new to ellipticals

jaydensmommy2010

I just bought an elliptical a couple days ago. I have used it the past 3 days, for about 30-40 mins. I have been using one of the preset exercises on it. While I am doing this I feel sore, tired, out of breath ( yes I had to take a few breaks haha.) But, once I am done I feel fine, like I never even exercised. Yesterday I even did it twice in one day I felt so good.. Is this normal, or am I not pushing myself enough during workout? My heart rate is definitely up there (between 140-180.) Thanks!

euphrasius

I am the same way... Once you get use to your "tension" you should raise it to the next level. That way feel it more, but still feel great afterwards. Trust me I am always out of breath. Especially when I have it on tension 6 of 10... And I am a smoker.... Will be quitting that soon too.

healthyandthin

I feel the same way. I'm sweaty and breathing hard on it. Once I'm off, I actually have more energy to run indoor track and do push ups.

dawnw30

Sure - you feel better because you are exercising and now you have MORE energy! I was surprised at how good it made me feel after my workout...when I had a chance to cool off and chill out for a bit. :bigsmile: I love my elliptical!!

melodys_attic

I find the elliptical in the gym incredibly hard, but I really enjoy it. It seems to be a much better way to exercise for me than the treadmill or bikes. Like you I find I have to really push, I feel out of breath, I perspire heavily, and I wonder if I can keep going. But I do really push myself and get through my 20 minutes twice a week. Like you, I feel great after! I've been achey lately, but don't think it's the elliptical. I fell at the pool and wrecked my shoulder, so think this has pulled other things out of whack. I'm getting some therapy for that. I had to take a week or so off the elliptical, but was back on today and it felt great once again. I just think it's a brilliant piece of workout equipment!

jaydensmommy2010

I was using the treadmill before this and OMG my feet and shins would kill me for days after. After doing the elliptical I'm not sore at all. Someone told me I wasn't getting a good work out if I wasn't sore after!!

dreamc08

Love the elliptical! After strength training, I do 45 minutes at resistance level 6 and cross ramp 7. I'm a sweaty mess and my avg heart rate is usually high 140's, but I always seem to have a "runner's high" after I finish and feel sooo good

Jena_72

Keep doing what your doing. If your using the preset options it should be increasing your resistance for you. Heartrate sounds on point so only thing is gradually increase your time if you want to. I love the all over burn after a really intense workout on the elliptical!

abyssfully

My elliptical =


That is all!

Hammock

I, too, discovered the elliptical a while back and it looked so easy when others did it, that I was surprised how hard it was! I am up to 10 minutes of elliptical each workout in the gym now, and then I continue for another 20 on either the treadmill or the bike. When I feel ready I will add a few more minutes to the elliptical. I started at 3 minutes, so I am improving! I find if I do ten minutes to begin with on it, I can start my treadm9ill work at a faster speed and higher elevation, so the elliptical helps me to do better work on the treadmill, too!

I have two problems with the elliptical:

1) I have trouble with my feet sliding out to the far sides on the foot pads, which makes it awkward to walk. I am only 5'3" and I feel as if it puts a real strain on my back when my feet are out there as my legs are too far apart! As I use the maching, I have to keep trying to work my feet back to the inner edge of the foot rests, and that is tricky as i feel as if I might lose my footing and slip off the silly machine. Does anyone have a suggestion about this?

2) My arms are too short to comfortably use the arm bars. I can hardly reach the "forward" point without swiveling my spine, and it feels awkward to do, and, agaihn, not good on my lower back. I have tried holding the arm bars in various places (high, lower,etc.) but I soon have to let go. Too bad, as my arm workout is not as good as it could be...any suggestions?

jaydensmommy2010

Can you change the stride length on it? Mine has something on the back of it where you pull the knob out and you can change the stride length, it has 3 different settings. I am only 5'4 and I think I have mine set on 15 and don't have a problem at all.

I, too, discovered the elliptical a while back and it looked so easy when others did it, that I was surprised how hard it was! I am up to 10 minutes of elliptical each workout in the gym now, and then I continue for another 20 on either the treadmill or the bike. When I feel ready I will add a few more minutes to the elliptical. I started at 3 minutes, so I am improving! I find if I do ten minutes to begin with on it, I can start my treadm9ill work at a faster speed and higher elevation, so the elliptical helps me to do better work on the treadmill, too!

I have two problems with the elliptical:

1) I have trouble with my feet sliding out to the far sides on the foot pads, which makes it awkward to walk. I am only 5'3" and I feel as if it puts a real strain on my back when my feet are out there as my legs are too far apart! As I use the maching, I have to keep trying to work my feet back to the inner edge of the foot rests, and that is tricky as i feel as if I might lose my footing and slip off the silly machine. Does anyone have a suggestion about this?

2) My arms are too short to comfortably use the arm bars. I can hardly reach the "forward" point without swiveling my spine, and it feels awkward to do, and, agaihn, not good on my lower back. I have tried holding the arm bars in various places (high, lower,etc.) but I soon have to let go. Too bad, as my arm workout is not as good as it could be...any suggestions?