really nice and expensive bike set up to be stationary in front of a big tv with a bike riding DVD playing to make it look like you're riding your bike in the Bahamas, and I did that about twice and quit. Ugh.In my experience of going to gyms in the past, the elliptical is the best. It burns twice as many calories as a treadmill. It's challenging and you can up your progress as you go along. I think it's way better than a bike (butt gets numb) or treadmill. The problem is, if you're bad at working out at home will this really make it any different? It would suck to spend that much money on a machine like that and then lose interest.

Nebb · October 2009

Q1 - I would get a spinning bike, I like them the best. You can alter your position so that it fits you perfectly and work out at so many different levels. Q2 - Once you make it a habit, it gets a lot easier. Just be consistant doing it at first and find ways to enjoy it - watching a favourite show, listening to music, etc.

Nebb · October 2009

Butt only gets numb if youre unaccustomed. biking and rowing are my main sources of cardio and my butt always feels fine. I have a lot of natural cushioning though.

[Deleted User] · October 2009

Do you have friends who live close to you or can you get some people together for workouts? I always find that works best, someone in the group will keep us motivated.

tidetravel · October 2009

apparently the thought of losing weight and getting healthier isn't enough.This is my problem. I bought a treadmill, thinking that I could walk on it at home, watch TV, etc. Yeah... it became a laundry drying rack until I got rid of it.Honestly, if you can't motivate yourself on your own, a big fancy machine isn't going to make any difference.Do you have any community centers that offer dance/fitness classes? They may be more fun, more motivational, and cheaper than a machine.

danieliza1127 · October 2009

Maybe the butt numbing thing is just me. I have bad circulation in general, arms always fall asleep and stuff.

Nebb · October 2009

My butt used to get numb when I first started biking, or my butt would hurt after, but you work out your positioning and posture and get used to it, I suppose.

[Deleted User] · October 2009

Also, would you take a class in Omaha or something so you can do it before you get home? I realize this would cut your nights at home pretty short, but most classes are only 2 nights a week or so. Then you would have to do it.

Boofy&Babers · October 2009

I like the elliptical best. I usually burn more calories with that than the treadmill. And as far as exercise videos go, 30-day shred is great. I have the same problems with motivation. I usually work out really hard for a while and then lose motivation again. I have to pace myself at a not-impossible workout level. I also have a playlist of songs that make me feel energized when I work out, that really helps me. If you get bored with your routine, switch it up a little. And don't get frustrated if you lose weight fast at first and then stop, it picks up again if you keep at it. Good luck

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gkb0910 · October 2009

I would recommend an eliptical just because that's what I use. I have knee problems so treadmills and bikes are painful for me. The eliptical is good because it adjusts in height and tension, so you get a good workout without the impact. For motivation, I find the best thing is a reward. After you workout 3 days in a row, give yourself a rest, or buy a foot spa and do an at home pedicure or something. I've also heard of people who will rent movies but will only watch them while they are on the eliptical. If you want to see what happens, you have to get back on the machine and workout.

vicmo5 · October 2009

Vogt, H and I just bought an elliptical three weeks ago. I really like it. I've worked out for fifteen minutes, three to four days a week and I've already lost four lbs.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

LIterally in the middle of nowhere guys. There's a bar and a post office in town, nothing else within quite a drive :)The reason I don't want to join a gym in Omaha Andress is because I'm hoping to get a job elsewhere, and I think the membership would eventually go to waste. I also can't wait to get home now because I already don't get there til about 7 (and go to bed at 9)...more time of the house isn't good for my emotional health right now.The reason I think a machine might help is because I can do it while I'm watching tv or listening to music, like Nebb said. I get bored with the annoying voices on workout videos or the same routines every day. But, I think if I make a rule that I can't watch tv unless it's on the machine, then I might actually do it. I'm a fan of my tv

Nebb · October 2009

I would suggest you also get a variety of weights to work with as well, Theres a lot you can do with them.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

Wow, sorry about all the typos guys :)Also, Andress, no friends in our area, really. My best friend is in the same spot I am, but our schedules are so different that it doesn't work for us to get together to work out. For many reasons, I wish she lived closer

But she's about an hour and a half away, so even doing something on weekends isn't practical for a budget because of the travel (she's in Council Bluffs)

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

Nebb, do you know of any good websites that can help me figure out the weight situation? I know nothing about weights and wouldn't really know how to use them properly.

