Curious about ellipticals

ShellMarie35

For the most part I have stuck to workouts dvds and the stationary bike, but I have a messed up leg (it's deformed idk how to explain it). Lately a lot of my workouts have been hurting my knee and I see a lot of people using ellipticals. I've been interested in getting one for quite a while, but I just want some opinions about whether it would be harder on my knee or not. I don't know whether to get an elliptical or stick to the workouts I'm doing now. So any feedback is helpful.

Kimmers411

I bought an elliptical a few years ago (it was the only machine at the gym my husband likes), and I HATED it. I could never get past the burning quads that hurt so much that I didn't want to do it more than 5 minutes. Instead I prefer the treadmill, usually walking on inclines. I tore my acl several years ago falling on some stairs, so I do need to listen to my body and ease up when my knee bothers me, but overall I am a treadmill gal (my husband HATES the treadmill, go figure). So even though I hate the elliptical, I know plenty of people like it. My advice would be to find someone- if you can- who has one who would allow you to use it for a few workouts to see if you like it before spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of equipment you won't use.

ShellMarie35

thanks for the advice! I will have to ask around my area to see if anybody has one.

Hungry_Annie

Pay a day fee at a gym and try one out.. I have an elliptical in my basement, and i have mild knee issues, and i dont find any problems when i use it.

I got mine off a classified site, i think i paid $50

newt1989

They have reclining ellipticals -- not sure about the price -- but what an amazing workout. No stress on knees (or very little) but a lot of muscle development and leg work. I used one at a physical therapist's office -- loved it. That may be a solution for you and your husband since he likes the machine but it is hard on you in the upright position. Give a reclining one a try . . .

jkestens63

There are a lot of gyms that give free week membership. If there are any in your area, sign up for one and try it out.

I have a bad knee and I can use the elliptical because there is no impact. The key is to start slow. If you have never used one you can't just jump on and expect to go for 30 min. When I started, it was 5 min at a time at the lowest resistance. Now I can do an hour at level 8 (although I don't do that anymore, I do intervals for 30 min instead ). Some people love it, others hate it. Definitely a try before you buy.

Jruzer

I've got osteoarthritis in my knees and I love the elliptical. It uses both your legs and upper body, and it is much easier on your knees than running or even walking. I get about a 9 kcal/min burn if I go fairly aggressively. I use one in our fitness center at work, and liked it so much I bought a Horizon model for home use.

YMMV.