Really stupid question

AmberJslimsAWAY

How the heck do you use an elliptical?!

I was on it yesterday at the gym, and my knees were bent the whole time... Is that normal?? It felt really weird...

BAMFMeredith

Yeah, being a runner it's a weird motion for me, I tend not to use it at all since it just feels awkward not really helpful, but I know what you mean!

mrmanmeat

Yes.

CountryBoy65

I have one at home. I use it to hang wet shirts on to dry.

odusgolp

I used to have one and my legs would never fully straighten either... I got used to it and really enjoyed it. Great workout for bad knees.

VenomousDuck

I hate those things, my knees kill after being on one!

AmberJslimsAWAY

I used to have one and my legs would never fully straighten either... I got used to it and really enjoyed it. Great workout for bad knees.

I don't feel like I could ever get a good workout on one, it's so weird, and if I try to go faster, then I accidently straighten my leg, and it messes everything up, and if I don't then my feet slide around... maybe I'm just awkward lol

_SusieQ_

I always feel extremely awkward on that thing. I've learned if I life my heels a bit as I go forward it helps. But yea, I feel like a spastic baboon most times.

ShaeSweetie

When i use it my legs are straight but its like one leg at a time you bend..its like riding a bike but standing up haha...idk some elipticals have your knees bent the whole time..those ones give your booty a good workoutt

odusgolp

I used to have one and my legs would never fully straighten either... I got used to it and really enjoyed it. Great workout for bad knees.

I don't feel like I could ever get a good workout on one, it's so weird, and if I try to go faster, then I accidently straighten my leg, and it messes everything up, and if I don't then my feet slide around... maybe I'm just awkward lol

*LOL* screw the elliptical and go back to the treadmill before you hurt yourself ;-P

jwaitman

I love the eliptical. I think it is the best way to maximize your time. I can burn at least 400 calories in 30 minutes on one. The only problem I have is my right leg tends to go numb if I am going backwards, so I usually only go forward. They do take some getting used to.

Sarahbara76

Keep trying it's not easy at 1st but once you figure it out you will be able to stand taller and push with yours heels and roll forward slightly to your toes..it takes awhile but it's worth it because every muscle in you legs and mid section are on fire and it gets your arms a good workout too!!

ZugTheMegasaurus

The trainer I used to see told me that when using one, you should keep your feet planted, heels down, and try to keep from bouncing up and down. I never ended up liking it though; stick to what you like and will actually be more likely to do.

kenlad64

Keep trying it's not easy at 1st but once you figure it out you will be able to stand taller and push with yours heels and roll forward slightly to your toes..it takes awhile but it's worth it because every muscle in you legs and mid section are on fire and it gets your arms a good workout too!!

^^^^ This listen to her, she is smart!

AmberJslimsAWAY

The trainer I used to see told me that when using one, you should keep your feet planted, heels down, and try to keep from bouncing up and down. I never ended up liking it though; stick to what you like and will actually be more likely to do.

I want to like it! lol The machines I REALLY like are all strength training. I figured I'd give it a shot and then was like WTF?!?! lol

Jules2Be

depends on the type, but instead of going faster i find it a great burn to increase the resistance.

HotCuppaJo

Keep trying it's not easy at 1st but once you figure it out you will be able to stand taller and push with yours heels and roll forward slightly to your toes..it takes awhile but it's worth it because every muscle in you legs and mid section are on fire and it gets your arms a good workout too!!

^^^^ This listen to her, she is smart!

Agreed!! ^^^^^

AmberJslimsAWAY

depends on the type, but instead of going faster i find it a great burn to increase the resistance.

I'll try that

LilRedRooster

I used to have one and my legs would never fully straighten either... I got used to it and really enjoyed it. Great workout for bad knees.

I don't feel like I could ever get a good workout on one, it's so weird, and if I try to go faster, then I accidently straighten my leg, and it messes everything up, and if I don't then my feet slide around... maybe I'm just awkward lol

I always had the same issue. They never felt comfortable, and I never felt like I got a good workout from them, because I was constantly adjusting my feet so that I didn't slip around and accidentally straighten my legs. Or whatever.. Just awkward machines, haha.

jackpotclown

yeah it takes some getting used to, then also I find the arc trainer to be a bit more accommodating, and calorie wise can burn around 15 cals/min on the elliptical, closer to 18/min on the arc, though I know that's their estimates...too lazy to get an HRM lol \m/

4stephklug

if your gym has different types, try those. I like the Cybex Arctrainer (with front mechanism) but not the regular ellipticals.

Skeena4

My toes always go to sleep when I get on that thing! I run on the treadmill instead... :-)

XXXMinnieXXX

Keep trying it's not easy at 1st but once you figure it out you will be able to stand taller and push with yours heels and roll forward slightly to your toes..it takes awhile but it's worth it because every muscle in you legs and mid section are on fire and it gets your arms a good workout too!!

This. I love the elliptical, and if you do it right its very low impact on your joints! X

AmberJslimsAWAY

if your gym has different types, try those. I like the Cybex Arctrainer (with front mechanism) but not the regular ellipticals.

It has 2 of the same ones *sigh*

blynn2708

Yep, knees bent and toes go numb:grumble:

jen88ve

I believe it's suppose to feel like it's easier for you to do than a treadmill. I don't which one would burn more calories, but it's suppose to help your joints so you're not putting so much impact of them. I use to be a swimmer and my knees hurt very bad when I run so I use that so it doesn't hurt me. I think it's something you have to get use to.

gamehen2

When I first starting using the elliptical, my feet would fall asleep! I'm better now though. I find that increased resistance helps overcome some of the awkwardness. Enough to smooth out the gait but not so much that it kills me.

ambrwaves27

Try the arc trainer instead. . .It is similar to the eliptical in that it is low impact but has more of a running motion. It tracks your distance and speed and you can add resistance.

Jules2Be

Actually my favorite is the cybex machine that looks like an elliptical with no arms.... the higher the incline the wider your steps, and then the higher the intensity the harder it is.

stewartcarden

i always got told only to use it if you're too sore from running the day before :P

tinastanley

love the ellptical!! Takes a little time to get used to.