Using the arm thingys on an elliptical??

bcassill2013

I've never used the arm workout thingys on the elliptical, I always took the ones that had stationary arms.

But, I do to our company gym, that just upgraded, and all the new ellipticals all have the moving arm thingys.

I don't think I'm going to like them, they don't seem like they'd really do much??

Or, do they?? Is there a right way and wrong way to use those things??

PurpleTina

With any cardio, if you start to move your arms as well as your legs, it raises your heart rate even more.

When I first started classes, I could only keep up if I didn't move my arms as well, then as I got fitter I could add the arms; so I guess you will get a 'better' workout if you use your arms as well.

bcassill2013

I guess seems weird, that your arms are then, helping out your legs?? I guess can turn up the tension so, that it's challenging for both?? Seems like that'd be tough to balance arm effort -vs- leg effort??

KarenJanine

It's a cardio workout designed to raise the heart rate so it really doesn't matter whether it is the arms or legs doing the work as long as it's raising your HR. But as you say if you are finding it's too easy when you're using arms and legs together then it's time to increase the resistance level.

suv_hater

I hate those dumb things. If I wanted to work out my upper body, I'd lift weights (which I just got done doing).

The motion is unnatural. Feels dumb, and probably looks even dumber judging by the people around me who do use them.

JenMc14

Sometimes I use them, sometimes I don't. I find my core more engaged when I don't. I pump my arms at my sides like I would walking or jogging.