Question:
Does anyone think an elliptical exercise machine is a good/intense form of exercise?
Hi all, I am over 2 years postop, lost a total 165 lbs and 90 inches, and am trying to get the last 20 lbs off. Currently I walk and use a Gazelle glider 30 minutes each 6 days a week; no weights right now because I am 2.5 months postop from a tummy tuck and waiting for doctors approval to use weights again. My husband and I have been contimplating purchasing an elliptical exercise machine. It looks like it would give me a more intense workout in less time. Has anyone used one and had good experiences? I don't want to purchase another piece of equipment that would gather dust, too many of those in my past. We plan on going to our local sporting goods store and trying out a few models over the next few weeks, but I wanted some opinions from the people here. We thought this would be a good christmas gift to each other.<p> We first looked into getting one of those tread climbers advertised on the infomercials, but were stunned to see the cost was $1500 to $2200 before shipping. Then one of my coworkers suggested an elliptical machine. She said all the "skinny" ladies at her gym were always on them, so they must give a good workout.<p> Thanks in advance for any input. — ckreh (posted on October 27, 2004)
October 27, 2004
It is my understanding that any form of exercise that gets your heart rate
up and you stay in zone for 30-45 minutes is good. Basically this means any
aerobic form of exercise, which the elliptical machine in my opinion would
fit into that catagory would be a good choice. I personally like to walk,
do the treadmill, step climber or the Nu-Step. I cannot do the elliptical
it is too much for me. I do not know what it is, I cannot do it, go figure
I can do the step climber thingy. Christine
— ChristineB
October 27, 2004
I use the eliptical at my gym.....and I love it! I can really work up a
sweat on it. Some have the arms rails and I like that because you can work
them along w/your legs, etc. I also like the fact that it's very low
impact. I had a treadmill and didn't really use it when I had it, or the
one at the club, for that matter. I also like the eliptical because I can
read pretty easily while using it, so I don't get bored and the time on it
really flies if I'm preoccupied w/something.
It's a very popular machine at the gym....so I go in the "off"
times to guarantee there's one empty.
Good luck!
Michele
— Shellmybelle
October 27, 2004
I enjoy the elliptical machine and get a good workout on it. I do prefer
the motorized ones over non-motorized and I don't like the ones with moving
hand rails BECAUSE I move my arms on my own. I can do 50-60 min at a time,
and don't hold on at all (except when I need to catch my balance real
quick). I find I get a better work out this way. I use preset programs
and do ones that climb up then back down in intervals. It did take a while
to get used to it, especially w/o holding on...but it wasn't that bad :).
I would suggest seeing if you could go to a gym and ask them if you could
see one, and test it out for a sec or go to a store that sells them and try
it there. Good luck!
— M. Me
October 28, 2004
I love the elliptical machines...great results good aerobic workout. I
dont think I would invest in though---I never would work out out home. I
go to a wellness center everyday, but no motivation when I'm at home!
— debmi
October 28, 2004
I had my surgery 3/3/03 and joined a gym in July of 03. My second piece of
equipment to try was the elliptical. I loved it from day one. I do 60-90
minutes 5-6 days per week. I do break up my routines with running on the
treadmill, taking an aerobics class, pilates and spin classes, but I do
think I get one of the best work outs on the elliptical. It doesn't bother
your knee and you can adjust it to your level.
— Sue F.
October 28, 2004
I love the elliptical machines. My knees act up on the treadmill and I
can't walk fast enough or far enough to get a good workout before the pain
hits. The elliptical is low impact, and doesn't bother my joints. It's a
great workout.
— mom2jtx3
October 28, 2004
They are the best for you really. Low impact on the knees, swinging of the
arms can help with toning and raises the heart level, etc.
Just remember to increase your level of intensity every few weeks as well
as time. I started at 10 minutes, level 3 and am now at 40 minutes, level
9.
Good luck on whatever you do!!!!
— chandramaed
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