Elliptical vs. Road Work

Sassi50
Sassi50 Posts: 67 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
So, does anyone train on their elliptical only? I was running and walking all spring and summer, but lately it's been so dark and gloomy outside that I moved my cardio indoors. I've been getting up an hour or so before I need to for work and having a date with my new friend, Senor Elliptical. We've been spending at least 30 min together at an increased resistance (much higher than I used last year). But I just can't seem to get it through my head that I'm still getting in my distance and cardio (and working up a huge sweat).

I know that using the treadmill or elliptical is a different feel than the road (and believe me, I fooled myself into thinking that since I was doing 10k on the Elli, that 10k on the road would be a piece of cake....WRONG!!!). But, do you think it is enough to actually make a difference? I'll still be doing long hikes and trying to get outside for a run or walk, but I don't want to spend the season sweating it out 6 days a week on this machine if I'm not going to be reaping any rewards (although, getting my butt on it is better than parking my butt on the sofa).

Any thoughts!???

Replies

  • CoachNYLA
    CoachNYLA Posts: 129
    Try the P90X plyo workout....totally recommend that for your goals.
  • Fit4_Life
    Fit4_Life Posts: 828 Member
    I have an elliptical machine and love it! I've noticed my thighs are not rubbing together. If you feel that ur not gaining anything out of this exercise. Incline your machine. Hope this helps!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    the Elliptical distance and speed are way off vs. running. I typically run 7 min miles but on the elliptical at an easier pace the machine has me at around 6 min pace. So if you are doing the elliptical in place of running I would go an additional 20-25% in distance to closer simulate running distance and time.
  • AHealthierRhonda
    AHealthierRhonda Posts: 881 Member
    The elliptical is a lot easier than the roads. I cannot run, jog, even walk a lot on roads due to arthritis in my hips. I get a good burn as long as I kick my butt into gear and also have a higher incline and difficulty level. It definitely works. I was doing just the elliptical 5 days a week about 3 yrs ago and lost 20 lbs. I love my elliptical and am very happy with it.
    Up the incline and up the resistance level. This will make it tougher.
  • GibsonDarlin
    GibsonDarlin Posts: 202 Member
    I use the elliptical 90% of the time, I have bad knees and running and treadmills are not good to them. I can do 50 minutes and log 5 miles. I come off that beast sweating buckets. I play around with the settings and mix up my routines. Sometimes I only do 3.5 miles in 50 - but that's when the workout is tougher!!! So I guess it all depends on the settings and what you want to accomplish for that workout

    I have a love hate relationship with my elliptical :)
  • aneumany
    aneumany Posts: 165 Member
    theyre different workouts.. i wouldnt try to compare them...id try to mix them up as much as u can.. do u have a gym membership? use the treadmill there.. or run in the morning instead of using the elipitcal.. they are both beneficial... just try to switch it up..
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    theyre different workouts.. i wouldnt try to compare them...id try to mix them up as much as u can.. do u have a gym membership? use the treadmill there.. or run in the morning instead of using the elipitcal.. they are both beneficial... just try to switch it up..

    This!! Completely different workouts..but cross training is good for you!! Mile for mile though, there is absolutely NO comparison. If you are training for a race or want to run, you need to run. There is no good substitute.
  • Sassi50
    Sassi50 Posts: 67 Member
    Thanks everyone. I think maybe I'll hit the elliptical in the am (it does tend to give me more energy for the day) and then I think I should still get out on the roads...maybe 2-3 times a week for a few miles and mix that in with pilates and yoga. Trying to avoid the gym membership for a while...I'm holding off until the winter gets too cold (and then it just gets too hard to breathe outside!!)

    But thanks for the advise all!!!
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