"Pedal Backward"

think48

How many of you actually pedal backward on the elliptical when it says to? And do you do it the whole time til it says to go forward?

Just curious. I usually do it for a few minutes then go back to pedalling forward. Also wondering if anyone has seen any real benefit to going backward other than just using different muscles?

DarkAngel864

I actually pedal backward just to give my legs a break. For some reason, the direction change back and forth gives me a bit of relief. I'm not sure if that is what we're suppose to do, or if it burns less or more, but hey, whatever keeps my *kitten* on that machine :drinker:

mikeyrp

Funny you said this - I did it the other day for a bit of fun... just different muscles I think.

Mustangsally1000

Always better to switch up those muscles. I actually find going backwards easier than going forward. But yes, I think you should do the backward part.

SLambertAlaska

i only have done eliptical at a gym when on vacations/traveling, but I try to go backwards when it says to. But its too hard. I cannot last the whole time. I think its using different muscles, so that's good, but I have to do it in intervals to keep from having spagetti legs.

starkiss100

I go backwards when it tells me too. I find it a bit easier as well. To add to it, when I go backwards, I also go hands free, as trying to keep your balance works out your muscles even more. Sometimes when I go forward I go hands free as well!

lcamero2

I normally do this... 10 mins forward.. and then 2.5 mins backward fast, then 2.5 mins forward medium. and i keep rotating between backward and forward like that until the end of my workout.. it makes my workout feel shorter somehow.. i guess each 2.5 min period feels like the beginning and end.. and it does give my muscles a rest ... It keeps my butt on there too!

aflane

There's a purpose to it. It's to release lactic acid build-up in the large muscles of the thighs. My cousin is a marathon runner, and she was telling me that to get past "the wall" when doing full marathons, it's recommended to walk and/or jog backwards for up to 1/2 mile. The change in muscle movement releases the build-up. So, given that info, I feel safe in assuming the same reasoning for the backwards elliptical motion.