Exercise Equipment.

[carrina]

I have decided to turn my box room into a mini gym and want to buy some exercise equipment that will strengthen my lungs. Can anyone advise me on what the best equipment would be for this ? Thanks in advance

[2greys]

I have done the same, with an exercise cycle an a rowing machine. Warm up on the bike for 10 minutes and then a good half hour of rowing, in the evening, plus on my feet working all day. I will soon cranking that up a little more, as I want to be as fit as I can be by the end of May to do our week of sailing (a holiday). The rowing machine exercises both the legs and the upper body. Both machines have adjustable tensions so you can start off on easy settings and work your way up. Paid around £150 for the pair a couple of years ago and used daily.

[Sandyeggo in reply to 2greys]

Once again 2greys you impress me. You sail THATS AWESOME! Not a task for sissies that’s for sure. Do you let the birds hang out with you on your machines?

[2greys in reply to Sandyeggo]

Yes, I love sailing. I have hired a 38 foot, ten ton sailing cruiser for a week's holiday, end of May, on the Norfolk Broads and rivers with my partner, daughter and 14 y/o grandson. I am under no illusion that it will be a huge challenge for me, but I have to go for one last time before I am totally incapable of it. A really beautiful part of the UK the good part is with mooring up and walking to the villages, it is mainly flat, just a few low hills which compensates for the winding up and down of the mast to get under the bridges.

[Sandyeggo in reply to 2greys]

Don’t be too quick to say” last time” just ask the Rhymer. He said once he’s thought that many times and alas he pushed through. As will you. Especially w/a 14 y/old grandSON on board that you have to teach how to do it right. I only went a few times when I was a teen but saw my share of rookies making a disaster out of it. Have you ever sailed in ocean waters where it’s hard and ya gotta have skills and strength? I hope talking about it is getting you excited. And since you are going with those whom love you I’m sure if you get too winded one of them can pick up your slack they are probably very happy to be in your company. My granddaughters gonna be 13 in May I enjoy doing things with her too although she is as lazy as the day is long. She thinks shopping is a sport, and spending money can be directly related to math- LOL. When I’m out surfing w/my friends they totally understand my biggest problem is catching my breath so sometimes we sit on the muddy shore for awhile then carry on. It’s gonna be so fun I’m happy for you. Ahh the 🌬 💨 wind at your back and sun in your face- love love love it🤙

[2greys in reply to Sandyeggo]

I live in Southampton, the Solent is the sailing Mecca of the world. Yes I do get out onto the sea occasionally, crewing on a friend's yacht. The sea is not so hard when, you compare it to 5 second tacks in a 12ft wide river.

[carrina in reply to 2greys]

Brilliant ! Well done to you

[whit in reply to 2greys]

I bought an exercise bike , no matter how much i tried the longest i could do was 4 min.don't like to say it but i had to give it up.

[Petrie21]

I also use a rowing machine , treadmill, and bike each day

[carrina in reply to Petrie21]

These 3 seem about the best ones to buy.

[christina1947 in reply to carrina]

Hi carina I go spinning twice a week and I feel the benefit from it so if I was making a home gym it would be an exercise bike plus something to play my favourite cds loud enjoy xxx

[Caspiana]

Hello carrina . I have a treadmill. xx 😊

[carrina in reply to Caspiana]

Hello Caspiana, yes , the treadmill was my first thought xx Might get the rowing machine too .

[Sandyeggo]

I tell all my clients and anyone else who asks this question the same thing . You defineately do NOT need to spend a bunch of money on equipment to improve your body, mind and spirit. For sure dedicate the space as your lung workshop put stuff on the walls you like to look at, have a clock or watch with the seconds hand. Your body weight is ample to work you out. an if it becomes too easy you can fill sandbags, you can use soup cans you can fill empty water bottles with beans or rice and magically you have created weight with stuff laying around. And as any fitness specialist should tell you always check with your doctor before starting anything too strenuous. I do breathing exercises to help w/my lungs capacity. I do a bunch of the deepest breaths I can take in for 8seconds out for 8 secs til I feel I can really take in a big one and hold it as long as I can but you’ve got to work up to it. Make sure to sit on that one an afterwards don’t get up too fast. Stay hydrated. All the cardio machines people spend way too much money on often times end up in thrift stores and garage sales or they’re being used in their bedrooms as a clothes hanger. Keep this in mind before making a big investment in equipment. Also small gyms and fitness centers often don’t end up being able to make enough money to keep their business open and have to liquidate their assets at a major loss and that’s where you can gain if it all is timed and the stars are elined-lol. Jumping jacks, jumping rope, playing hopscotch will all put your heart and lungs into cardio mode but remember to start slow and easy. You can always do more but you can’t do less if you hurt yourself! No matter what speed you progress it’s all progress! I applaud your efforts and don’t give up I am willing to help you as much as I can. You can also google cardio exercises. Your goal is specifically increasing your lung capacity? Also practicing in a pool or even the bathtub holding your breath under water will help you gain strength there. I am not a doctor but I do have a BS in Health Science and am a certified fitness specialist. Here in the USA the latest health craze are saunas, they’re supposedly the newest”cure all” you can create your own in the bathroom or kitchen- it’s the whole sweating of body toxins theory. I traveled a couple hours today to an area referred to as high desert and WOW that air was making me feel like I was 30 y/o again with good lungs. The clean fresh air was just amazing. Highly think getting out of city air pollution does wonders for us. I’m trying to move there. Do keep me posted on how you get along with your new dedication room

[carrina in reply to Sandyeggo]

Thanks Sandyeggo. Yes i need to increase my lung capacity as i am finding that i am getting more breathless these days and i feel like i cant take a deep breath in like before , chest bones hurt etc and i think it is because i have been unable to exercise as much as i was. I was regularly power walking round the park several times every day last year , but i have osteoarthritis and my hip and knee are painful lately also bulging discs in my back now and then and pain from fibromyalgia flare ups, so it is all stopping me from getting as much exercise as i am used to.Yes, its funny how we can feel great when breathing in good fresh air. My mum used to say that the air in Alicante, Spain done wonders for her breathing.

