So I had several friends yesterday who did battle with the post-Christmas sales so they could snap up some bargains. Me, I love the idea of it, and God knows I love a good deal but the reality of joining thousands of other bargain hunters in the annual bunfight is just something I can’t contemplate. I mean, if they’d be happy to open up the store an hour before everyone else and let me quietly swan around picking off all the good stuff, well I’d be all over that…sadly I wasn’t born to that life.
But I did want to grab a bargain of my own…I think I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been mooching on line for a few weeks hoping to spot an exercise bike. I have to get fit this year if I’m going to conquer those mountains in Cuba and I sort of know that’s not going to happen of it’s own accord so I’ve been keeping my eyes open you know, for a bargain. I’ve trawled eBay and other similar resale sites and nothing’s really come up so I thought I’d chance my arm in the on-line January sales.
Now I approached this particular bargain hunt with extreme caution. For those of you who have read my ‘Exercise In The Home’ blog post from way back in August, you’ll understand my propensity for getting totally carried away in the moment, and buying something that isn’t what I think it is, and which has a lifetime use of zilch. I’m thinking of the treadmill that wasn’t a treadmill and the power plate in particular, but over the years there have been many. They come, they go. They get assembled, admired, occasionally dusted but rarely used. Not this time…this time is different.
Let’s recap. I wanted a cheap exercise bike, to help me get fit. Is that what I bought..? No of course that’s not what I fucking bought, that would be way too easy, right? What I bought was a state of the art elliptical cross trainer. Yes, I’m shaking my head right along with you. FFS!
So let me try and explain, as much for my benefit as yours because as of right now I’ve woken up and put myself in the doghouse. As part of my cautious approach (stop laughing) I wanted to do my homework. So I had a look on line at what kind of equipment gives you a good all over workout, helps to build stamina, doesn’t put too much strain on your joints, all that good stuff.
To be honest, the exercise bike idea came pretty low down the table. Great for legs, and good cardio but not too hot on upper body, and the bingo wings wouldn’t even get a look in. So I started mooching more widely and the general consensus was that an elliptical cross-trainer would tick pretty much all boxes. Right then…I’ll get me one of them. A cheap one.
Apparently, the cheap ones are perfectly fine for servicing a skinny string bean who doesn’t weigh more than a helium balloon. If you have so much as one toe in sumo it’s a different story. Seemingly, to avoid it all going horribly wrong and ending up tangled in a machine that’s collapsed around you as you work up a sweat, you have to spend more. A fair bit more as it turns out. Ker-ching!
On reflection, I’m slowly inching my way out of the doghouse. It’s an investment in my commitment to this journey and to the longer term abolition of these bingo wings which have to be tucked into my sleeves on a daily basis. Yes, I could have bought an annual membership to a fancy gym for the same money, but I don’t think I could make that fit into my life. I’m time poor, and there’s no sense in setting myself up to fail.
It’s going to look ridiculous in my bedroom, a big shiny steel monster amongst the shabby chic of patchwork, stone and beams, but I can fall out of bed and get at it before I shower in the morning. Crap. I’m going to hate it aren’t I? But you know what, that’s ok…I’m mentally preparing myself. I’ve no doubt that I will wear my very best ‘bulldog chewing a wasp’ face as I get to grips with it and I’m pretty sure I’ll turn the air blue by effing and jeffing on a daily basis. At first. But I’m going to make damned sure this one doesn’t end up as a clothes stand. That’s my promise to myself, and you all heard me, right?
It gets delivered sometime next week…I’m excited with a touch of trepidation but 2016 starts here, and I’m ready 🙂
A fitness expert once told me that an exercise bike has the really big problem of allowing you to get to where you really only exercise the front of the thigh which you can actually train to do all of the work. Even the entire leg doesn’t get a good workout on it then. Stick to a rowing machine or some kind of cross trainer was her advice.
If you hit it first thing in the morning, i hope it will be done before the inner voice can even wake up to try to talk you out of it.
Yes that’s pretty much what I read on line. I’d thought about an exercise bike because I used to love cycling but that was more about the fresh air and being outdoors I think…anyway, I think hitting it early doors will work for me. We’ll soon see!!
Just the fact that it cost you so much will guilt you into wanting to get your money’s worth….ha. I say it’s brilliant, and good luck to you!!!
Della
Thanks Della…What I lack in enthusiasm I’ll make up for in determination!
The elliptical is one of the few forms of exercise I actually like! It’s a hard workout but kind to the knees. I think you’ll be fine.
I’m hoping so! In the odd foray I’ve made into the gym over the years I must admit I preferred it to a treadmill. Either way it’s adopted now so I’d better get on with it!
The heavy duty ellipticals at the gym are one of the few cardio machines I can really do and get a benefit from
I think you’ll love it – I have one in my room but it’s not as sturdy and the stride doesn’t work as well for me – maybe when I’m closer to a string bean than a squash
I agree the bikes are not nearly as good of a workout – hooray – I hope you love it
Poor doggie though – he’ll miss his long walks LOL
Ah he’ll still get his walks, bless him…I couldn’t cope with the doggy death stare if I tried to cut those down!
Too good! I second that about gym memberships – laying out money for something tends to make us take it more seriously, but … there is probably a good reason why gyms are always offering INTRODUCTORY discounts.
As you get less-ish, also, you’ll feel more comfortable getting physical in public. This elliptical contraption will be your constant, & other fun and games can be added to it.
Re.: the Eating a Wasp Face, start slow & easy. lowest setting, light resistance, short duration at first. When you feel pukey, wrap up the session. Ask anyone! It gets easier in a few days & weeks, THEN you increase. Counterintuitive; you’ll be motivated to really get going, get the benefit of this machine & of your positive energy.
More power to us! Love ya, Fleury
It’s amazing isn’t it…I walked 3 miles with the furry one yesterday and we’ve just done the same again today. Yesterday I had to stop 3 times on the really steep hill which is right at the beginning of our walk, today only twice.I’m sure my body will get used to it more quickly than my head 🙂