I feel using handleless machines gives me better cardio

Workout4Health
Workout4Health Posts: 447 Member
edited November 23 in Fitness and Exercise
When it comes to ellipticals, arc trainers, stair masters, etc... I noticed that my heart rate increases much easier when I'm using machines without handles. I feel like when I use handles, it takes pressure off of my legs and makes it harder to get an effective cardio workout. Also, I don't feel like the handles really do that much for the upper body. They are just sort of there for the ride. I feel like you can just use your own arms and perform a running motion if you wanna work upper body.

Anyone else agree? It's easier to get my heart rate 15 to 20 beats higher with handleless machines. Sure, I can get it up higher with a handlebar. It's possible. But it takes a lot more concentration.

Replies

  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,347 Member
    I also feel it takes a bit more core and stability to go handleless.
  • 796fra
    796fra Posts: 46 Member
    I prefer not to use handles for the reasons noted above.
  • joycesvang
    joycesvang Posts: 1 Member
    Yes, I have to agree. Handleless is much more challenging/better workout.
  • Momepro
    Momepro Posts: 1,509 Member
    Handleless is definitely more challenging. Which is wgy I don't dot that way yet. I'd end up losing my balance and killing myself at this point, lol.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    There are no handles when you're hiking (or running, for those who do that kind of thing) on flat trails or up/down hills. ;)

    However, handles on the elliptical and Stairmaster are safety devices and need to be there in case you lose your balance - - when you stop on the trail nothing is still moving under you - - but they are not intended to be used to support your body weight thru out a session as I've often seen them used.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Then increase the load and drive harder with your arms.

  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    There are no handles when you're hiking (or running, for those who do that kind of thing) on flat trails or up/down hills. ;)

    However, handles on the elliptical and Stairmaster are safety devices and need to be there in case you lose your balance - - when you stop on the trail nothing is still moving under you - - but they are not intended to be used to support your body weight thru out a session as I've often seen them used.

    Of course there are. Look at many of the ultra runners/walkers. They're using poles.
  • mburgess458
    mburgess458 Posts: 480 Member
    edited December 2017
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    Then increase the load and drive harder with your arms.

    My thoughts exactly. For example, if you heart rate is 140 without handles and that's good for you then just up the speed/resistance/etc. when you use handles until your heart rate is 140. Maybe you're at a 7/10 without handles to get to 140 but a 9/10 to get to 140 with handles.

    Just don't use the calorie estimate from the machine because it will think you're burning a lot more on 9/10 using handles when you're probably not. The handles are just making it easier so that 9/10 is the same workout as 7/10 without handles.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited December 2017
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    There are no handles when you're hiking (or running, for those who do that kind of thing) on flat trails or up/down hills. ;)

    However, handles on the elliptical and Stairmaster are safety devices and need to be there in case you lose your balance - - when you stop on the trail nothing is still moving under you - - but they are not intended to be used to support your body weight thru out a session as I've often seen them used.

    Of course there are. Look at many of the ultra runners/walkers. They're using poles.

    Not the same thing. Poles are used for increasing energy used. Handles on cardio equipment is not.

    But you knew that already, didn't you. ;)
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    There are no handles when you're hiking (or running, for those who do that kind of thing) on flat trails or up/down hills. ;)

    However, handles on the elliptical and Stairmaster are safety devices and need to be there in case you lose your balance - - when you stop on the trail nothing is still moving under you - - but they are not intended to be used to support your body weight thru out a session as I've often seen them used.

    Of course there are. Look at many of the ultra runners/walkers. They're using poles.

    Not the same thing. Poles are used for increasing energy used. Handles on cardio equipment is not.

    But you knew that already, didn't you. ;)

    If you're not using the handles on the elliptical/arc trainer for increased energy, you're not doing the machine correctly.

    If we're talking about a treadmill or stairmaster, then yes, keep your hands off the handles.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,744 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    There are no handles when you're hiking (or running, for those who do that kind of thing) on flat trails or up/down hills. ;)

    However, handles on the elliptical and Stairmaster are safety devices and need to be there in case you lose your balance - - when you stop on the trail nothing is still moving under you - - but they are not intended to be used to support your body weight thru out a session as I've often seen them used.

    Of course there are. Look at many of the ultra runners/walkers. They're using poles.

    Not the same thing. Poles are used for increasing energy used. Handles on cardio equipment is not.

    But you knew that already, didn't you. ;)

    If you're not using the handles on the elliptical/arc trainer for increased energy, you're not doing the machine correctly.

    If we're talking about a treadmill or stairmaster, then yes, keep your hands off the handles.

    But not all ellipticals have moving handles. Some are stationary, so those, obviously should not be used. Just thought I'd mention that since both the gyms I go to have a variety of very different ellipticals.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't think you're really supposed to use the handles...I think they're their as a safety device...or to be used if you're really out of shape and need that assistance.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    There are no handles when you're hiking (or running, for those who do that kind of thing) on flat trails or up/down hills.

    fwiw I usually carry poles for Ultras...

    I can sustain a faster pace across rough or muddy terrain using them, but the effect is a much harder workout on my shoulders and traps.
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