Elliptical-first time-better than walking?
Due to a busy hotel fitness center I was forced to use an Elliptical machine for the first time. Awkward at first but got the hang of it. I did 30 minutes at between 6 and 10 on the scale. I got a very good workout. Any info or statistics as to how/why better than treadmills or walking outside? I may work it into a regular workout.
I don't know if it's better than other equiptment. I will be curious to read further posts on your topic to find out myself. But, I know I really like the Elliptical and work it into my Daily M-F Gym routine, along with the treadmill. I love that it burns calories fast. I still use the Tread as I feel walking is a staple in loosing weight. I also do the Interval training 2x a week and Weights 3x a week now. You got in a good workout indeed for your first time! When I stepped into the gym the first week of January, I barely lasted 2 minutes on it! Now, I usually do 24 minutes or so to burn 300 calories.
I probably lasted because I am an avid walker and do 2-4 miles a day at 4.5 mph. When in bad weather or hotels I do treadmills with decent inclines for 30-40 mins. I lost 38lbs in six months so I'm in good shape. But an hour later and my legs are still woobly!!
Ellipticals provide low-impact exercise, so working out on them is easier on the joints. I also like the option to do "cross-training" on my elliptical -- 30 minutes of a minute of each: forward no arms, forward with arms, arms only, backward, slow recover. You can something like that while walking, but I prefer to look silly in the comfort of my own home. *smile*
Laura
Yeah! I put in over 30 minutes on it today for a 450 calorie burn! :)
I love the elliptical, I have a love-hate relationship with mine though. It is a cheap Weslow brand from Wal-mart and it squeaks every time I move, almost mockingly lol but it gets the job done.
I think that an elliptical may be easier on the joints as mentioned. It's an awesome way to burn a lot of calories. Personally, I find it a lot more fun than a treadmill. I like that I can go backwards and forwards so I can work different muscles and that the swinging arms help me to move my arms as well for a total body workout. When I am at the gym it is my cardio equipment of choice because (TMI I know) I have a larger chest and lets just say it moves less while on the elliptical vs jogging on a treadmill so I can stay focused on my workout rather than be self-conscious for the duration of my work-out.
The only con I can see is that I have heard that since the movements you make on an elliptical aren't natural then it can cause injury but I haven't experienced this myself.
I can't see anything bad with walking. I love to walk and actually that is one of my favourite forms of exercise. I think the only con is you have to walk farther/longer for the same calorie burn than a treadmill or elliptical.
I love my Elliptical. I am not an outdoorsy type of person so I like how I can get a good workout without battling the elements. My favorite aspect, is picking my favorite shows to workout to and the time flies by!
I absolutely love the elliptical....I think its easier on the joints, burns more calories and its more FUN...
I can't put my hands on it right now, but there's at least some research to indicate that an elliptical will give you a better workout than either a treadmill or running outside. If I recall correctly, that's due to the low-impact nature of the elliptical workout. Since the joints are not being "beat up" by the workout, the person working out doesn't feel as tired - in spite of the fact that you are burning more calories and working the muscles harder. Because you don't feel as tired, you are able to work out longer and at a faster pace than you can running. (This seems to be consistent with your report that an hour later your legs are still wobbly.)
Quality of the machine is important. I had a cheap Wal-mart elliptical for a while, and didn't have nearly as smooth and comfortable a motion. (It also developed a little "hitch" in its getalong over time.) I've since upgraded to a Spirit elliptical from a fitness store, and I quite like it.
nobody will ever convince me that a machine is better for my health than getting outside. there's more to wellness than heart rate.
Original Post by pgeorgian:
nobody will ever convince me that a machine is better for my health than getting outside. there's more to wellness than heart rate.
You're right, of course. I was simply talking about the quality of the workout purely in terms of calories burned for the perceived effort. For some folks an "outside" regimen is better if for no other reason than because it helps them to stick to the program. A program that you can stick with is going to be better than one that you dislike, regardless of the empirical evidence for one over the other.
Of course, for those of us with bad joints that can't jog, going outside for that run just isn't an option. One might argue that walking outside is better - but then for me, at least, we're back to the "program I dislike" not working for me. ;)
I started using Ellipticals because jogging gave me joint problems. I like them because you can increase the incline and resistance level. I don't see why they would be any better or worse than walking...
