In high school, you (a dude) were an athlete, and in great shape. Then came college, and then graduate school, and then all of the busyness of career, marriage and two small children. Four years ago, you had a brief flare-up of athleticism (ran a 10k, two half-marathons, and a very slow full marathon). Now, things are worse then ever. You are heaver than you've ever been, have no energy, and are not looking so great. You know you need to work out, and watch what you eat, that this needs to be a way of life, no more excuses, there are no shortcuts, and all that. You also just found yourself in posession of a $100 gift card to Amazon.com. How do you spend it? [more inside]
posted by 4ster on Sep 13, 2009 - 37 answers

Help me choose between two similarly priced home elliptical machines (1, 2). [more inside]
posted by Saucy Intruder on Feb 2, 2007 - 7 answers

Have stationary bikes fallen out of favor? [more inside]
posted by LordSludge on Dec 1, 2005 - 20 answers

I want to buy an elliptical machine. What types of things should I be looking for when buying? [more inside]
posted by b_thinky on Nov 21, 2005 - 6 answers

I want to gain more muscle mass and strength. I don't want to look like a bodybuilder, but I do want to look very fit. (I'm a male nearing 40.) My problem is, I don't have a good gym nearby and I live in a small apartment. I don't have room for a free weight system. Can one build the sort of body that I want without weights or a machine, simply by doing exercises (pushups, etc.)? How reasonable is that approach? If that won't work, what sort of machine should I buy that doesn't take up much real-estate space and is pleasing to the eye. (I've looked into these, but they only go up to 52lbs. Is that enough?)
posted by grumblebee on Feb 11, 2005 - 20 answers

Need recommendations for home exercise equipment (male, mid-20s). My requirements are (1) cost, (2) compactness, and (3) targeted toward a cardio workout with the ultimate goal of losing weight. I saw this on TV last night, and while it's marketed to a thighs-and-butts demographic, the size, concept, and price range is kind of what I'm looking for. Anyhow, I'd appreciate hearing any advice from happy or unhappy consumers of these types of products.
posted by PrinceValium on Apr 2, 2004 - 11 answers