Probably 15 years ago I bought a high quality, treadmill, elliptical, and recumbent bike. I (and family members) go thru phases of use and ... disuse. The latter is so common with this product that you cannot even give away equipment, I am told. What I like about having 3 machines is I do a circuit of 7 minutes on each, 3 times. It goes faster.

So, first, my advice, consider a high quality used machine.

My second piece of advice is the machines are notoriously inaccurate. Buy the machine that you like to use.

However, isn't the inability to go to the gym a condition that won't last much longer?

This article from shape seems to answer some of the quandaries about elliptical versus treadmill at least. I got both. We also wax and wane with the mood. When we want them and need them though they're here for us.

https://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/elliptical-vs-treadmill

It‘s not inexpensive, but I got a Peloton right after Christmas and I love it! So many different class options, not just spinning but yoga, weights, walking, stretching, meditation... it’s like having a gym membership without having to leave home. DH and DD use it, too.

We’ve had a Schwinn Airdyne at each of our houses for probably 30 years and they’ve been used consistently all those years. Used mostly by me until more recent times when DH started when he couldn’t run any more. I was surprised to see it mentioned as a top fitness equipment recommendation in a recent WSJ article - for those who don’t want to invest at the Peloton level. Great upper and lower body cardio workout, doesn’t take up a lot of space and it’s easy to move. Sometimes we put it in front of the TV, sometimes the window, sometimes out of sight as we don’t have a dedicated room for exercise equipment.

I have a treadmill, elliptical and just bought a recumbent bike two weeks ago. I don't know how difficult it is to get exercise equipment elsewhere but the wait time here (Oregon) was 2 to 4 months depending on what you want. Because gyms have been mostly closed, exercise equipment stores can't meet the demand for in home equipment.

Until 6 months ago, I would use my treadmill 6 times a week, 45 to 60 minutes daily. I have done that for decades. I don't like the elliptical and rarely used it. I have even named it but can't say what it is because expletives aren't allowed. I do love my treadmill.

I only got the recumbent bike because I can't use the treadmill right now. I thought it would be too easy since all I am doing is sitting down and peddling. I was wrong. It gets the heart rate in the right zone which is really the ultimate goal. By peddling faster and increasing the resistance, I get the challenge my body needs. When and if I can go back to my treadmill, I will definitely continue with the bike as well.

I really believe the very best piece of exercise equipment you can get is the one you will use. If you like the elliptical and have consistently used it at the gym but don't feel you are working that hard, you can increase the resistance. As much as I dislike mine, I did get some really good workouts on it, profanity notwithstanding.

Also, you might want to consider free weights. It not only builds muscle and helps you keep the muscle you do have it also is a very good calorie burner and is great for the heart.

My friend got a Peloton in Jan and she loves it. I have a Pilates Reformer that I love and use at least 5 times a week. The reformer does have a jump board so you can get a cardio workout but I don't use it much. It's very difficult to source a used reformer and a new one is really expensive.

I was thinking about a Peloton after Christmas, too, but I was turned off by the 8-10 week delivery; not sure if that still applies?

I find the most used piece of equipment at the gym for me is the rowing machine. I hate the ‘dreadmilll‘ and only use it if I absolutely must and sometimes to warm up. The rowing machine, however, seems to work more body parts at one time...abs, legs, shoulders and upper body. Just something else to think about.

LOL "dreadmill!"

We have an Elliptical, a BodyBlade, and a Bowflex. The Elliptical is set up next to a large window with a great view and with a tv in front of it. I tend to use it the most, but do need to start up again on the Bowflex.

I agree with Mtn about high quality. You want high quality. I had a treadmill and a stationary bike. We just recently gave both away.

Side story: we bought the treadmill when our golden retriever passed away. I knew I wouldn’t do three long walks a day without a dog. I used it for four years until.......another dog entered our life. For me, I am not going to do long walks with the dog and then come home and do the treadmill. It went to a really good home!

I used my Lifecycle for years until I realized it was making my sciatica problem worse.

In your case, you like the elliptical and use it. So, yes get one. When you go back to the gym, you can partake in other things and do the elliptical at home.