[Deleted User] · October 2009

I completely understand Vogt. I think if you buy the eliptical machine or another kind, you might also find motivation in the fact that you paid for it so you have to use it

vicmo5 · October 2009

you might also find motivation in the fact that you paid for it so you have to use it :)This. I find the $500 we just spent very motivating. I hate working out, but I really don't mind the elliptical because I don't have to leave the house and I don't have to stay on it forever.

Nebb · October 2009

Everything I learned about weights was from my personal trainer, but I know if brie was here she would suggest you check out the book - new rules for lifting for women.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

Nebb, okay, thanks. :)I think spending the money might also motivate me. Especially when H comes home and reminds me how much money we spent on it, if I haven't worked out yet

Nebb · October 2009

Vogt - YGM

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

Missy, I would sooner be fat the rest of my life than excercise on webcam

But it's a good idea! I have tried to do a long-distance thing with a friend of mine, but we tend to let our lives get in the way. I've done Biggest Loser at work too, and I've found that the one thing in my life I'm actually not competitive about is losing weight. It's very discouraging to feel like someone is watching your every move and judging for slip-ups. I found it to be one of the most depressing attempts at losing weight and I bowed out. I know it's not the same thing as a supportive friend, but that was my most recent experience.

Pirata13 · October 2009

An elliptical is best--much easier on the knees than a treadmill. If you can find an exercise bike cheap too, I'd get both--get more variation in the workouts and maybe you & DH can work out together? I can say that it's sooo much easier when FI & I plan ahead to workout, and it's nice to have a partner. And I like to mix up my dvd workouts. So you can do the same with your Wii and dvds. Something different every day, and different muscle groups. The more cardio you do, the better. So that would be your elliptical and bike, brisk walking etc. I wish once again we lived closer so we could be workout partners.

luvdelilah · October 2009

1. Jump ropes are always recommended since they are super cheap and really get your heart rate up. Maybe start out by buying some hand weights and stretch cords before investing in a huge piece of equipment. Or there's a little 'machine' out there now that you can clip an outdoor bike to that makes it stationary - might be an option also. 2. Put the dvd on your computer and put the computer next to the TV - watching last nights show's on Tivo while I was working out always kept me from getting bored. Also, a long distance friend and I started a holiday challange exercise worksheet - we're doing "20 hours to Thanksgiving" now. We enter how many minutes of exercising we did each day into a spreadsheet (we're nerds) and compare. Then if we complete the challenge we'd send the other person a small themed gift (socks, ornaments, etc...) This kept me on track to loose 10lbs last year... Good luck!

luvdelilah · October 2009

sorry, i posted just as you did and that last suggestion probably won't work for you!

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt · October 2009

That's a cute idea with the little gifts! That might be something I could do with my long-distance friends

Pirata, I wish we lived closer for many, many reasons

kate51485 · October 2009

This isn't as much of a suggestion as just a funny story

My old neighbor bought one of those Gazelle machines from the guy with the pony tail, ya know who I mean? Well, her husband nagged her endlessly about spending so much money on it and would not stop about how she'd never use it, on and on. Well, she decided to prove him wrong and every night, just before bed, she hopped on her machine instead of...hopping on him. He shut up real quick

J&K10910 · October 2009

I know I'm a little late. Can you check gyms where you work and see if any of them offer a month to month membership instead of a contract? Or if you explain your situation to them, some gyms let you out of a contract if you move (or in your case, switch jobs) out of town. Or perhaps one will have a one or three month "trial period."I get your reasoning for not checking out a gym there, but don't let it be an excuse. At the very least ask around. If none of them are willing to accommodate you, at least you know you tried. You'll never know if you don't ask.

kings13 · October 2009

I would say the choice of machine is somewhat irrelevant. Pick one that you think you will be able to do and enjoy the most. I also agree that getting some simple dumbbells would be good too. You can find all kinds of exercises on the internet. Once you have the machine you need to come up with a plan. Start small, even 10-15 minutes a day and schedule it into your routine. Once you are more in the habit of doing it you can increase your time. The biggest thing once you have come up with a plan is to WRITE IT DOWN. Once you have written it down it will become more concrete and you have less opportunity to convince yourself not to do it. Plus I would recommend posting it somewhere in the house and maybe even giving a copy to your friend and ask her and your DH to check in with you as much as possible. This creates accountability so it should help motivate you as you know someone will be asking you if you did what you were supposed to. Hope that helps!

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