Jacque,
I asked the same exact question about month or so ago. We made a room for exercising equipment. I decide to use free weight. You do the same exercises so why purchase something that is so very expensive? They do work them a different way, but then that is up to you. I do have a tredmill, staionary bike, and a stair climber, the rest is Cathe.
I Use all of Cathe's w/o and I'm not sorry. I see all kinds of improvements on my body. Toning like you wouldn't believe, stronger and healthier. The person that suggested that to me, also said "I know that is not what you want to here, but it works". But I bet you will get all kinds of great suggestions from the educated crowed here.
Good Luck on your decision,
Janie
"If you can't say anything nice about someone, then don't say anything at all."
-My mother, Mary Cooper-