How does the elliptical compare?

SunnyDuckz
SunnyDuckz Posts: 59 Member
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been doing an hour everyday... variating a slow to moderate pace, average of 3-4 mph. It reads that I'm burning around 400 calories each time. I will be able go faster and harder as I keep doing it.

My question is, how does it compare to running? How about walking or biking??
I hope it is worth it, because right now it is HARD. I have only been at it a week and a half though.

Thank you!!

Replies

  • deeharley
    deeharley Posts: 1,208 Member
    OMW! You go, girl!! I can do eleven minutes on the elliptical. I can't even imagine an hour right now.
  • Bugg207
    Bugg207 Posts: 13 Member
    Ellipiticals are easier on the knees, so if you can go farther without pain Id say its better. Plus you can adjust the resistance on an ellipitical. Plus less bouncing of the bouncy parts... Id say all those things make it better, but I dont have an actual scientific answer.
  • SunnyDuckz
    SunnyDuckz Posts: 59 Member
    Thanks!
    I watch a show on Netflix to keep me going :)

    I wonder if I'm burning as much on the elliptical... I heard somewhere that it is 'pie-excersize', that it really doesn't do too much for you. I'm never really sore afterwards, just sweaty and tired! The monitor reads that I've burned 400-500 calories, the excersize log here says 60 minutes is more like 800 calories. I guess I should go faster...?
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    My $.02 - as an avid runner who uses the elliptical for x-training and recovery: you can get a really good workout on the elliptical, but it is also really easy to glide along and go through the motions. So now it is back on you to be sure to work hard on it if you want to get a really good workout.
  • SunnyDuckz
    SunnyDuckz Posts: 59 Member
    My $.02 - as an avid runner who uses the elliptical for x-training and recovery: you can get a really good workout on the elliptical, but it is also really easy to glide along and go through the motions. So now it is back on you to be sure to work hard on it if you want to get a really good workout.
    Thank you :)
    That is what I've heard also. It is hard for me now, seeing as I've just started I guess, but I hope I'll gradually be able to increase my calorie loss as I do it more often. It is not easy for me, my legs burn and my body feels it~at least while I am on the machine.
  • amehrkens
    amehrkens Posts: 162 Member
    I love the elliptical and use it everyday and I have lost 134lbs. I have done the bike and the treadmill but I always go back to the elliptical. I also do a pretty hard resistance and on mine I can adjust the stride length too. You are going to get out of it what you put into it! I would say it is probably closer to the 800 as that is about what I burn in an hour. Are you entering your weight and age into the machine when you start? It makes a huge difference.
  • SunnyDuckz
    SunnyDuckz Posts: 59 Member
    I love the elliptical and use it everyday and I have lost 134lbs. I have done the bike and the treadmill but I always go back to the elliptical. I also do a pretty hard resistance and on mine I can adjust the stride length too. You are going to get out of it what you put into it! I would say it is probably closer to the 800 as that is about what I burn in an hour. Are you entering your weight and age into the machine when you start? It makes a huge difference.

    I'm only on level 5, it goes up to 12 I think. I'm increasing slowly... I'll try a higher level tomorrow, but I know right now it is difficult, i can feel it. I do enter my weight, but no pace to enter age...
  • Becca_007
    Becca_007 Posts: 596 Member
    bump
  • lyarrow
    lyarrow Posts: 10
    I have been using my elliptical since last Sept and love it! It's the only thing that doesn't hurt my knees (osteoarthritis). I put in 7 hrs each week and also watch Netflix. Sometimes, I have stayed on 2 hrs at a time. I base my intensity on how long I plan to work out. If it's short like tonight, I choose a higher intensity program and really focus on working hard. If I plan 1 1/2 hrs, I will pick a moderate intensity program. I have lost 35#.

    Linda
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