SO FRUSTRATED!

[Sabine]

I have been SO GOOD about working out to try to get down to my desired wedding weight/toneness the past three weeks. I finally found a plan that worked for me...TV junkie that I am, I taped the shows I really want to watch, and didn''t let myself watch them unless I was working out. So yesterday, I raced home after school to watch my new favorite show (October Road, any other watchers out there?), I jump on my elliptical, and it started making funny noises. I kept going, and before I knew it, WHAM, the ENTIRE arm of the thing had fallen off!!!

I''m really frustrated because I want to be working out, but don''t know what to do now. Going to a gym won''t work because I won''t have the favorite TV show motivation, plus it always seems to take me a MUCH longer time. I can''t afford a new machine right now. And to top it all off, I was so sad that the elliptical broke that I ate a bunch of oreos.

I''ve been checking craig''s list and sent out a school-wide email to see if any of my co-workers have any equipment they are looking to sell, so hopefully I won''t have to go too long without working out =(

 

[neatfreak]

Awwww Sabine that sucks. Have you actually checked out any gyms in your area? Because the one I go to has personal TV's on each elliptical and treadmill, so I just go to the gym when my shows are on, and I can watch them there! They also even have DVD players on each machine too.

So if you haven't checked it out, I would check out the local gyms just to see...otherwise you might just have to get some wedding motivation up and head on out anyway!

ETA: There are also a ton of home workout regimes you could get into like jump roping, weights, etc. that wouldn't be very expensive. And that way you could still work out at home and watch your shows.

 

[mjso]

Awww, that sucks!! And when you were doing so well!

But you really don''t HAVE to have a machine to work out. You can jog in place/do jumping jacks/jump rope in front of the TV instead. Or do sit ups (TV viewage might not be as good doing these) or push ups, squats, etc.

Ooh, and here''s a link I found for the "TV lovers workout" some of these suggestions might help http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/diet-fitness/the-tv-lovers-workout.html


Hopefully you can try some of these in the meantime while you search for a new machine!

 

[bee*]

That''s rotten! What a pain!I hope that you find a second hand one soon-otherwise I agree with the other girls-try skipping or something like that in front of the tv. It''s a great workout.

 

[Gypsy]

I''m sorry! Can you get it fixed?

 

[Haven]

I''m so sorry to hear your elliptical machine broke.

Have you tried any exercise videos, like TaeBo? My dorm floor in college used to do TaeBo together every night, it was a blast.
Jumping rope and doing bodywork can be excellent exercise, probably even better than the elliptical, if I''m honest.
Also, can''t you buy something to prop up the end of your bicycle so you can use it as a stationary bike? I''ve always thought about doing this, but I enjoy the cycling classes at the gym so much that I''ve never needed to (yet). If you have a bicycle this is probably the cheapest way to get that "workout machine" feel.

Good luck! Don''t quit now, you''re doing so well!

 

[Sabine]

Thanks for the advice!
Neatfreak, I would LOVE to find a gym around here with dvd players attached to personal TVs. I don''t think that the gyms around here have that though. I know the one has a few TV''s, but they are communal so you don''t really have control of the channel.
mjso and bee, I will definitely have to keep doing SOMETHING at home. I don''t have enough room in my apartment to jump rope, but I will have to check out that link!
Gypsy, I have a feeling it won''t be worth it to try to get it fixed. We only had a 6 month warrenty on it, but I guess it wouldn''t hurt to ask what it might cost. Now the only problem will be trying to take it all apart to get it to a store...
Haven, I have tried exerise videos, but I get bored with them very easily. And I actually don''t have a bike at all! I know FI had one when we moved to the area, but I think we threw it out after it had spent 2 winters chained outside in the snow.
Thanks for all the positive wishes!

 

[mimzy]

that totally sucks! what kind of machine is it??

it''s funny, FI and are looking to buy an eliptical this week, pretty much for the same reasons you said that your workout routine works for you! I hope you can find one you like for cheap!!

 

[mercoledi]

Oh, that stinks! Overstock.com sells exercise machines, they have a two now in the $200-300 range.

Linky

 

[ladyciel]

Do you have space for one of those little trampolines? I haven''t tried it myself, but I''ve heard they''re actually a good, fun workout and since the legs fold down on a lot of them you can prop it against a wall or put it in the back of a closet to get it out of the way. I''m sorry to hear about your elliptical. I actually just bought a used Gazelle (think Tony Little infomercial) off of craigslist because I needed something we could move out of the way easily and I hate going to the gym.

