Elliptical Machine

[kimmikayb]

My DH and I have committed to getting healthy. So in a moment of insane thoughts of working out together we purchased a Norditrack 400 stationary bike (DH liked) and a Norditrack ARS Elliptical (I liked). Now I'm scared I won't know how to run the moniter but worse, I'm worried I won't be able to do a workout on it!! Please tell me it's easy and I won't die the first day.

Also pray for me, send pixie dust my way, do a special dance for me as my DH is putting these machines together himself. The swear words will be heard all over the world.

 

[pepperw23]

OMG!!! I love the elliptical machines!!! They are much easier than the bikes and they are kinda fun. If you are worried just start out like this: Incline: 2-3 resistance 5.

That is what I started out at and I did fine. They become addicting.

 

[kimmikayb]

OMG!!! I love the elliptical machines!!! They are much easier than the bikes and they are kinda fun. If you are worried just start out like this: Incline: 2-3 resistance 5.

That is what I started out at and I did fine. They become addicting.

Ok, I tried it. We got it together with minimal swearing. I could only do 5 minutes on resistance 1!!! Ag!!!! Gotta work my way up. It has a weight loss work out on it. I'll work up to that 30 minutes.

 

[lfeikert]

We have an ellipitical machine and when I haven't done it for awhile, I feel like I'm going to die after 5 minutes! Just try to add 2 minutes each time. I worked my way up to 20 minutes with no resistance before I started doing the programs. That way I didn't get discouraged that I couldn't do it. Even after doing 25 minutes consistently with no resistance, I thought I was going to die after 8 minutes when I started doing the program that gradually increased the resistance. Mine is a 20 minute program and it took me 4 days before I was able to do the whole 20 minutes. Stick with it! It's a great feeling when you can finally get through it. You really know that you are accomplishing something!

 

[kimmikayb]

We have an ellipitical machine and when I haven't done it for awhile, I feel like I'm going to die after 5 minutes! Just try to add 2 minutes each time. I worked my way up to 20 minutes with no resistance before I started doing the programs. That way I didn't get discouraged that I couldn't do it. Even after doing 25 minutes consistently with no resistance, I thought I was going to die after 8 minutes when I started doing the program that gradually increased the resistance. Mine is a 20 minute program and it took me 4 days before I was able to do the whole 20 minutes. Stick with it! It's a great feeling when you can finally get through it. You really know that you are accomplishing something!

That's a good plan!! I'll add 2 minutes every time I do it. I bet it is a good feeling to get up to 20 minutes and then the 30 minute program.

 

[Thats_for_Shore]

The eliptical is my fave machine.

But, after I spend any length of time on it, like 30 mins or more, it's almost like my feet go numb.

So be careful when you step off the machine, just in case.

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

I've been doing the elliptical machine at the gym I joined this month (I've been going to another place for a year, and then Ballys before that)

I think I do the easiest setting, for 45 minutes, four days a week. Amazing considering that I couldn't make 2 minutes a year ago. I started slow, just the a pp said. Just tried to make it five minutes, then 10, then 15 and so on. I love it. It's a good workout that is not hard on the joints. I noticed the numb feet thing too. I'd love to have one of my own, but I don't have the room. Enjoy your new toy!

We have an ellipitical machine and when I haven't done it for awhile, I feel like I'm going to die after 5 minutes! Just try to add 2 minutes each time. I worked my way up to 20 minutes with no resistance before I started doing the programs. That way I didn't get discouraged that I couldn't do it. Even after doing 25 minutes consistently with no resistance, I thought I was going to die after 8 minutes when I started doing the program that gradually increased the resistance. Mine is a 20 minute program and it took me 4 days before I was able to do the whole 20 minutes. Stick with it! It's a great feeling when you can finally get through it. You really know that you are accomplishing something!

I guess this is what I need to do next. I've got six weeks before my Disney Trip!

 

[BuckyFan04]

I tried doing the elliptical machine at the gym once. I was on it for about 30 minutes, and my knees were killing me afterwards. They started hurting while I was on it, like I wasn't using the machine properly. Who knows.

Good luck! I hope it works out for you.

 

[kirbsam]

i love the elliptical.

 

[momrek06]

LOVE the elliptical AND what a w/o you will get. Four years ago my gym opened. My first introduction to an elliptical. YIKES, 5 minutes was ALL I could do on manual level 1.

Four years later, I do RANDOM on level 8 & 9 at a speed of 70 for 45 minutes. I use the pedal backwards feature as well every 5 minutes.

Yup, it is an awesome incredible intense w/o and I am 54yo. My DH is right next to me at the gym side by side and he does level 9 for 60 minutes.

I am dripping when I am done BUT like I said you know you have done a great w/o!!!

I alternate this with the treadmill and weights.

 

[DemonLlama]

I stepped on the elliptical for the first time at our gym in February and felt like such a failure when I had to stop at 10 minutes (no resistance/incline).

But like people said, you can work up your stamina pretty quickly on no resistance and then slowly add in the hills. I love the weight loss and hill climb programs best.

 

[kimmikayb]

All of you are making me feel like I can do it! I was feeling like a failure but it seems it's hard at first. I did another 5 minutes tonight. Then did 3 miles on the bike. My legs are rubber. It just proves to me that I need to keep at it because I'm so out of shape.

I'd love to be able to say I can do 60 minutes at different levels in a year!!

Plus, think how easy it will be to walk around WDW now!

 

[Pop Daddy]

take it back and get a gym membership, you have a better work out when strangers are watching you

 

[kimmikayb]

take it back and get a gym membership, you have a better work out when strangers are watching you

Except I live in the middle of nowhere with the closet gym 35 miles away. Why don't you come over and watch me

 

[Pop Daddy]

Except I live in the middle of nowhere with the closet gym 35 miles away. Why don't you come over and watch me

 

[elgerber]

We bought an Elliptical at Thanksgiving. The first few weeks I thought 10 minutes would kill me on lowest resistance!!! I didn't do it regularly for awhlie after we bought it. Now I can go 45 minutes no problem, and up to resistance 7. it will get easier!!! I love it because it doesn't hurt my feet or ankles like my treadmill was.

 

[kimmikayb]

And I can expect you when??

 

[Kahana-ri]

I love my elliptical machine. It has been the best to help me lose weight. My max is an hour, min 20 mins. As a PP said, you your feet do go numb after a while. My easiest work outs are with my ipod up loud with fast pace - get you moving music Enjoy.

 

[kimmikayb]

I love my elliptical machine. It has been the best to help me lose weight. My max is an hour, min 20 mins. As a PP said, you your feet do go numb after a while. My easiest work outs are with my ipod up loud with fast pace - get you moving music Enjoy.

An HOUR??!!! Yikes, you must really be in good shape!!

 

[momrek06]

it's almost like my feet go numb.

I noticed the numb feet thing too.

your feet do go numb after a while.

Your feet go numb! Why does that happen? Yikes, I would probably fall off the elliptical after my w/o if my feet were numb!