5 minutes on the eliptical - Update!

Well, that wasn't fun! I just did 5 minutes on that foolish thing and I'm sucking wind big time! It was the longest 5 minutes I can remember... although I'm sure that staring at the clock doesn't help. Jill, how in heaven's name do you manage 50 minutes on that contraption? I'm sure you didn't start at that amount of time... and I'm sure I won't always be ready to jump off after 5 minutes either. So I'm going for a walk right after I post this. And I'm going to keep reminding myself that at least I got on the eliptical machine to begin with! And maybe I'll do another couple of 5 minute sessions later today. Plus, I am dressed in a cute outfit, jewelry on, even some make-up and sandals. I'm nothing if not persistent!

Mary  - good for you!  i managed 12 minutes yesterday, and now am totally worn out LOL!  I bet in 6 months you'll be a professional like JILL!  I love your before and after picture, you look truly AMAZING!  Lys

Hey girl - no worries. I just decided (like a moron) that I could try the basic step class - advertised as "family friendly" There were three ten-year olds in the class and they all kicked my butt. I mean kicked it. I had to stop ("for water") several times. Then I had a few minutes left that I had to do for my workout, so I was going to go cool down on the treadmill but decided to try the elliptical instead b/c it's in the back. Um, no. I was going as slow as I could, but no. That was not happening. Less than a minute into that, I gave up and went and walked nice and slowly on the treadmill for my last ten minutes

Which is to say - I think you did great. More than that, I think you have a great attitude! And I'm sure you looked cute too. Good luck with that elliptical!!!!!!

Mary, you crack me up!  Something tells me you will get determined enough to kick that machine's butt in no time at all!  In the meantime, you might as well look great while out on the walks!  Keep up the great work -- maybe you will inspire me to get one, once you have conquered it!  :)

Mary Mary how do we kick the eliptical butt, I know there will be an answer for this in 30 to 60 days! You will kick it in the ground and will tell us all all wonderful this thing is and what a great nuy it was. And we all know you are looking beautiful while your getting the hang of this thing. We cant  just hop on these  darn machines  like Jake and think we can do  50 mins and  still be  standing  right  even if I was a 105  pouinds I bet they are  exhausted. So you hang in there babe you will get there and wil be  loving it, I know you.... Sending hugs and  you I probaly couldnt even move the darn thing lol.

Oh how I laughed when I read your note! lolololol!! It reminded me of watching someone do 20 mins or so on it and it looked so effortless that I went on after them  and by less than 4 mins I was totally done for!!!! I could not believe it! It was so hard!! I see people in the gym still on it when I have been there and done my whole workout!! I have a new respect for them lolol!! Now I regularly do 15-20 mins in it as part of my warm up but I doubt I could do the time Jill does on it - I once did 30 mins but was exhausted!! So five mins really is a good effort!! Jackie

LOL  Contraption is the right word for it.  I remember the first AND ONLY time I tried an elliptical, my trainer guy set the timer on it for 20min and I got through 4.5 min and nearly fell out.  I'll never forget looking across the gym and after him noticing I gave up he gave me the raised hands symbol as if to say "what happened??!?!"  or "what's wrong?!!?!?"  I wanted to go over there and strangle that little sob.  HA HA HA.  It's a really odd movement on your knees too.  I just prefer the treadmill.  :)

Good for you Mary for getting in those 5.  The elliptical is one that I just can't handle, makes me feel  really uncoordinated.  There is another machine at my gym that is similar but easier for me & I love it but so remember the 5 minute increment days.

Good am Mary, I love your humor for sure! I'm the same I gotta say though kudos to you for even using that thing. Not into machinery in general cept bikes and RARELY a treadmill. I'd rather not! Anyhow, GREAT that you're trying different things! Hugs.............

Well, I am persisting... I have gotten on the eliptical today for 5 minutes - but I have done that 3 different times and will do it several more later today. I have to admit that each time the 5 minutes is getting a tiny bit easier. The burning in my thighs is not quite as bad. Of course, I am tempted to try and double my time to 10 minutes, but keep telling myself that this is the time to just get used to being on the machine and getting the hang of how to work the movements. Putting it in my bedroom instead of on the third floor was a good idea, because it's easy to jump on for a little bit while I am doing something up here. I feel like the I'm living the title of that book... what was the name of it?... something about The Train That Could. "I think I can, I think I can."