how good is the elliptical?

[Kmygrl73]

Hello.
I joined a gym last month and I try to go as often as I can. I have done some walking on the treadmill and I have been doing the elliptical machine about 30 minutes at a time. Since this is my first time at a gym, I was just curious at how good is the elliptical? Is it good cardio? Am I getting a good enough workout in? Any thoughts would be great. I really am a beginner with this exercise stuff and I am really self conscious at the gym so I don't ask any questions!!!

Thanks,
Kim

 

[pixiedust23]

I am a HUGE fan of the elipitcal machine. I have been ever since I started going to the gym in high school. I have bad joints (due to high school and college sports) so its the closest to running I can get! I know I would burn more calories on that machine then my friends would on the treadmill when we went to the gym together so I would def say you're getting a good work out. You just need to consider your speed and the difficulty level you have the machine set at. Clearly the faster the go the more calories you burn. But anyways I'll stop rambling and say it really is a good form of cardio!

O and dont be self concious at the gym. Everyone is there for the same reason, to be healthy. Some people might be in better shape, but it just means they've been going to the gym longer than you have!

 

[geetey]

Ellipticals are AWESOME!!! Great cardio workout without the jarring to your body. DH has had THREE back surgeries and his physical therapists have told him to stay away from treadmills and stick with the elliptical. When our treadmill dies (I use it), we will probably replace with an elliptical at home.

Kick up the resistance whenever you feel it is getting too easy. I like to do the elliptical and then lift weights. Good stuff!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I love using the elliptical at the gym. I do not own one, I own a TM.

To answer your question about is it giving you enough cardio work out, you should be aware of how your heart rate is increasing with any exercise you do. Your HR needs to be such to allow for you to carry on some type of conversation while you are moving. It should not be too slow either. When I use the machine at the gym I often find myself conversing with the people next to me for that reason. I have only used it a couple of times, and someone always starts the conversation. I guess where I go it is expected of those of us using the elliptical equipment that you converse with your neighbor. If you over work, you will not be helping your work out as well as if you under work out.

A CAUTION: Our orthopedic surgeon said to stay away from using the elliptical in the backward or back pedaling mode. He says there is too much tendency to over straighten the knee joint thereby causing all sorts of potential problems for which he is highly paid to attempt to repair. BEWARE.

For me it is not as much impact and does get my HR up more quickly than riding the recumbent bicycle as the orthopedic surgeon also recommends using over most any other piece of equipment for cardio workout.

 

[kayeandjim00]

We joined a gym this week and tonight was my first time in a long time on an eliptical and I remembered all the reasons I used to love it so much. I felt like I got an amazing workout! I burned 200 calories and was only on it for about 20 minutes. I really enjoy it much more than a treadmill and think it is an excellent workout.

 

[tiggerlover]

The elliptical is my favorite mode of exercise! After going to the gym for almost 2 years I finally bought one for myself last month and I don't regret it. I feel the elliptical gives you a total body workout and I think it is friendlier on the joints than the treadmill.

 

[teachingmykids]

Tiggerlover and others who own them,

What brand do you have? Why did you choose the one you did?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I just wanted to say that on an elliptical while you can go fast, the better workout is to increase the resistance. You should feel like you have to push it, not that you are just flying.

 

[dkostel]

Tiggerlover and others who own them,

What brand do you have? Why did you choose the one you did?

I just bought a Nordic Track at Sears. They're having a big sale, this one (CX925) was originally $799 and I got it for $499. Has 8 programs and is Ifit compatible (and has a fan - I love the fan). I got it because I trust the brand, read rave reviews, and liked it in person. Only had it a week but I love it!

Donna

 

[decaff38]

I had to have my ACL ligiment replaced 2 years ago and have been working out using the elliptical and I love it. It is the closest thing to running with out the pounding of the joints. I highly recommend it to everyone. It does take a bit to get used to it. the first couple of times you'll feel like your going to fall off and it will seem really hard but play around with the settings. Push it all the way down to 1 in resistance and crossramp and then work your way up. Good luck!!

 

[Zoesmama03]

Ack I tried one out when I was doing PT after a car accident a few years ago. And i hated it. I guess it was just weird to me and I had a hard time with it.

 

[pixiedust23]

zoesmama- I have friends who never really enjoyed it either. It takes a good deal of balance to be able to master the machine. Also if you have a bad back it can put strain on your lower back, so that can be an issue. But the main problem I"ve found with people who don't like it is they dont take the time to get used to it, b/c it is a fairly awkward motion in the beginning.

 

[airhead]

My SO uses one,loves it! I hate it. I prefer the stationary bike.