Last year when we went into lockdown, I quickly ordered a set of weights. I missed my weight training classes. I use my weights three times a week followed by floor exercise for a 45 minute workout.

DD just bought a Peleton and she and her fiancé seem to enjoy it.

Peloton still claims about 8-10 weeks, although the backlog seems to be getting better. I ordered a bike+ in late Jan with a delivery date in early April. Some parts of the country have much better time frames than mine, and some people have had severe delays . I'm going to wait another week and see if there are any earlier delivery slots available.

Have you considered iFit yet? I’ve been using it on the treadmill and bike for a few months now and still really like it. I’ve never considered myself a runner in the past but with the training sessions I’ve really made progress. On the bike, I like the studio sessions that mix riding with other exercises. There are tons to choose from. My kids like the rides that mimic road races or mountain biking. There are series of classes that focus on your goals, whether it be toning, weight loss, endurance etc. I’m very pleased with the programs so far.

The iFit membership is free (for 1-3 years depending on the equipment purchased). We’ve had our treadmill for a few years and the bike is new. The membership works on both (NordicTrack treadmill, Proform bike).

You like the elliptical, I would go with that. I'll be honest. I do not like typical "exercise", nor do I like the gym or classes. I would much rather, walk, hike, dance, etc. but the weather doesn't always cooperate. I have owned a treadmill and elliptical both. Notice I said OWNED. I do somewhat enjoy the machines where you have weights on pulleys - if that makes sense. I will do stretching and use stretch bands. So go with what you like and what you will do. I'm hoping @hhireno will weigh in. There was some type weight system she purchased around the holidays I think???

i haven’t read all the replies but you don’t necessarily need any machines. One of the quickest ways to lose some weight is of course diet but also keeping your body thinking by tricking it. Perhaps if you could find an online or dvd progressive routine. A plan that includes some cardio, some hand weight workouts and some Pilates or ball or yoga. Mix it up and make sure to include some days of rest.

Another Peloton girl here! Actually, I identify as a runner first and foremost, but dh bought the Peloton bike last year and I love it! It is so motivating aNd has every kind of exercise you can imagine right there at your fingertips. But if I were you I’d get the Peloton tread since you don’t want a bike. I promise you will love it and it is worth it!

You will LOVE your Peloton, I promise! 😊

They have hashtag groups that you put on your profile, like #UGAdawgs and things like that...we should do a GW hashtag! 😂

Mtn, noone saw that coming...😂 I can’t tell you how many sweaters, travel bags,other stuff I have happily bought based on posts here.

Based on your recommendation, I did reach out to someone selling a True ES-900 elliptical for $1500. They retail for thousands. I’ll see what she says...

You go, Jojo!

I am signing off because I really truly have work to do, Must, go.

I really wanted a Keiser spin bike like we use at the Y over the Peloton, and I'd buy one, but our house is so small I have nowhere to put it. Otherwise, I'd buy one already.

What takes up a lot of space in the home office is I have a Lifespan Treadmill Desk, and it is pretty big between the treadmill belt and the desk. It uses a standard 110-V outlet. I thought about making the guest room a workout room, but then Covid hit, and we decided to keep the extra BR in case one of us needed to isolate.

But if you are looking for cardio equipment, get something that is good quality. One of my grad school friends bought a Precor Elliptical because they were paying a fortune to go to gyms in Northern Virginia plus commute time, and it was much easier to put one in the home. But do check that they use a standard outlet because, for example, our lab treadmills that have high speed high incline capabilities need a 220-V line.

I do the virtual Zumba and Zumba step (took a good month to get a step in the lockdown--I used to teach step in the 90's LOL), but they also offer Zumba toning with light weights and then Strong Nation which is HIIT. I mostly work out on the deck, but when it is rainy or frosty, I have to use the kitchen. FitHappenz is the website or app, and you can drop in $5 per class or else buy a weekly pass.

I have a small dumbbell rack and then the TRX system which I use 2-3 times per week.

I have some yoga blocks and straps, and I need to do more yoga.

But the only things I really miss from the Y is Spin class and then the specific Zumba instructors. But, really, you can do a lot with very little equipment.

