Struggling with elliptical

E

Eve1

New member
A little background: I'm 19 and not "overweight" but looking to lose 7-8lbs(which would put me at 19.3 BMI). I've currently got a BMI of 21. On March 1st I started a bit of a diet/workout routine. I was/am eating about 1200 cals a day (I've had a few slip ups, I'm a chronic comfort eater) and doing an hour on our Gazelle Cross trainer every day. My weight hasn't changed much from when I started, but I noticed a big change in my thighs and upper arms. They look much less flabby/tighter.

I'm very comfortable with the Gazelle, and have no problems getting to an hour or an hour and a half on it, at a fairly good speed(though I still end up sweating a bit and being tired). Recently we bought an elliptical and I struggle to complete even 5 minutes on it. I got to 15 the other night and was having chest pains and shaking. My father on the other hand has worked out less, and has a BMI of 29, yet he managed to do 15 minutes on it tonight with surprisingly little strain.

Am I just really, really, out of shape? I do understand the that gazelle has no resistance, while the elliptical does. But the degree of exhaustion I'm experiencing is frustrating. I'm curious as to how long it'll take til I build up enough endurance to do it for longer.
 
I wouldnt say your really out of shape, i can ride the eliptical for an hour, and my wife could only for 15 minutes.And we were both not in great shape at the time.When we used to goto the gym i always noticed the women were the first to get off over the guys using the elipticals.I think it has something to do with guys having more muscle in the areas being worked then women.
 
You probably aren't really really out of shape. Your body is used to the Gazelle, which has no resistance. You started to do the elliptical, which has resistance, and your body isn't used to it. You could try lowering the resistance on the elliptical machine and working your way up to higher resistance when you feel comfortable doing so...like building yourself up to the highest setting. It would be challenging your body and working it up to perform at that higher level.

Even though you can only do a small amount of time, you said that you noticed changes in your body, so it's apparently working. Push yourself, but not so hard to the point where you have chest pains and are shaking. If it's an option to lower the resistance, do so, so that you don't have these pains and then you may be able to exercise on the elliptical longer.

Some days, I can get on the elliptical and ride for an hour. Other days, 15 minutes seems like a chore and my legs are sore and I'm out of breath quickly. It just depends. Your body will tell you what you can and can not do.

I also don't think that being a guy or girl has anything to do with it. I see women on the elliptical for a long time and men that look to be in shape on it for not long and are out of breath. It depends on the person.

I hope some of this helped. Let us know how it goes the next time you try it out.
 
I first started on the elliptical about 2 months ago. The first week I did it, I could barely do 10-15 minutes on level 1. Now I'm working out an hour on level 12-15 (max level is 20). Your body will get used to it ;)
 
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The elliptical machine has much different leg, ankle and arm geometry when compared to the Gazelle Glider. Its like comparing apples to oranges (sort of speaking). As stated by others, each machine takes time for one's body to adapt to it. If you can, reduce "tension / resistance" on the elliptical machine and work your way up to 15 consecutive minutes (NO resistance at all). Keep at 15 minutes and slowly add more resistance / tension each time. Thus, allowing your body to "get used of it first" - before putting it under pressure. Works for me....

Hope this helps as well...

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Sorry for the late reply! After more tries on the elliptical I had a rather weird/scary breathing issue(at 1 minute into it u_u ), so I've mostly given up on it for the time being. We've suspected I've had asthma for a few years, but I wrote off the idea because it's usually not triggered by any physical activities. I've got a doctors appointment coming up soon, so I'll have it checked out then. During the meantime, we managed to get a treadmill! I'm loving the treadmill at the moment, and, while I work up a sweat and such, it doesn't cause me to have breathing problems or chest pains at this point.

Also, my BMI is down to 20.7 <3 A tiny, yet happy, victory.

Thanks for all your replies :)
 
I have massive trouble with the elliptical too. I don't get worn out, at all, and I'm in poor shape for sure. I usually get bored a lot sooner than worn out. But, the thing is.. I don't get! The movement is so awkward and uncomfortable. It's hard to explain...

I'm 5'0"--could it be I'm simply too short for those giant steps you have to make? I tend to put all my weight on one step and then the other to get the machine to, like, go... I hate it. I feel like some kinda robot/alien. It's so unnatural feeling.
 
Wild Vulpix said:
I have massive trouble with the elliptical too. I don't get worn out, at all, and I'm in poor shape for sure. I usually get bored a lot sooner than worn out. But, the thing is.. I don't get! The movement is so awkward and uncomfortable. It's hard to explain...

I'm 5'0"--could it be I'm simply too short for those giant steps you have to make? I tend to put all my weight on one step and then the other to get the machine to, like, go... I hate it. I feel like some kinda robot/alien. It's so unnatural feeling.
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Hah, quite possible I suppose. I'm actually below 5'0", but I was getting a bit of a rhythm when I was on it. I was wearing out way too early to keep it up though, and I did end up trying to push on by putting all weight on one foot, etc.
 
there are several different types of ellipticals at my gym. I am 5 foot 2 and my husband is 6 foot...we both use totally different machines. He has very long legs and the one he uses has long strides. I can easily go 40 minutes to an hour, but my sis in law said she could do no more than 5 minutes. I am a figure skater too so maybe it has something to do with my leg strength (and glute strength)....

i mix it up. Elliptical and treadmill. I even throw in stairmaster once in a great while. It seems to be working I have lost 25 pounds now.
 
Diocia said:
I first started on the elliptical about 2 months ago. The first week I did it, I could barely do 10-15 minutes on level 1. Now I'm working out an hour on level 12-15 (max level is 20). Your body will get used to it ;)
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I agree with this and had the same sort of experience. When I first started on the elyptical I could barely get to 10-15 minutes without struggling. Now I easily am on it for 45 minutes before I start to tire. I think with any exercise it gets easier with time and that's when you have to start challenging yourself. It's kinda like you can't expect to complete a marathon without training. Good luck! :)
 
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