Me and the missus are looking to get a treadmill running machine thingy, a multi gym and maybe a cross trainer. Argos would probably service all our needs. Has anyone else gone down this road? Any thoughts and views muchly appreciated.

Regarding the multi gym, we just want it for a bit of toning, we are not looking to turn ourselves into a couple of Arnies.

I tried to get the Mrs to have more sex as an alternative way to exercise

That was last year, now she has a personal trainer

If I were you I'd look at the second hand market - spend the same but get better quality. If ever a product should have a great second hand market it has to be fitness equipment. When you get bored of it you can probably re-sell at about the cost you paid. I did that with a concept II rowing machine.

Thanks young hancock, I'll look into it, but I'm not holding much hope of the second hand market in the west of Ireland.

A bump for any non weekend fisoers.

I know Stick bought himself the works about 12 months or so back, maybe drop him a PM, although not sure he comes on here as much as he used to but i'm sure he'll get back to you as and when he can.

I use my council gym for free!! 'Bout time they did something worthwhile!!

I bought a multi-gym from Argos many many years ago, used it for about three months before it got moved to the garage as it took up too much space indoors - that was the last time it got used in earnest and eventually sold it second hand a year later. We tried again about five years ago with an execise bike/walker and again that got used regularly for about four months before it became a washing airer.

My advice, make sure you have plenty of dedicated space for the kit and as quoted here already, look to good second hand kit if you can - there are plenty of people like us who grow tired of the kit/effort very quickly so you can save yourself a fortune. If you're not going to be fully dedicated to it, a gym membership may be better.

Cheers Eagle

Don't fancy the 20 mile drive to the gym, and with the extortionate prices over here, thought it would be better just to buy the treadmill as this is the thing we would use most. I find road running very sore on the OLD knees and there's a great danger of being taken out by a boy racer in a souped up Honda Civic.

I'm no expert but gym treadmills vary in how good they are on the knees. I was advised that the ones at my new gym weren't as good as others I've used elsewhere and sure enough my knees notice it. Nothing bad as I don't run far (prefer cross-trainer, bikes and rowing).

If that is the case with proper gym machines then you can guess home ones are not always so kind on the knees.....

I think the gym is a much better option myself mate.....

1. If you get fed up/give up you'll have a load of gear sitting around taking up space......which you can keep or sell at a loss, if you join the gym you can just quit or cancel the direct debit

2..It might be pretty boring at home....I like to get myself ready and get down the gym and go with a mate or meet some people down there, you might even make some friends or find a bit on the side

3...the gym is bound to have better equipment? I'd of thought??

4...thats about it really...thought I had more reasons for you. Plus I like to go have a good workout ( check out some birds ) and then have a swim, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi.......

5.....I even go to the gym when I want a shower so I can save costs on hot water

6...Just my opinion but I would vote gym everytime

He wouldn't be saving any costs if he has to pay 20miles of petrol each and every day DC.

What are your goals ave? i.e. general fitness, bit toned, just keep on the healthy side? There's a lot you can do with a couple of dumbbells, skipping rope, a bench etc that wouldn't cost much at all and take up next to no space (or electricity)

Ah didn't read that....well he should run to the gym.....have a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi there with some birds then walk home - sorted


Seriously..........
Didn't realise the gym was that far away.....maybe the home gym is a better option for him then, my gym is halfway between mine and work 2-3 miles so its ideal. plus as TCF says it depends on what you want to achieve.......

I go to the gym as I want to get fitter, bit of muscle and I want to plunder some fittie in the hot tub

That last ones probably illegal DC I go for fitness reasons only, actually cheaper for me to bus there and back... but if yours is 20 miles away it's a lot harder. If you want a running machine, you don't need to spend shed loads if you only want a few miles a day. A lot of stuff you can do at home will get you fit, lunges, even situps etc if you fancy getting ripped.

If runnings the one you both want then as others have said, invest in a second hand one and if you can't Argos should do the job.

Bit cheaper than £40 a month or so...

his n hers bikes ftw

Thanks for the input guys. Space is not an issue so will defo be going for a running machine. When I used to go to the gym they were the things every one wanted to use and were often all taken. Hate all the poseurs at the gyms, so looking forward to working out as and when I want.

i did u know but i didnt buy any CV equipment, I like to run on the streets or do circuits sessions for which I dont use any specific equipment.

I bought an olympic bar/weights set etc, oh and a punchbag

in the lead up to buying it i thought having a gym at home would be the answer to all my problems about having enough time to work out etc. In reality i do an extra 1 or 2 sessions per week but there we go.

Get on the road for running though eh, treadmills make it easier as they provide the forward motion so you have to spend longer on them to get the same benefit (and they are so zzzzzzzzzzzz). In my eyes they are a false economy

My gym is only about 10 quid a month. But i dont use it for running, always lose balance on the tread mills as i guess my pace is variable. Don't have home gym but don't go for cheapo ones though as they may not stand heavy usage from what ive been told.