Eliptical or treadmill for home

[kyzen]

I've finally decided that I need to get some more physical activity in. Going to a gym is not an option for me right now, and won't be for a couple more months. So instead, I'm trying to find a way to be active at home. I have an unfinished basement I set up for my work and play area, and think that it would be a great place for a treadmill or elliptical(leaning towards the later).

I briefly glanced around some local stores at lunch yesterday and it seems like there's a huge gap in prices for exercise equipment - there's some machines for $100-$200, and then it seems the next tier of gear is over $800, with little to nothing in between.

Now, I'm not super keen (or really able) to spend many hundreds of dollars at the moment. I could save up and buy a nicer one later, but I'd rather get going on some weight loss sooner. So, my questions are:

1 - Are the cheaper ellipticals worthwhile, or are they destined to break within a few hours of use?

2 - Are there any sites that have a good array of reviews on not only the top end equipment, but the cheaper stuff as well?

3 - Any recommendations for cheap/affordable equipment? I'm keeping an eye on Craigslist, but nothing decent has shown up yet.

4 - Any other input?

 

[glenn beck]

you are better off with a cheaper treadmill than an elliptical

 

[RagingBITCH]

You're better off running for free outside.

 

[Kaido]

I have a ProForm SpaceSaver model like this one:

http://www.proform.com/webapp/...4201_16002_29510_62951

It's not top quality, but it's not like I beat it up or anything. I've had it for a couple years and it works just fine still. I like it because (1) it's quiet, (2) it folds up, and (3) I can use it in my own home. I don't like going to gyms and I'm motivated enough to use my own equipment at home, so it works for me. The big key is whether or not you can motivate yourself to use it. Most people use their exercise machines for coat racks instead of for staying in shape. The only time I'm really motivated to exercise is when I wake up, so if I wake up early and use it for 15 to 45 minutes, I'm set for cardio for the day.