Elliptical Trainers

[Disney Ontario]

Does anyone have one and actually use it and does it work? I want to start to lose weight and with knee/hip problems, I thought it would be the best/easiest machine.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I've used one at our local gym.

I don't particularly have knee problems, but I am very heavy.

I find the elliptical trainer to be much harder to use than the bicycle or treadmill. The elliptical requires a little bit of coordination, which I do not possess.

A stationary bicycle would put the least strain on your knees, but you would be required to bend them.

A friend with knee problems goes to the local Y for water aerobics. Swimming would also be a very good bet.

 

[momof2minnies]

Yes we have one at home- Horizen is the brand and we got it at Dicks sporting goods.I have said to my DH you usually buy a piece of equipment and then wish you went with a different model or just aren't happy with it.I have to say I love ours and it has not become a clothes rack.We have had it for a few years now.

Much better on your knees than almost anything but swimming,Overall excellent workout because you use upper body as well ,opposed to the bike.

The key is to gradually increase the time and intensity of your workouts and the weight will come off, as long as a nutritionally sound diet is in place as well.

Good luck,

Linda

 

[Rose&Mike]

I use one at the Y on average 5 days a week, usually between 40 and 90 minutes at a time. When I started using the elliptical at the end of December I couldn't do more than 15 minutes, and could only do the legs. I held on rather than do the arm motion. It takes a while to work up to long workouts, but I really like it. I now have no problem with doing the arms and legs. I have knee problems, so I don't set the incline very high. Somedays if I'm feeling sore somewhere I do no incline. I'd try one first if you can before you purchase one. And I will say we stayed at a Marriott that did not have a very good machine and I got off of it after 10 minutes--the feet slid back and forth on a track rather than the feet being part of the mechanism--does that make any sense? My ankles felt like they were wobbling all over the place. Not good. Good luck with your decision!

 

[miksicnarf]

Have it, use it, love it. Efficient workout in less time than treadmill, plus some upper body benefit.