Greetings!

I am hoping to find some good exercise equipment soon. I am tentatively scheduled for Lap Band surgery on October 20, and need to find cardio exercise that fits with my BMI of 40, scoliosis in my back, and recent foot surgery - low- or no-impact cardio exercise. I was looking at ellipticals, but my husband would prefer a recumbent exercycle. My doctor (not surgeon) suggested the elliptical or some kind of bowflex that I can't remember the name of. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with equipment that we can benefit from as Bandsters. What do you think?

I like the Wii fit. It goes with your comfort level. My surgeon recommended it. It's also pretty cheap when you see how much you get for it.

Really? The Wii Fit is a good exercise machine? I wonder if it has a weight limit...right now I'm at about 250. Did you try it out before you got it? If so, how?

Thanks!

how much did the wii fit cost

I'm in the same boat as far as needing exercise recommendations. I was banded Sept. 24th and have lost 23 pounds. Finally down to 300. I have osteoporosis and am quite susceptible to falling. Having had enough broken bones in the last 3 years, I am afraid of walking. Living in Minnesota, weather is not real conducive to walking a good portion of the year (cold & snowy). I want to get some type of exercise equipment that will help me but am afraid an exercise bike won't work either because of my knees. Any suggestions?

Hi:

Check out www.trikke.com It's great fun and good, low impact exercise. It takes some practice to get it moving at first, but watch out once you do. It's a bit addictive. Noticed you're from CA, so lucky you could probably ride year-round on a trikke. I am in MA, so I'm already missing trikking because I had to give it up for the fall leaves are slippery.

Let me know if you get one.

There's a website that you can check out too. If you want to try one before you buy one go on to the www.trikketalk.com and see if there's someone in your area that has one that you could try. Most of the people on that forum are very friendly and would be glad to introduce the trikking experience to a rookie.

Best wishes to you in finding an exercise that is good for you, fun for you, and comfortable for your joints.

Let me know if you have any questions on trikking.

Sue

I have to second the Trikke. Its awesome exercise and fun too.

Sue, Glad to see you still like your Trikke....Dave

UNILATERAL SHOULDER PRESS

how much did the wii fit cost

The Wii Fit cost $89 but you have the get the Wii Console too.

I love my Wii Fit just haven't gotten into using it a lot yet. I'm definately going to start when I have my surgery.

First thing is you need to figure out how much you want to spend. Alot of times people purchase gym equipment and it ends up becoming a clothing rack. You should look in the want ads or newpaper there is usally alot of items for sale and for a good price.

If you can, I would suggest swimming. I swim 4-6x a week and LOVE it!! It is so awesome.

You can even get an underwater ipod to listen to music while you swim. I find myself learning new things each time and increasing my endurance, lung capacity, and stamina.

When I first started I could do ONE lap and I had to breathe with every stroke. Now I do 3-4 strokes between breaths (3 is normal) and I can swim 6 laps without resting. I have taught myself to do a flip turn and use kickboards and these leg things.

I can feel the muscles in my arms and legs and see a big difference in the contours of my body. You just have to get over the being in public in a swim suit thing. There are always people at my pool who look worse than I do, or just about the same, so I don't worry about it.

Oh, I started out doing deep Water aerobics. It's great. You wear a bouy around your waist and swim in the deep end doing different kinds of walking back and forth without touching the ground.

I think both swimming and aqua-aerobics or aqua jog and low to no impact.

I agree with Sue regarding the Trikke - I am going to get one myself very soon - I need to have fun while exercising otherwise I find it hard to get motivated:biggrin: