Amanda, at your weight, the most optiomal choice is walking outdoors,
provided that you have a place where you can walk safely. Working up a
sweat is not necessary and may be too likely to cause injury at your
fitness level. The best exercise device of all  is probably an
elliptical trainer. Being a cheap bastard, I would choose walking.

i

Amanda-I would lean toward the bike.  I've owned/used them in the past,
very easy to "work up a good sweat".  A bit easier on the knees etc.,
which may be a factor until you melt off some of the weight.  I wouldn't
be too concerned about exceeding the limit by 16 lbs, I'm sure such
ratings are pretty conservative.  If you said 50-60+ pounds over it
might be a concern, but probably not 16.  Might be a good idea to get a
larger/more comfortable seat, at least to use initially.  I haven't
price compared them, but my guess would be you can get a quality bike
for less than a quality treadmill.  The bike will take up less space &
be easier to move, should you need to.  Which ever you choose, be sure
to check local used sporting goods stores (e.g., Play it Again sports),
classifieds, etc.  Exercise equipment has a terrific rate of non-use so
people are always looking to get rid of it, often at way less than it
originally cost.  Look on ebay too, you may find someone in your area
listing equipment on there.

Dan

I think you can work up a sweat on either a treadmill OR an exercycle.  
It just depends on which one you will be more likely to use and which
one works better for your needs.  I have foot problems, so I use an
exercise bike in order not to stress my feet.  

i personally cannot stand stationary bikes.  i don't have a good reason
for it - i just hate everything about them - but i rather enjoy the
treadmill, and i really love the elliptical trainer.  have you
considered one of those or are you committed to the idea of a bike or a
treadmill?

Make a few casual visits to a gym & make an informed decision.

gtoomey

I love my NordicTrack, and NO I dont work for them....

Glitter Girl

From: "Amanda" <amanda08@nospamgmail.com>
Subject: Exercise Question - Treadmill or Exercycle?
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2005 5:52 PM

However I wanted to get something that I know I can exercise
vigorously on and work up a sweat. But my problem is that I'm torn
between getting an exercycle or a treadmill.
================
After checking out several things I chose the treadmill and bought on used.
We saved over $100 on it!  :-)  When the weather is nice I walk outside.

I don't know what an exercycle is -- do you have a link for the one you
want?

I don't think you need to run on anything.  Walking fast is great, even more
so if the treadmill has an incline.

I doubt you need to worry at just 16 lbs over...they design some margin in.

As someone who has spent a lot of time on a stationary bike, I think you
really should avoid buying anything that is cheap.  This of this as an
investment that will last a lifetime.  A cheap exercise device is sure to
collect dust.  Frankly, I suggest something on the other of this:

http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=10841

With the dual action of pedalling and moving your arms.  I absolutely
guarantee that you can work up a serious sweat on one of these.  Get
yourself a good mp3 player and a TV to go with it, as well as a good strong
fan to blow air directly on you while you ride.

Unless you have some physical ailment now, don't assume you can't exercise
on this...in fact, I think this is better than the treadmill because there
will be no impact on your feet with this.  And you can later alternate
between riding this and walking outside for variation.

Much exercise equipment rarely gets used much.

Deep inside, do you have preferences for walking over biking?

That would help in increasing the likelyhood that you will keep on using it.

Good luck in your quest for exercise and health.

Jim

A recumbent exercise bike is my choice, but look for a good used one.
Exercise machines are something folks tend to buy, use a dozen times
and then it takes up space in the den until they finally sell it in their
garage sale.  There is lots of them out there and you can probably
find all kinds, exercycle, tredmill, nordic, etc.  if you just look a bit.
I
chose the recumbent because that bicycle seat on the upright ones gets
to be a pain in the a.s (literally) after a while sitting in that position
makes my
back hurt.  The nice seat on the recumbent lets me lean back on it and I
don't hurt after my workout.  I might be sweaty and stinky, but I don't
hurt.

Gregory gave good advice to check out some at a local gym so you find out
which you like.  I don't ever use a treadmil because to "work up a sweat"
you have to be doing more wear on your knees, and I have already had one
surgery there, but thats me.  That is what my wife likes, but she only sets
it for a gentle - almost downhill - stroll while watching TV.

Recumbent bike is zero impact even when you do a higher level exercise
for good cardio workout.  I picked up my bike used for about $100 and
have used it for a couple of years.  Now I know what features I want in one
for a "lifetime of use" and will be trading in the next year.   You can find
new ones for anywhere from $199 to $2000 bucks.  Sears here has several
models as do other places.

Good luck

--------------------------------------------------------
Never read the fine print.
There ain't no way you're going to like it.
--------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for all the advice/suggestions/opinions

I think I will try some stuff out at the Y and see what I'd be likely
to keep using before I buy.

I'm kind of leaning towards an elliptical trainer now, but I want to
see if it's something comfortable for me.

If not I'll probably get some sort of stationary bike.

285.5/265.5/120 monthly-goal: 5

I have both and I must say that I use my treadmill much more than the
bike. don't know why, I just preferit. About the weight
issue--treadmills have weight limits, too. Mine has a limit of 250 lbs.
Be sure to check this out before purchase. I live in western new york
where it is very cold and dark this time of year. Frequently, the roads
and sidewalks are not cleared so walking is diffficult. Hence, the
treadmill. I walk and catch up on the news, or taped movies or TV
shows. My machine is about 10 yrs old, a Precor that I bought at a
reputable sporting goods store and I've never regretted it. Hope this
helps.