 

[Laurenj915]

I am so sorry for you! I am a running fanatic but I have to run around an indoor track or outside. When those two things are not an option (the gym is closed and it''s 95 ouitside) it totally throws me off and I just don''t reel like I can do any kind of workout. So I can understand how you are feeling.

I have a couple of suggestions for you.

You could get one of two machines at Target or Walmart. The Gazelle Edge Fitness System is $94 at Target but only like $80 at Walmart. It is not high tech but it really worked fine for me when I lived in a bad neighborhood for a few years and didn''t feel safe running outside.

http://www.target.com/Tony-Little-Gazelle-Fitness-System/dp/B0000AS7W2/qid=1201134733/ref=br_1_2/602-3647198-2135840?ie=UTF8&node=16232651&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

You can also get this stepper for about 60 at Target or Walmart. I use it now in a pinch. I actually run on it because I like a really high intensity workout.

http://www.target.com/InStride-Plus-Mini-Stepper-400046/dp/B000E192QS/qid=1201134555/ref=br_1_12/602-3647198-2135840?ie=UTF8&node=16232651&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1


You could also use a regular step (like in step classes at the gym) and do a couple of different moves ove and over.

The bike thing that makes a regular bike an indoor bike is about $100. You can get a used bike at goodwill for about $10.

http://www.target.com/Bell-Motivator-Indoor-Riding-Trainer/dp/B000ISXSO4/qid=1201134787/ref=br_1_12/602-3647198-2135840?ie=UTF8&node=16232651&frombrowse=1&rh=p%5F3%3A%2450-%2499&page=1

Check out walmart if you want something that will just last until your wedding. I don''t think they are particularlly high quality but they have a few elipticals, bikes, and treadmills for under $200. (you will not be able to run on these treadmills though, they will not go fast enough or hold up to the pounding)

Good luck.

 

[april diamonds]

Oh Sabine! I''m so sorry! I totally understand your exercising woes. Everytime I get into the mood to start exercising something always happens to prevent me. Sprained ankle, deadlines at work, yesterday I got a flat tire and had to wait two hours for the tow truck to come and by the time I got home no time to work out!!

But there are a lot of stuff you can do just at home. If you have a step stool and something to keep it from sliding (if you''re not on carpet) you can basically use that as an exercise step. so while you''re watching tv just do "step aerobics". get some 5lb weights to carry while doing it. walking in place does a lot more for you than you think.

also if there is a school track around (i know it''s cold out but you actually feel quite warm after a few laps) you can do some power walking there, or even just in the neighborhood.

if you just search around on the internet there are great sites that have exercise routines you can do in front of your tv. like basic leg lifts, arm curls, squats, etc. Yeah, it''s not as convieneint as the elliptical and harder to get in that cardio, but even if you just boxer step and punch your arms out in front of your tv. (ala kick boxing and tae bo) that can get your heart rate up good!

good luck! stick with it!

 

[Sabine]

Mimzy, it was a Pro-Form. I really do love using it!

mercoledi, thanks for the link, but even those are out of my budget. We had gotten this one for under $200 because it was a floor model and on sale (although another reason it probably lasted only 2.5 years).

ladyceil, I could totally fit one of those trampolines! That''s a really great idea, especially since it can be put away when not in use (the elliptical has always been a bit of an eyesore in the livingroom)

Lauren, I will definitely be checking out Walmart this weekend. A co-worker also alerted me to a sporting goods store that is going out of business, so I''m hoping I''ll be able to come home with something!

Aprildiamonds, those are good suggestions too!

Thanks all, wish me luck in my hunt this weekend!

 

[sunnygirl]

Hey Sabine!

That really sucks. I am also trying to get back into shape. I bought one of those stability balls, some hand weights, and a few DVDs from Amazon and have enjoyed doing these so far. It''s nice because you can work out without leaving home or paying an arm/leg for a machine and it takes way less time than going to gym. It doesnt really take care of the cardio so i try to go to the gym every now and then although I am having a hard time motivating. I really like "10 minute solutions rapid results pilates" with Lara Hudson and "On the ball pilates workout for beginners" with Lizbeth Garcia. They both really make you feel the burn in your muscles.

Also, I watch October Road! So do you think Eddie is the kid''s dad?