What's a good exercise machine for someone very unfit?

Bougainvillea

Just wondered if anyone could recommend one, but needs to be suitable for aching knees! Thanks for any suggestions:j

moneypooh

I know this isn't the right answer, but a swimming pool!
Swimming is ideal for unfit people with dodgy knees. I realise it's not easy for everyone to get to a pool, and so a machine may be easier. I bought one a few years ago, gave up as I found it boring, ended up selling it and going swimming instead.

Bougainvillea

Thank you for your helpful reply. I agree that swimming is best but I would like an excercise machine for a bit of variety

Browntoa

I looked at exercise machines and ended up with a bike, easy on the knees and as gentle exercise as you make it

iwanttosave_2

I have trouble with my knees and the only thing I have found to be any good is a cross trainer, the treadmill and bikes just ended up activating them more.

Nomad25

Small [indoor] trampoline - very low impact on knees. You can get them dead cheap too.

belfastgirl23

I'm with Iwanttosave - I have very ropey knees and find that the crosstrainer is the machine that puts least stress on them. It's also a full body workout since you're using your arms as well so it's easier to get your heartrate up on a crosstrainer than on a bike. And technically you're working out your arms as well as legs etc.

In terms of a bike though, the recumbent bike is fine for me though I find the traditional bike a bit tougher.

Do start exercising though - I'm still overweight I have to confess but the exercise is great!

crocodileteeth

You could try a wii fit. Lots of threads on here about them. There is quite a variety of things to do so it should keep you interested. Or get a dog, you will walk miles.

belfastgirl23

The other thing to add is that I was advised to build up muscles in my legs to help my knees - it might be worth seeing a physio about this to see if you might be the same. Apparently knees are floating joints and it's the muscles supporting them that you need to work on to help.

Bougainvillea

Thanks again for the advice but if anyone can recommend a good make of cross trainer that isn't a rediculous price, please let me know

treliac

How about trying something like this

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3029727/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+fitness%7C9555568/c_2/2%7Ccat_9555568%7CHome+gym+equipment%7C9555649/c_3/3%7Ccat_9555649%7COther+gym+equipment%7C9555664.htm

There are several types to choose from at Argos. I've got one without the handlebar but this would be better for someone who is not too fit. This one looks good value.

MIL, 80 years, has one and has increased her strength over the past year. They can be set at different resistance levels and you can choose your pace to exercise gently or more energetically.