Why can't I use the elliptical?!

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Replies

  • koalathebear
    koalathebear Posts: 236 Member
    As I said, different strokes .. Everyone's different. It's about finding what exercise works best for each person. I don't think any of them are inherently better/worse than the others.
  • Hannahwalksfar
    Hannahwalksfar Posts: 572 Member
    I used to use it daily but since converting to hiking I can’t use it anymore, I legit get motion sickness.
  • ceiswyn
    ceiswyn Posts: 2,256 Member
    edited September 2019
    I tried ellipticals for a while, but with my short little T. rex arms I had to lean forwards the whole time in order to use the handles, and the position felt increasingly uncomfortable and unnatural as I got used to actual walking outside the gym.
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,398 Member
    lrsirius wrote: »
    I hate the elliptical with a fiery passion mainly because it kicks my butt. Even when I was in top physical shape I found it difficult to stay on longer than 20 minutes. It makes my quads feel like lead weights, and it used to make my knees feel achy (not any longer). I remembered some advice I was given that helped-don’t use any incline or resistance at first, build up the time slowly, and watch your form/posture. I recently decided to get back to the elliptical because I felt the need for more intense cardio; in the last two weeks I’ve gone from dying after 2 minutes and am now up to 17 minutes/1.7 miles. I did this by adding a minute or a few tenths of a mile at a time. My knees don’t ache and my quads are feeling less heavy. I am persisting with the elliptical because I have a chronic case of Plantar Fasciitis and the elliptical is easier on my feet than the walking that I prefer. I also wondered why the elliptical was so tough for me and came to the conclusion, perhaps erroneously, that it is because it targets muscle imbalances or weaknesses I have from years of doing exercises I prefer (walking, kayaking, cycling, weights/KBs). I have to say that after two weeks of doing this I feel really good, my posture is better and I weirdly feel “looser” is the best way I can describe it. I am going to keep adding time and distance slowly and work up to 30 minutes, this machine will not beat me. ;)

    I have an elliptical at home, and after hundreds of hours of use, I've determined that it can and will beat me. But it can beat any human, as it's capable of 700+ watts resistance for hours on end. :)


    But I think you make some great points. Resistance and ramp angles alter loads, as well as change stride lengths on most machines. Using those two features, many people can find a more natural workout mode.

    I use only a couple different pairs of shoes on my elliptical as well, as I've found shoes that are two soft and "sticky" on the sole plant my foot too hard and make for more stress. The shoes have to have some slip on the foot pads, otherwise foot placement has to be more exacting to be comfortable.

    It's also easy on the elliptical to target differing muscle groups, and rather than adapt to the machine like you do with a treadmill, the machine adapts to your input speeds and such. I live in an area without much natural terrain, so short of running stairs or something I can't find many hills for when running or biking. Except on the elliptical.



    Bachataera wrote: »
    I only use the elliptical for the backwards walking motion. If your elliptical is able to move that way, try it. It's a good butt workout.

    If it has an adjustable ramp and resistance, you can find settings that will work just about anything below your core on an elliptical. Backwards with medium to high ramp and similar resistance can really work the glutes and hip flexors as well.

    I know on the machine we have, I can set my quads on fire. It's no joke.
  • AliNouveau
    AliNouveau Posts: 36,287 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    The elliptical is an unnatural movement. That thing blows.

    This. It's really not good for your knees.
  • MyFreakingNameIsScott
    MyFreakingNameIsScott Posts: 199 Member
    If you experience pain:

    1) Don’t do it
    2) See a doctor and then get a referral to a specialist.

    I wouldn’t simply leave it at number 1. People ignore pain like it’s simple soreness. Your body is speaking to you; listen to it. My job is dealing with athletes. The amount of athletes that dismiss pain drives me nuts. 2 weeks of rehab will turn into 2 months in a heartbeat if not taken care of properly and in timely order.

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