okay, need to start a routine! need advice

[Maine-ah]

so, I'm poor, which rules out a gym. It's winter, and I have no sidewalks or lighting anywhere near where I live.

so, I'm thinking like a treadmill or something to that effect. I'm just looking to drop about 20 lbs, keep it off and get in shape.

Any suggestions on equipment that won't break the bank?

[politicat]

1. I got mine though Craig's List.

I found my tread mill through Craig's List for $75 (it had less than 100 miles on it). We bought our exercise bike at Habitat for Humanity's thrift store for $25, and the cardio-glide we got for free on Freecycle.

I bought my weights and therabands from my physical therapist and from Play it Again Sports. (I hate to pay retail.)

I'd suggest checking local thrift stores, the postings on your local Craig's Lists and Freecycles (and be willing to drive and pick up quick) for machines.

Alternately, a jump rope is inexpensive if you have ceilings that are high enough.

[Maine-ah]

2. craig's lists?

is that a used/for sale magazine?

Up here, we have Uncle Henry's. I'll look there. Thanks!

[politicat]

7. Craig's List is an online message board used for want ads and discussion.

It's national. Here's yours, if you're in Maine (as your username seems to indicate.) It's free and easy to deal with.

http://maine.craigslist.org/

[MemphisTiger]

3. If your knees are up to it, try jumping rope

it costs about 8 bucks for a good one and you don't need much room, but probably can't do it in a shallow basement. Also, you'll need to have your diet in check for any exercise program to have decent results. Diet is about 80% of your results.

[wildeyed]

4. I recently acquired a Tread Climber.

It is kind of like a combo stair stepper/treadmill. It's ok. Decent treadmills are pricey, so keep your eyes open for a good second hand deal.

Also, there are millions of fitness videos on the market. They are significantly cheaper than a large piece of exercise equipment, and they don't take up any floor space!

[flvegan]

5. How much do you have/want to spend, and how much space do you have?

[Maine-ah]

6. ok, I have a full room in my basement. - Plenty of space.

money wise, under 500 bucks.

[flvegan]

8. Now the question is

What cardio-type stuff do you at least somewhat enjoy. A treadmill is good, but if your knees are for crap, don't get one. Also, one that you're going to RUN on, has to be up to the task.

You might look for a used elliptical machine if low-impact is more your game. An exercise bike is cheaper, but it's more difficult to burn calories.

To be honest, nothing burns calories like running in snow more than a few inches deep. It's like running on the beach.

[Maine-ah]

9. well, it's been a while but

I used to love bike riding, and I had been thinking I would like a tread mill. Running outside, I hate it, and it's just to dangerous this time of year where I live. Too dark in the mornings, and too dark in the evenings. No lights or sidewalks.

I'm gonna start looking in the Uncle Henry's, to see what I can find.

[midnight armadillo]

10. $500? Get a set of kettlebells and bank the change

www.russiankettlebells.com

You only need about 12 sq ft of space to use them, and they'll fit in a closet on the floor.

[politicat]

11. Unless you have bad wrists or other joints....

Kettle bells are dangerous if you have damaged wrists or knees. Just sayin'....

[seemunkee]

12. Or buy an adjustable one

http://www.uskettlebells.com/
I'm ordering one of these so I don't have to keep upgrading.
That leaves money left over for a used treadmill and some good shoes.

[Maine-ah]

13. checked 'em out from your links.

looks a little painful. I'm also really small(height-wise). I mean, I toss around cases of wine and beer at work and everything, but I think I would hurt myself with those.

I also have the basic female problems, it's all in my waist, and ass. 130lbs and 4'11" tall. It doesn't show all that bad, it's just I know I can look better. I have had issues with annorexia, but I know better than that now. Ten years ago I weighed 92 lbs. I just want to drop about 10-15 and get healthy.

[midnight armadillo]

14. It's not painful

Really, the techniques aren't painful in the sense that they injure you (once you're past the learning curve).

I dropped 10 lbs easily at the end of the summer with my two kettlebells, and now that I have some cold-weather clothing plan
on another 10 with them!

[crispini]

15. Is it hard to learn kettlebells from a video?

I confess, I think they look really intriguing, but I am concerned about getting proper technique without an instructor...