Elliptcial users

pondee629

Do you keep your foot always flat on the peddle/foot pad or do you allow your heel to rise up either a lot or just a little? Does it, keeping you foot flat or raising you heel, make a difference? What is that difference?

Thanks

Spliner1969

No real difference, do what feels right for you. Some people when bicycling feel that keeping your foot flat on the pedals through the stroke gives you more power, and they are likely right. Same thing may apply here, but on an elliptical it doesn't matter all that much. My machine is a Bowflex M5, so it's not an elliptical, more of a cross between an elliptical and a stair stepper, and for it, I keep my foot flat simply because I run it on max settings and need the power to push the pedals.

tuckerrj

I've used 3 different model types. The most comfortable way was to allow your heel to rise up, on all of them.

Cylphin60

I keep mine flat solely because it just feels awkward raising my heels. I also do calf raises to supplement though. May be pertinent: My feet have had major breaks in the past, and my knees aren't the best. You may not feel the same discomfort I do.

Psychgrrl

I keep my foot flat--it's my preference. Also, I think it would be hard to lift my heel on my hard intervals. Whatever gets you through the workout!

lorrpb

Keep your foot flat. If you're going up on your toes and end up with foot or calf pain, that's the reason.