Frankly, most personal trainers here in the US are complete frauds. They pay $300, study a few hours for a test, and hang out their shingle. They read up on the latest fads in exercising, and advise their clients accordingly.

The bunny dumbbell stuff while doing cardio started decades ago. A lot of hucksters promoted it as a "magic" way to lose more weight, supposedly because you increased the resistance. In reality, what you're usually doing is putting stress on bones and joints that's completely unnatural -- and that's what keeps the orthopedic surgeons in business.

Aerobic = oxygen. In other words, your muscles are getting enough oxygen to function without going into their glycogen stores. Holding a couple of 5 lb. weights won't change that one iota, but it CAN put a lot of repetitive stress on your wrists and your elbow.

Perhaps the personal trainer believed that when you held these little weights, somehow that would strengthen your quads and your knees. I guarantee you -- if you want to do that, squats will accomplish that much more effectively and safely.

One of the biggest problems with mixing cardio and weights is form. The weights you're carrying tend to ruin your cardio form, and the cardio tends to ruin your weight lifting form.

If you don't believe how difficult it is to have proper weight lifting form, sit on a kitchen chair and try to do a proper military press, with perfect control, even using the bunny weights you already have. You'll probably find your arms bowing out on the way up, the weight shaking back and forth, too rapid a descent, incorrect breathing, etc. etc.

Form is absolutely critical with weight training. It takes concentration. Anyone can do it, though. It just requires focus.

So with a treadmill at home, a bench, and a couple of 15, 20, or 25 lb. dumbbells (you'll have to figure out the right ones to start with), you can design a perfectly good cardio / weight training routine that is both safe and effective.

By the way, here's a nice little video on the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise:
Body Performance TV

I can't believe people still use treadmills. Elipticals are the way to go but they're much more expensive. I always hear about this "walking" thing from middle aged people looking to lose weight. Even at a brisk pace you'll be hard pressed to break a sweat let alone really exercise. Trade in those walking shoes for a bike or a pair of roller blades.

Remember, we're talking here about a forum member who already has a treadmill, and can't leave the house very easily.

I don't particularly like treadmills either, and if you want to do HIIT, they're pretty difficult to use. But they're better than nothing!

Treadmill is all i have at this moment, and really dont have the extra $$$ for anything else. I have 2 kids, my husband comes home very late..I have known a lot of people who lost weight using the treadmill and they now look great. yes you can break out a good sweat on that thing..

I recently bought an elliptical machine and I love it. I really feel it in the hips and thighs and then if I rotate the other way I feel it in my lower stomach. I started out slow, 10 minutes first week and then increase to 15 minutes. 20 minutes each morning is my goal since I work and I don't have time for more. I finish my workout with 100 crunches and some floor pushups and squats. I really feel like that is a good morning work out for me. I also walk a lot. I am new at this so I can't tell you I have amazing results but hopefully in a couple of months I will.

Get a double stroller and get out and walk with those kids. You will all have a great time. Good luck.

as a middle aged person who walks regularly and has also dropped a few lbs - walking has been effective for me.. and I do break a sweat - dont be so down on walking -

I walk all the time and it is so easy to break out in a sweat. I have lost weight and gone down a size doing nothing but walking so you shouldn't knock walking. I think walking is a great way to start exercising and work up from there.

I think the main thing is not the equipment but the training and diet program you're using?

i actually quit my gym membership ($40) and got a Nordic Track treadmill... C2400. By far, the smartest money I've spent... My payment is less than my gym membership (yes, i had to finance). I paid (or will pay) about $1200 including delivery, and a 5 year in home warranty.

You just have to look at the particulars of your situation. I have two small children on my own. My gym did not have any kind of child care, wasn't open at all on Sunday. And very limited Saturday hours. And for me, it was just way too difficult to get there. And when I did get there I found myself on the treadmill most of the time anyway. What I like to do now is about 45 - 60 min on the treadmill and I do either a 20 min Pilates or Yoga video. It works for me because I can do it whenever I can fit it. Also, I"m pretty self conscious and being home takes that element out. And I figure the treadmill will last me through progressive fitness levels. I LOVE mine.

I will say that the other piece of equipment I used regularly was the elliptical. Its awesome. And I actually plan to buy one when I pay off my treadmill. I decided on the treadmill because it just seemed more of a staple to me, as far as equipment goes. The elliptical is definitely a hard workout. But I push myself on the treadmill as well, and am not happy unless I'm breaking a big sweat.

I tried out my sister-in-law's elliptical a few times, and hated the lack of control. she stopped using it in favor of a gym membership. I have had an old - (original company pre-1998 )- nordic track for years that I love, which ellipticals are based upon. It is great, and gives good full body workout with great control. I have weighted hand grips to increase my upper arm workout.

most good equipment which has been out for a few years can easily be found on craigslist, for a fraction of new.

try out different stuff and see what *you* like, as you are the one who will be using it. If you like it, you will be more likely to keep using it.

Try checking with local churches or the YMCA and see if they offer low-cost gym membership. You might also get childcare really cheap!