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home gym equipment - bike / crossfit

I've just bought a Bowflex Max (M5) and can highly recommend it. Sort of between a stairclimber and elliptical with more up and down than forwards motion. Hard work but that's kind of the point :-)
 
AmandaJR said:
I've just bought a Bowflex Max (M5) and can highly recommend it. Sort of between a stairclimber and elliptical with more up and down than forwards motion. Hard work but that's kind of the point :)
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Tnx Amanda... i did look at the bowflex M5/6.. looks impressive and compact. My worry with the stair climibing is that the Mrs may not be able to do it due to risk to her back... hence was looking for the elliptical
 
Mudball said:
Tnx Amanda... i did look at the bowflex M5/6.. looks impressive and compact. My worry with the stair climibing is that the Mrs may not be able to do it due to risk to her back... hence was looking for the elliptical
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I think it puts you more upright so not sure if it's actually easier on a dodgy back? It is compact and decent build quality.
 
I've had a treadmill at home for almost 30 years. I can't run anymore, but fast uphill walking (tv+fans in front of me) is a great workout. Something I was using almost everyday at a local gym was a better workout though.....ARC trainer. The ones that use legs and arms are great.....but horribly expensive. If my this latest treadmill dies....I will look into getting one. https://www.fitandme.com/arc-trainer-benefits/ Both the treadmill and an ARC trainer take a fair bit of space. I also had a Concept2 rower for a while....while it was a great workout, my back couldn't take it.
 
Ethan said:
Hard to do better than a Concept 2 rowing machine.
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Bought one of these rowing machines back in July, currently doing sessions 3 or 4 times a week. Found a set of videos on YouTube from the British rowing association, really enjoy doing them, able to vary each time between the different sets.

SportPlus Indoor Rower, Foldable Rowing Machine, Quiet Magnetic Brake System, Ball Bearing Mounted Seat, Chest Strap Compatible , Max User Weight 150 Kg, Safety Tested https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009TNXNSA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0qEMFb0Y30GG0

Considered a concept2, but a little pricey for a first time machine And we were not sure how much we'd really use it. Safe to say it's getting far more use than expected, both of us on it regularly. It's a decent beginner machine but I'm already eyeing up a concept 2 for next year - some good prices on reconditioned ones.
 
banjofred said:
I've had a treadmill at home for almost 30 years. I can't run anymore, but fast uphill walking (tv+fans in front of me) is a great workout. Something I was using almost everyday at a local gym was a better workout though.....ARC trainer. The ones that use legs and arms are great.....but horribly expensive. If my this latest treadmill dies....I will look into getting one. https://www.fitandme.com/arc-trainer-benefits/ Both the treadmill and an ARC trainer take a fair bit of space. I also had a Concept2 rower for a while....while it was a great workout, my back couldn't take it.
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One going on fleabay for under 500
 
Mudball said:
One going on fleabay for under 500
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Never heard of fleabay until now. I just looked for the heck of it....ARC trainer.....nothing within 600 miles unless I put something in wrong. The treadmill is working fine...although the arthritis I have in my big toes flares up once in a while which makes walking uphill rather painful. But.....if the treadmill dies I would definitely consider blowing a large wad of money on an ARC trainer. Quite simply though....if an ARC trainer was selling for under £500 I would be wondering if it was still working after falling off the truck....;)
 
banjofred said:
Never heard of fleabay until now. I just looked for the heck of it....ARC trainer.....nothing within 600 miles unless I put something in wrong. The treadmill is working fine...although the arthritis I have in my big toes flares up once in a while which makes walking uphill rather painful. But.....if the treadmill dies I would definitely consider blowing a large wad of money on an ARC trainer. Quite simply though....if an ARC trainer was selling for under £500 I would be wondering if it was still working after falling off the truck....;)
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In birmingham,.. should have posted the link >> https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224016731874
Might be worth giving a shout.. i have no clue about what it does
 
I tend to buy new stuff....probably shouldn't, but I then know what I am (supposed) to get. "Normal" people don't buy these kinds of machines, I'd probably have trouble getting a new equiv for much under £5K. I think I've only bought something off ebay one time.....nothing important. These machines are usually being cycled out of gyms somewhere and have had some hard use....doesn't mean they are bad though. Unless my treadmill dies.....or my toes die......sticking with the treadmill. Speaking of......I can hear it calling me......
 
AmandaJR said:
I've just bought a Bowflex Max (M5) and can highly recommend it. Sort of between a stairclimber and elliptical with more up and down than forwards motion. Hard work but that's kind of the point :-)
Click to expand...

Hi Amanda.. went down to a fitness shop to try some out.. was looking for the Nordictrack elliptical.. then tried the bowflex m6, m8 and total.. overall impressed with the kit and we may go down that route

The m6 was pretty decent. The m8 probably the weapon of choice. Have ruled out the Total as I think it is the M8 with a tablet attached. Also the Samsung tablet died when we were there.

The challenge I have on the m6/8 is that it seems the moving arm is too far away and I ended up slouching over the console. The Total overcomes this with a third arm which helps position your hands in a more natural gait. Do you find this a problem? Also have u used the journey app.. any good?
 
Mudball said:
Hi Amanda.. went down to a fitness shop to try some out.. was looking for the Nordictrack elliptical.. then tried the bowflex m6, m8 and total.. overall impressed with the kit and we may go down that route

The m6 was pretty decent. The m8 probably the weapon of choice. Have ruled out the Total as I think it is the M8 with a tablet attached. Also the Samsung tablet died when we were there.

The challenge I have on the m6/8 is that it seems the moving arm is too far away and I ended up slouching over the console. The Total overcomes this with a third arm which helps position your hands in a more natural gait. Do you find this a problem? Also have u used the journey app.. any good?
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I haven't used the app. As for hand position I have mine resting on the nearest part of the lower part if that makes sense? When I do the max programme I do lean forwards and hold further up but agree that does put you slightly leaning forwards but I wouldn't say slouched. Some reviews did suggest the arms weren't great for those of smaller stature but I feel ok just using the ends nearest to me. Perhaps that means I'm not working my upper body as much as I could BUT it's a good workout either way.
 
AmandaJR said:
I haven't used the app. As for hand position I have mine resting on the nearest part of the lower part if that makes sense? When I do the max programme I do lean forwards and hold further up but agree that does put you slightly leaning forwards but I wouldn't say slouched. Some reviews did suggest the arms weren't great for those of smaller stature but I feel ok just using the ends nearest to me. Perhaps that means I'm not working my upper body as much as I could BUT it's a good workout either way.
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Have a look at the handle bars for the Total.. it works fine. I asked the showroom lady if I could order them separately as they use the same 3 nut system. She was not sure but said it must be possible but would have to do directly with the supplier
 
Mudball said:
Have a look at the handle bars for the Total.. it works fine. I asked the showroom lady if I could order them separately as they use the same 3 nut system. She was not sure but said it must be possible but would have to do directly with the supplier
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I see what you mean and agree they'd work much better and be a more natural position. Will do some research to see if they can be added.
 
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