elliptical trainer thing vs. running

[turnipmonster]

I'd never used an elliptical trainer before yesterday, but it seems to be a good workout and easier on the knees. thoughts?

[IndieMatty]

I like it. I have been mixing it up throwing that into the cardio with the treadmill. But the eliptical is the "easier" workout.

[J.R.]

and the back too. I'm 215, and its the way to go for me.

[turnipmonster]

it definitely feels a lot easier, which is why I'm sort of wondering if it's as good. I do mostly running/swimming, but I might throw this into the mix as well especially the day after a long run.

[turnipmonster]

do you train on the elliptical for longer than you would run for? or is it a matter of getting the right resistance?

[Macdaddy Warsaw]

I'm wondering if the elliptical is better than just spinning/biking. I have crazy ankle troubles (which I think are caused by my flat feet/230 pound frame) so running for more than a mile = not for me.

Does anybody know if there's any actual difference? Assume I'm trying to do it not only for cardio but whatever other benefits the certain machine can provide.

[jakethebake]

I hate elliptical trainers. The motion feels unnatural to me. I feel very awkward and uncomfortable. I love running though.

edit: I do have a stairmaster and prefer it to elliptical trainers.

[VBM]

my heart rate gets up close to what it is running, esp. if i crank up the resistance on the elliptical. I also sweat just as much.

but, somehow i don't feel like i'm "suffering" enough for it to be as good a workout...i hate running, but when i'm done i definitely feel like i've earned every calorie it says i've burned...

dunno if this makes sense to anyone.

[KaiShin]

I'm a big fan of the elliptical. We've got one at home and I can just pop a movie in and before you know it I've been working out for 1.5 hours on the thing. Low impact doesn't mean light workout.

[The Yugoslavian]

[ QUOTE ]
But the eliptical is the "easier" workout.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're not using it correctly then...

Yugoslav

[Dead]

I like to use the elliptical and the treadmill. Varying it is good.

[CheckFold]

I've been saying for years that the elliptical is the biggest scam ever to be forced upon humanity. You don't get tired, you don't get sore, and yet it tells me that I've burned more calories in the same 20-25 minutes than a balls off 6000m workout on the rower or 150 flights on the stairmaster that has me near death. Riiiight.

[theBruiser500]

what is elliptical trainer

[GrekeHaus]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
But the eliptical is the "easier" workout.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're not using it correctly then...

Yugoslav

[/ QUOTE ]

That's not necessarily true. Maybe you want an easier workout. If you're a big dude--like me--there's no real no low intensity run. You get out there, you run, and even if you go slowly it's hard. If I get on an eliptical machine, I'll just puss out and go easy on myself. I enjoy the challenge of the run because it pushes me harder.

[rusellmj]

[ QUOTE ]
what is elliptical trainer

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.elliptical-trainer-superstore.com/

[The Yugoslavian]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
But the eliptical is the "easier" workout.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're not using it correctly then...

Yugoslav

[/ QUOTE ]

If I get on an eliptical machine, I'll just puss out and go easy on myself.

[/ QUOTE ]

So you're not using it correctly then...

Yugoslav
PS I'm not saying everyone needs one of these machines, I'm saying that nothing about the machine necessitates that it needs to be 'easy.'
PPS Yes, you would do much better running if you're unable to use an elliptical machine correctly...

[theBruiser500]

thanks. that looks lame, don't use it turnipmonster

[turnipmonster]

I'll just run around my apartment instead /images/graemlins/smile.gif.

[EliteNinja]

Tennis is what I do.