Lol, first time I got on an elliptical, I lasted 2 minutes and got off and pretended I had to go to the bathroom. I conquered it by just doing a little more each day. Since I wasn't at home I couldn't do it more than once a day. I would also suggest going backwards, (if it does that) almost as much as going forward. My collegiate soccer player daughters taught me this. It strengthens muscles on front and back of legs (and firms the butt) and helps prevent shin splints. Good luck!

I thought I was the only one. My sister got a Bowflex Max Trainer which is an elliptical/something else sort of thingy. One program I can do a whopping 7 minutes. On the actual Interval training part, which is the best program to do apparently, 3 minutes and I was sure a trip to yhe ER was necessary. Jeez alou. These things look so easy on tv! A little bit at a time. It is humbling. You think you're in decent shape and these things tell you what's what.

The best thing is not to go full speed ahead all the time, the magic happens when you do Intervals.

You warm up, you do a certain amount of work at a slower speed, then you speed up for a certain amount of time. And you repeat that, adding the cool down at the end.

It looks like a really interesting machine. In action, it seems that the type of motion is highly variable based on user input, but I would think at differing speeds the motion would become your natural motion over time.

I didn't find any specifics on what metrics it displays for time, distance, calorie estimations, etc. But whatever information it gives you, my advice is to record that information with every workout. Then over time you can compare time, distance, and other metrics to watch your performance grow.


We have an older model elliptical at home, and I train on it a lot as a time saver and during the winter and foul weather. We got it when my wife wanted it, but I never used it much. Now I use it as a method to cross train and love it. One of the things I really enjoy is that I can control the climate, turn a fan on, remove all traffic, etc... essentially remove all the variables that might impact my pace on a run or bike ride.

Even though I had been biking for over a year (1000+ miles) before I got back on the elliptical, it has helped greatly in improving my cardio base. Those improvements do translate to the bike when I get on it, and though I rarely run they translate there as well.

Regardless of your starting point, recording the info and finding new bests is very motivating. If you have the right data it makes things even easier. I mix up my workouts between lower and higher intensities, various times, etc and try to keep it fun. I don't follow any super structured program other than to try to train and enjoy myself, finding and testing improvements when I can.



I can honestly say that for years I hated most cardio, possibly a by product of being forced to do it when I was in the military. But our elliptical that we had for years before I used it with any serious intentions... it changed the game for me. The data and lack of distractions make it easier to test myself and find new limits. Being able to see and control my pace, and having that data in my face, are huge motivations for me.

But be warned. Before you know it, you will be finding that when you think you've hit a wall, you can work through it. And as you improve you find yourself looking for a new challenge. Like doing the research, crunching the numbers, and doing a Tabata protocol HIIT session on your machine. Been there, done that. You might find something like VO2 or VO2max is now a term, along with lactate threshold or FTP, that you have to consider as relevant to your training. Or find that changing your diet macros, times you eat, or workout fueling are becoming more important, because they are.

They say it's the things you do when nobody is watching that defines who you really are. As much as I used to despise most machines for exercise, I've found it to be true. I still haven't beat my elliptical, and it can still challenge me on so many levels. But after a couple years of getting back into better shape, I have found that I can exceed the readout ability on the power output for brief periods.



The only "warning" I would give regarding machines is that as much as they try, they still aren't the same as the exercises they intend to simulate. The first time I got out and actually jogged in many years (20+) I rediscovered some muscles that the machine didn't find. But the machines might find and define muscles you don't use walking, skiing, running, or whatever else that machine can simulate. And the cardio gains can give you one less thing to be concerned with.

So glad you are enjoying your new equipment. That is half the battle when it comes to "exercising". Quick thought on your walking outside; have you ever thought of volunteering at your local ASPCA or Humane Society. They always need walkers to take the dogs out and socialize. You may be able to explore the local parks with a canine buddy and a few other friends from the shelter. Then the new area wouldn't feel quite so overwhelming. Hope you are settling in. Keep up the good work here!

There might be a walking group. Look on meetup.com

Oh - I thought everyone knew that intervals means sprints.

Interesting thread!