Elliptical trainer Question....

Okay - I went to the gym today and decided to switch up the cardio a bit and get on the Elliptical - it kicked my a** after 10 minutres - what the heck????   I do the treadmill for 35-40 minutes at a 11.5 incline and 4.0 mph / I can do the stairmaster for the same amount of time on level 9-10.  But I was literally gasping for air!

So what is soooo different about the elliptical???  I've never been so bummed in my life! Hubby says that it mimicks a running movement (and I hate to run) - everone else makes it look sa dang easy!   I will conquer that thing one way or another!:)

Thoughts - theories - explanations - anyone?

Lol...patience my dear and perserverance!

When I went to the gym-before the cost of child care made it too expensive-I loved the elliptcal.

I did, however, have to work my way up to a 30 minute session on it. It looks easy, but it's a total body movement-so you're working all your large muscle groups at once.

Do your ten minutes for a week or so, then try to bump it up another 5-see how that goes. Baby steps will keep you from being so sore you can't lift your water glass to your mouth the next day.

ah yes, you do have to gradually work your way up when starting out on the elliptical. its my machine of choice, mainly b/c i burn more calories on it than doing the same amount of time on the treadmill (and its easier on the knees). however, it took me a good two weeks to completely survive a 30-minute workout. but i've been using it about 3 to 4 times a week for the past month or so, and i can do a 30-min workout like a pro (b/t level 5 and level 8). keep it up, you'll see results!

The elliptical really is tough! The first time I used on I could only go 20 minutes or so. I worked my way up to 1 hour over a few weeks, but I haven't been on one in a long while so I'll probably have to start slow again. 

Are there different types of ellipticals at your gym?  If so, try a different one.  I have always used one brand at the gym that I go to and the other day they were all full so I tried a different elliptical.  I set it for the very same level and it took much more effort than the other elliptical.  My quads were burning after 10 minutes!!!  I was planning on doing a weight workout afterwards so I got off and waited until my "usual" elliptical was free.  I was able to do my usual 40 minutes sans burning quads.

Hey sky,

  So funny--last nite at the gym, I felt the same way! I have been using the elliptical on the weight loss setting which automatically set itself to level 5-6 according to my weight and age. I have been doing 30 minutes ok--tough but ok. Last nite I tried the cardio setting and I was fine for the 1st 15 minutes and then it started to increase from 5-6 to 7 all the way to 19! I did almost 30 minutes but I was slowing down my pace for sure. PLus the screen keptc scrolling go faster! I seriously was like this thing is mean! Kicked my a** as well! I was going to post and ask the difference between the weight loss and cardio settings. I still burned the normal amout of calories but I am thinkinh the cardio really can help you build resistance more? Any thoughts from anyone? Thanks!

There are actually several different ones at my gym..  i use the one that you can adjust how high it goes..  it can focus on your quads, glutes or hamstrings.. or all three...   also has a setting for just isolating your glutes or your calves..etc...  i like that you can change it up...  also, i don't like using the one that uses your arms..  i like to "not" hold onto anything - it forces you to use your core muscles to stay balanced...  by far my choice of machines...   i started out barely able to do 10 minutes but after about 4 weeks, i am up to 45 min to an hour four times a week.. i swap that between the treadmill on a high slope to work my butt... 

Thank God I'm not crazy - I seriously thought it was just me:)  When I go in this afternoon, I'm going to check and see if there are more than one type - I;ll be looking for the one labeled "Weinies over here" - lol. 

That machine and I are going to have a little heart to heart - and if that doesn't work I'm gunna have the "jean whisperer" come and whisper a little something to it:)

This makes me so happy.  that machine kicks me every time I get on it.  Now I know it is not just me but all of us.  I do like it becuase my knees don't hurt with it but it does take a lot out of ya!

dont worry! My first week at the gym I tried 5 minutes and thats all I could do. The next week I did 10, then 15, and so on. Now I am up to 45 minutes! You burn so many more calories and at 45 minutes it is easier to lose weight. So don't be discouraged, you have to work up to it. Its just different muscles and body parts than your used to, thats all.

Today was my first day doing 20 minutes on the elliptical machine. I did the one where you adjust the height, so I did it at a level 5. Boy oh boy. I was actually starting to cramp up, so I got off and did the treadmill instead. Between the elliptical, treadmill and the stepper, I was able to burn 500 calories! Most I've ever burned doing cardio. Go me :-)

if you do the elliptical on a lower level (like 6) it is much easier to keep a steadier, faster rate...as well as keeping your heart rate up without tiring. you can burn just as many calories, if not more!

Keep in mind that when you're on an elliptical, your torso is constantly working to keep your balance so you don't fall off.  It's a new movement you're not used to, and your body is still adjusting.  Don't give up, and DON'T BE BUMMED!  The reason you're tired is because you got an awesome workout- you should be proud!

1st day I tried it - level1 for 8 minutes!! now I can do the one that jumps from level 3 to 7 and back every minute I think for 30 minutes. Still a killer. I just TRY to read a magazine while I'm going so I cover up how much time I have left :)

Has anyone every had their feet go to sleep on them? I totally love the elliptical but in the beginning that was one of the biggest problems I had. Not to mention that it tears your rear up...well that and Tony Little overall body work out...the squat king is a beast! But good...but my thighs hurt for days...but its a good hurt.

Now I need to get 6 more pounds off of me then there goes another dress size!!!

I hate running with a passion.  The first time I was on the elliptical I only made it 5 minutes.  I am up to 30 minutes now.  Gradually increase your time.  You'll be the one making it look easy in no time!!

My feet also fall asleep - any ideas anyone???

awww-  thanks you guys - glad to see that once again I;m not the only one rowing in the boat:)  I did get back on it and did 12 minutes - but after I had already done my 40 minutes on the treadmill - so tomorrow I might try it first and see how far I get. 

Lady - I totally agree about tearing up the rear - I certainly felt it screamin for mercy!  More so than when I do squats with a barabell and weights - oooochie!

I did 15 minutes last night, increasing the Level every minute from 14, to 16, to 18, to 20, to 21, then back to 14.

It was a fine workout, but definitely not difficult.  I never found the elliptical to be a "total body workout."  Maybe it's different for men.  Maybe I should move onto another machine altogether.

dale - ever try a spinning class?  I've got boot camp Carl as an instructor I haven't seen anyone leave dry:)   The elliptical might be different for men - my husband can stay on that thing longer than I can - but he can't keep up with me on the stairmaster:)

Yes, the stairmaster is medieval.