[christina1947 in reply to carrina]

Hi carina as well as my spinning I do the chair test You sit on a dinning chair arms out in front of you and stand up sit down until you out of breath I am now up to 20 but started off at 9 Try it xxx

[carrina in reply to christina1947]

Thanks for reply Christina, i shall give it a go

[Sparkywoo]

great advice already given. Either a tread mill, bike or rower for cardio and I have a set of resistance bands that I can take away with me too. Much more manageable than weights but just as effective. I do Pilates classes too but you can download these or use dvds at home

[carrina in reply to Sparkywoo]

Yes , it will probably be the treadmill with uphill feature that i get first .

[Kristicats in reply to carrina]

I got a small treadmill from Argos that’s all I could fit in anywhere. It’s a manual one doesn’t need electric it’s on an incline. Does record timing/ calories though.

[carrina in reply to Kristicats]

I shall check it out , thanks

[Hacienda]

Hi Hun, I have an Exercise Bike at Home, in my Hall way as The Bungalow is a bit too small for more, as much as I would love to have a Tread mill at Home, no room. I go to the Gym every Wednesday ( cost me £2.10) to use the Gym. I use the Tread mill & other Low level equipment, last week I over did it, now My knees are painful, so after lots of Ibuprofen Muscle gel. I am there again Tomorrow. I also have a Breathe Easy Exercise Class every Monday & Thursday(Resistance Band used a lot here), I feel I should do More as I haven't lost any weight lately. You do what you can Hun, I love it. Stay Well,Stay Strong, Stay Positive. Love Carolina XXXX

[carrina in reply to Hacienda]

Thanks Carolina xx Yes its my knee and hip that are slowing me down lately. Plus i have had bulging discs in my back that give me bad sciatica in my bum and down the back of my legs Really must try to push past all that and get my breathing back on track as quite breathless lately when i exert myself just a bit. I was so much better last year

[Hacienda in reply to carrina]

Hi Hun, Are you on the Correct Meds and Inhalers? I seem to be, and with Exercise (including my Valves, last June) I have become a little less Breathless. I am on Oxygen also, which I use at the Gym on level 3 Flow. I don't not need it at Breathe Easy(low level Exercises) So Exercise has expanded my Lungs, at least I like to think that. I had Sciatica Years ago and it is very Painful so I feel for you, I do have a Titanium Hip, 10 years ago, But that is ok. When I used to get very Breathless, I would do my Breathing Exercises, along with a salt Pipe, I still do both today and It works. I do hope you manage to have your Lovely Gym and you Enjoy it as I do, We are Both Strong positive Women, so no holding us Back my Love. Love n Hugs . xxxxx

[carrina in reply to Hacienda]

I only use a ventolin inhaler and have only used that several times in the past few years. Havent been offered any meds as i dont feel i need any as yet plus i am allergic to so many different tablets ( i have grand mal epilepsy and found out over the years that it is certain medication that cause my seizures . So i have managed to phase my fits out by avoiding the things that trigger them.) Am a bit wary about taking meds now to be honest . Im meant to be moderately severe , but when i read posts from others who are at the same level as me, they seem so much worse. It confuses me . You have been through alot ! Strong lady by the sounds of things xx

[Hacienda in reply to carrina]

I understand. Sorry about your Breathing, salt pipe is a natural remedy, may be worth looking into.take care Hun. Xxx🏋💪👍

[Aingeful]

After doing pulmonary rehab last year I got my own "gym" together at very little cost! My daughter bought me an exercise bike for mother's day. I bought a stepper machine second hand,£10 and never used and I bought weights from our local Car Boot. The rest of the PF exercises just involved wall press ups and stand chair lifts etc. I made myself a play list of tunes that motivate me. Despacito is great for the warm up and Katy Perry's "Roar" is ideal for stepping! As I said, all you need for very little money.Have Fun!! Sheila

[carrina in reply to Aingeful]

Thanks Sheila, yes i am on the for sale sites looking for some second hand bargains.

[Hacienda in reply to Aingeful]

Well Done Hun, A Lady with my Ideals of Purchasing with Little Cost. I too look around the Charity Shops, amazing what you can Buy re- Exercise equipment. For many years I did Car Boots with my Hubby, Life Before COPD. Of Course that is where I would buy anything needed. These days can't get to them as Hubby works Sunday's. But, The good Charity Shops are Great and Cheap, We also see our money going to Good Charities. Carry on Enjoying your Home Gym. Love n Hugs XXX

[SquirrelsHolt]

Oh I'm a rather pitiful user on my bicycle indoors but with warmer weather coming, I'm determined to make a "peddling exercise" part of my everyday activities. Exercise of any sort is vital for us lungies ,to get us moving and using!!

[Shellc]

I invested in a treadmill as found bike and rowing machine too much

[BlueFields66]

I Brought myself an Exercise bike but have difficult to get on it if want to but 100.00 new [e-mail]