Have you had success using the elliptical?

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  • joshmiller1998
    joshmiller1998 Posts: 25
    I have had great success using the elliptical. I was told that using it compared to running on the treadmill or just running in general, it's alot easier on your body, but yet is more effective. My workout routine that I do has me using the treadmill or bike, but I substitue the elliptical in. I highly reccommend it.
  • Begood03
    Begood03 Posts: 1,259 Member
    I do 30 minutes on an elliptical and burn 340 calories. And I am soaking wet with sweat when I am done.
  • ansonrinesmith
    ansonrinesmith Posts: 741 Member
    The elliptical is the best cardio machine you can do without running.
    The problem is that most people don't make the best of it.
    If you hop on and knock out 30 minutes (without upping the resistance), you won't see an benefit.
    Crank it up, get that heart rate up to 85%, do intervals, SWEAT!
  • kitkat4141
    kitkat4141 Posts: 379 Member
    It has taken me a long time to appreciate the elliptical trainer. Used to always use the treadmill but it is harder on my knees and jars the body. I prefer to do my cardio in the form of spinning but when that isn't available to me I use the elliptical. For me, the key to a fantastic workout is to use one of the pre-programmed routines. I like to do a 30 minute cardio program at a challenging level (for me) that alternates between resistance levels of 50-70%. I have also tried the HIIT program at those levels which is also effective. The key is to do a program on the machine that makes you sweat and works your heart too.
  • lauras777
    lauras777 Posts: 237 Member
    I started off using my Eliptical 3 days a week, now I use it 6 days a week for up to an hour (depending on what other cardio I plan on doing that day). I've been using it for many months now, and depending on how hard I work, I see great results!
  • rebeccap13
    rebeccap13 Posts: 754 Member
    Turn the resistence HIGH and try tabata, kicks your booty but the benefits are incredible. 20 seconds going HARD and 10 seconds rest do this for 8 rounds (4 mins)

    Love me some tabata workouts... such killers but I love the feeling afterward. I know I was working hard after I complete a tabata... mostly because I'm laying on the floor in a pool of sweat trying to catch my breath. :D
  • conniehv40
    conniehv40 Posts: 442 Member
    Thank you for your reply! I was doing both walking fast/hills etc AND the elliptical after being a couch potato, so I wasn't sure which one was more of a cause!

    I will try the elliptical!
  • Joneses17
    Joneses17 Posts: 135 Member
    If the elliptical seems to easy all you need to do is increase either the resistance or your own speed (or both). I don't understand how it can be too easy since you control the intensity? If you're unsure whether you are working out hard enough you might want to try a heart rate monitor and find what settings work for you.

    It's not too easier just easier than the treadmill or stairmaster for the same length. I current workout on the elliptical with an interval program. My resistance goes between 5 and 9 between the intervals with a ramp change from 4-10 respectively. I def sweat and push myself on the machine and enjoy it once I get going. I will always work in other workouts but when I only have 30 minutes I will continue to go hard on the elliptical.
  • chattipatty2
    chattipatty2 Posts: 376 Member
    If the elliptical seems to easy all you need to do is increase either the resistance or your own speed (or both). I don't understand how it can be too easy since you control the intensity? If you're unsure whether you are working out hard enough you might want to try a heart rate monitor and find what settings work for you.

    It's not too easier just easier than the treadmill or stairmaster for the same length. I current workout on the elliptical with an interval program. My resistance goes between 5 and 9 between the intervals with a ramp change from 4-10 respectively. I def sweat and push myself on the machine and enjoy it once I get going. I will always work in other workouts but when I only have 30 minutes I will continue to go hard on the elliptical.
    What they said^^ I want to add that I see alot of people just holding on to the center bars. Hold the outside bars and get your upper body moving too. Get the most out of it. Oh and speed up and race like hell, then slow a bit, then speed up again. Keep that heart rate up!!!! And if you don't come off sweating?? Then you need to up something....
  • cindylee276
    cindylee276 Posts: 2 Member
    I had such great success with the elliptical. In fact when I got bored with it and stopped using it I gain 20 lbs back. So its back to my elliptical. A treadmill was just not cutting it when it came to burning calories.
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