Elliptical Advice, please

O.K, so I went on for the first time last time last night...I lasted 4 minutes and thought I was going to pass out!  When I went back up the stairs (it's in the basement) I felt like my legs were made of spagetti!    It's interesting that while I can walk long distances with no trouble, when I do stairs (LIRR, subway, etc.) it's really hard for me.  I guess those are some of the same muscles. Is this normal? For those of you more experienced than I, how should I proceed?  I was thinking of staying @ 4 minutes until I'm comfortable with it (that will happen, right???) then add one? minute every few days...??? I'm trying not to be discouraged, but 4 minutes is pretty lame.  All help appreciated. Thank you & Happy 2008.

I think that's fine!  I was the same way when I first got on my Nordic Trac years ago.  You build yourself up and get stronger, aerobically and your muscle stamina.  Don't stop now!  You're going to do great!

xo

Karen, Fist off that is NOT lame hun, you are moving and there is nothing wrong with that! Taking it slow sure helps with the long term hun. When I first started working out I was going "balls to the wall" and let me tell you, I was hurting then of course I stopped working out! Now (getting back on track) I take my time and work up to the long times! It is more then I was doing the day before. I know back when I was very heavy starting on a stairclimber I could only do 1 min and I thought I was going to die at that! Take it slow and getting used to the exercise is a really good thing just do not be scared to increase your workout over time. ~hugs~

I barely made 4 minutes when I first started!  You have a great plan - like Deb said its not LAME youare moving (yippeee) Before you know it you will be on for 30  minutes Keep challenging yourself a little each day!  you CAN do it!  hugs, Britt

Thanks for your encouragement. I did 4 minutes this morning, felt like I was going to pass out.  Then my son (oh to be 18 again!) told me that I was going too fast and not breathing enough.  so I hopped back on, consiously went slowly, breathed in through the nose, out through the mouth, and managed another 3  minutes.  Whew!  I guess there's hope. My goal is to get to 10 minutes by Sunday.   I was going to say by Friday, but let's not be too ambitious here.  LOL.

Hi Karen,     You seem to be doing everything right.  Start slowly - and gradually increase the duration (time) on the elliptical trainer as your body adjusts to the increasing demands of the exercise. I have patients who started at 1 minute on the elliptical who are noe doing 20-30 minutes. Just remember - it took time to get out of shape - and it will take time to get back into better shape. You cannot rush the process - without risking injury. Good Luck !!!

Barry M. Stein, DPE, Clinical Exercise Physiologist

 

Karen, Karen, Karen.  Give yourself a break. You can't go from nothing to this and expect to do better than that. Start with baby steps and your body will let you know. If you do too much and hurt yourself , you are going to hate the machine...and you don't want to do that. You are right to challenge yourself, but at weekly ( even two) increments. It is a terrific piece of equipment though. You are doing just fine. Stick with it and have fun posting your progress. Burn, baby, burn.

Thanks, Barry & Diane. Diane, through this process, I'm discovering that I give everyone else a break; just not ME!  :) 

Kudos to you for getting started. 4 minutes is not lame...it's a beginning. We all have to start somewhere. I'm starting on my treadmill.

Thank you for being such a great inspiration and an angel by my side.

Well, I just did 10 min.  Blow me over with a feather.  I went more slowely, but I did it! Rachelle, what would we do without each other?  I'm so grateful for your support and encouragement!