Mtn, a friend with a Peloton told me to join one of the Peloton Facebook groups so I did. OMG these people are fanatics. Anyway, I was looking at posts before mine arrived and seeing sooo many complaints about shipping delays, but mine arrived in about 5 weeks as promised. The FB groups are good for Q&A, I will admit. I had a heck of a time getting my shoes in and out of the pedals at first and I found tons of useful advice there.

I've heard nothing but great things about Peloton. A friend has gotten positive results from it and loves the social component of it, too. It's very motivating for her.

I'm a fan of exercise equipment without electronics because I don't believe in a machine's (or a strap on my wrist, for that matter) to gauge what my body is doing. I have a LeMond Revmaster exercise bike that's manual and is a workhorse. I prefer HIIT workouts, and my LeMond fits this need during inclement weather, along with regular dumb bells and kettle bells.

I think you have to identify what motivates you, and go from there. I prefer to exercise alone and fit it into my schedule. Others like the accountability of a time/place, and the numeric proof of what they've accomplished. Whatever appeal got you to the gym in the first place should be your guide.

I love my elliptical and use it faithfully 5 days a week. Be aware it takes up a lot of real estate in the room.

We have a treadmill and DH uses it almost daily...I use it when the weather isn't conducive to walking outside. We also have a weight bench and use free weights for strength training, and a mat for floor work. We have a TV in the exercise room so we can get exercise videos on there for things like pilates, yoga, barre. However, I am a gym member and they are now zooming my barre and yoga classes so I'm attending those virtually.

I had a treadmill, but I gave it away when I moved up here. Even though I can't run, and so was only up to rapid walking speed on it, it made way too much noise and my movement was too up and down to either watch/listen to something, or read something (respectively).

An elliptical might be a good idea. I was all set to join a gym when COVID wandered into the room.

I think get yourself the machine you'd best use!

Personally, I get the most exercise by being outdoors and doing stuff - but it's winter here right now.

Artemis, being outdoors...yes! I have mostly been swimming. The pool heater from a local eBay seller has been wonderful. A while back I added some exercises with an exercise noodle. However, as much as I love it my body is getting too accustomed to it and I’m plateauing .

I‘m also sort of tired of my many exercise video’s.

Think I’ll start using my husbands new toy, the Snode magnetic fly wheel exercise bike. This is sitting in the living room for now but will eventually be in part of the guest room. My son turned us on to this inexpensive $330 bike. You can use zwift, peloton, fygnz & kinomap apps with but the easiest for us is to turn on YouTube and use the free GCN 30min, 45min and more vids.

I have only so far used this newish bike while watching a tv show. You can not hear any sound from this bike while using. It also doesn’t take up much space.

Me, looking through some of the free GCN YouTube vids. Most of these are designed around a geared bike workout but would be easy enough to adapt.

EDITED to add...

Further YouTube searches bring up some choices more up my ally, mixed workouts. There are many in non GNC as well.

The best piece of equipment is the one you will use.

I have a high quality elliptical, recumbent bike, WaterRower and Pilates reformer. I use the elliptical the most now-- before the pandemic I had my Pilates instructor come to my home, but now my classes with her are on Zoom. Not as good. By far the best total body exercise is the WaterRower, but it's pretty boring (and sometimes harder work than I feel like putting in!)

To me, a Peloton would be like a circle of Hell. I like to space out during my workouts, watch TV or listen to podcasts. Plus, those little bike seats hurt my butt.

My point is we are all different, and what works for some is not great for others. Since you have been going to a gym for a while, deep down you probably know what kind of exerciser you are and can make a good choice for yourself.

jojo, were you able to get the True ES?

I ended up buying this monster—a215 lb Sole E55. It was harder to use than the arc trainer elliptical machine from my gym, so I had a exercise equipment maintenance company come in to make it run more smoothly. Turns out it was in tip top shape. The machine , that is. It’s kicking my butt, but I’m now up to 45 min without stopping so I’m making progress. Thanks for asking.

That looks like a great machine! And 45 minutes is fantastic!! Kicking butt is good. Speaking of butts, no one told me that riding an exercise bike could create such butt displeasure :-). I need to find some padding!