Elliptical machine

I'm not sure which is better. I don't care either. I enjoy the elliptical and I keep it on a level 13 resistance so that I feel it. I don't know who else said this but I also love that I can workout different muscles depending on where I place my feet, like tonight I used different styles and placements in order to transition the workout from my butt, to my inner thighs, to my quads to my calves..etc. I love the elliptical.
 
I really enjoy them both. I'm more of an outdoor runner, but when it's really hot or really cold I'll run inside either on a treadmill or elliptical. Depends on how im feeling.
I have terrible knees, I tore my ACL a few years back and had reconstructive surgery, they took a piece of my hamstring to replace the ACL and cleaned out a bunch of torn meniscus. The result, whenever I do extended periods of high impact exersize involving the knees I'm in pain, usually after the activity during rest time, or when it's stormy out.
So when my knees ache I'll head for the elliptical, doesn't bother them as much. But I really prefer the treadmill. I agree, it keeps you honest, if I feel tired on the elliptical I'll feel myself slow down, the treadmill keeps you at that constant pace for longer, I like to see how far I can push it.
Like I said before though, nothing beats running outside.
 
skyler said:
anybody know a good site that is accurate on how many calories you burn on an elliptical machine? my elliptical says one thing, sites say another. not sure where i'm at with this thing?

thanks.
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yeah i have an elliptical machine as well. and i enter every time ( even though i could make a profile but im kinda lazy and forget) lol, i have it and everytime i enter my height, weight, and age, i put the ristence level i want and it tells me how many strokes i have doen how many meters and of course how many calories as well as my heart rate ( but i had to buy that extra part its a little strap i put around my waist) the sites that tell you how much you lose are most lily incorrect becuz they are not taking intoconsideration, your weight, age, adn height, ristence level and how many mins you do, or how fast as well. :)
i ussualy do an hour for 60 mins and burn 600 and at BEST 700, and i weigh 160 and am 5'7
 
how do i post a new thread help! i can only ask this in reply lol

how do i post a new thread!!!!!!!!!! i mean i did it once cuz when i singed on it said " post new thread" but now im am going crazy i can't find it any where! i go to a bunch of posts and i can't find where it says post new thread... i don't understand lol its driving me crazy! help please!
 
How long on the elliptical is normal???

Ok so i hear some people talk about spending like an hour on the elliptical. I can only do like 10 mintues(i started doing it 3-4 times a week at the gym). Am i really really out of shape??? I dont understand how someone who weighs almost 300 lbs can possibly do it for an hour?!?!?!?!?! Is it just me who thinks that is insane?

Rena
 
I am one of those people who weighs almost 300 pounds and can do an hour on the elliptical. Its not easy and can be painful sometimes. It takes a lot of mental effort to do it. I've also built up to the time and have played sports a lot in my life.

I don't know why it would be insane... it took me a lot of work and effort to be able to do it. Its not easy for me but I can do it and I feel good and a sense of accomplishment when I finish.
 
Try doing 20 minutes and then 30 minutes. I've read that once you hit 30 minutes of cardio you start burning fat.
 
stuco said:
Try doing 20 minutes and then 30 minutes. I've read that once you hit 30 minutes of cardio you start burning fat.
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You burn calories from fat either way. Its just the % of fat burned may change based on intensity and intensity usually drops with duration of any given exercise. Meaning a higher % of calories burned may come from fat. However, Do not think this is optimal or the only way one should always workout. For example, On a % line I am burning more calories from fat right now as I type then I would walking for 30 minutes.


To the OP
The idea behind walking for 60minutes, for some, is their burning more fat calories then if they ran for 30 minutes. While they may burn a higher % of calories from fat. That does Not necessarily mean their burning a greater number of calories from fat.
Variation is important. One shouldn't stick to just doing one form or the other. Change it up, do both at different times.

Tried to keep it real simple, If that's not a good enough explanation please say so.
 
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When i weighed closer to 300 lbs i remember trying the elliptical at the gym and my calfs would be in so much pain and i would feel like i was about to pass out after only 10 minutes or so. Once you push past that 10 minute mark, it usually starts to get easier. I can comfortably do a half hour now. Just keep working at it! Good luck!
 
oh man, i hear ya! I can probalby do 15 maybe 20 mins ...but i can only do it for 2.5 min's w/o taking a 20 second break!! my legs get to throbbing and I stop for a few seconds till its a bit better, then get at it again.

I don't get it b/c although i am overweight, i'm in pretty good shape i think..i can walk several miles easy, so i don't get it
 
I know what you are saying.....i can do an hour on the treadmill at 3.7-4.0 speed and not be out of breath....but 10 minutes on the elliptical and i start praying!!!!lol To those who are overweight and can do the elliptical.... mre power to you, that is truly awesome. My goal this week is to get to 20 minutes.
 
It really is a time build up... the elliptical does a number on your body.

I can do the treadmill for an hour on the hills setting and not have an issue getting through it. Going an hour on the elliptical takes a much greater toll on my body. Work your time up and your body will get used to it as you progress.
 
ummhusayn said:
How long on the elliptical is normal?
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There is nothing normal about an elliptical machine. That thing was developed by a seriousely disturbed mind!!!

However, with that being said, I love working out on it! I remember the first time I got on an elliptical, I lasted less than 2 minutes. Stick with it, it will get easier and it gives you a great workout with very low impact.

Griff
 
what is an elliptical? everyone on here talks about them but ive never been in a jim so wouldnt know what it is. im joining uni jim in september, does the elliptical acutally count as good excercise? what is it good for?
 
I normally do 15-20 on the elliptical at about 2.0 and then 30-45 on the treadmill alternating 2min.@ 2.5 / 2min.@4.0 and I'm terribly overweight, but I've always been an avid biker. Believe it or not, obese and I bike. It saved me a lot of gas money going to and from class.
 
since my first post im starting to love the lliptical because it challenges me. Yesterday i did 4 miles in 40 minutes. Next weeks goal is 6 miles in one hour.
 
ummhusayn said:
since my first post im starting to love the lliptical because it challenges me. Yesterday i did 4 miles in 40 minutes. Next weeks goal is 6 miles in one hour.
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Like Tru said, Well Done. It is challenging and it will give you a great workout. Keep it up, you can do it.
 
Awesome job at reaching 4 miles in 40 minutes!

When i see people on the elliptical machine at the gym who exercise for an hour or sometimes more, usually have the resistance at 1 or 2. Honestly I think anyone can do that for an hour straight. It all depends on the resistance you add.

When i started out, i did 25 minutes at 5 then gradually began increasing. Now I am doing 40 minutes at 10, definitely would not be able to do an hour :)

It's a great machine though. I began my weightloss using my treadmill, did 60 minutes a day, i did lose some weight, but when started using the elliptical i noticed my legs are more toned and losing inches faster too.

Its a tough workout but if starting slowly, it's not soo bad :)
~Jo
 
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