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Elliptical machine

Posted: Jul 5, 2011

I am interested in getting some type of exercise equipment for home but I'm really cramped for space. My knees bother me with walking or cycling and I was wondering about how elliptical machines affect knees. I found one that is at a fairly reasonable price but it will be a little cramped space-wise, so I want to try to see how it might affect my knees before I go to the expense. I'm in my late 50's and not physically active at all. Any opinions would be appreciated.

;

just bought one too - need cardio

[ In Reply To ..]
I just purchased an elliptical about ten days ago for $150. It has a pulse monitor and difference work-out programs. I love it, but boy is it a workout. I have slight right knee pain, but nothing serious. My BFF told me it was the easiest on your knees with the least amount of resistance. I only did 5 minutes the first day, then 5 minutes 3 times the next few days. My thighs and calves hurt so bad I could barely walk. I'm only up to 7 minutes 4 times a day now. Just ease into it, you should love it. Let's get moving! Hope you do it....

elliptical - me

[ In Reply To ..]
Please do not forget to stretch gently before exercise. I have knee pain as well and it hurts just to walk. I have to take bayer back n body just so I can walk or walk up a stair or two. But I started taking advantage of the swimming pool my apartment has. If you can find a pool and swim around for an hour you get some exercise and no impact on your knees.

I think you'll still be working your knees - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
just as if you were climbing a hill or running -- same motion, just without the impact. I thought I was fairly fit but it is a workout to do 5-6 minutes on it at the lowest incline IMHO. If you need good cardio for a short time, it is good. or maybe if you are young and very fit you can go much longer, but not me! If you are needing a longer workout for calories or easier cardio, I would suggest an upright stationary bike.

Don't forget to consider the height of the machine - Old part-timer

[ In Reply To ..]
I was thinking of getting one too, but I realized the ceiling would be pretty low with me standing on the machine. Other than that, I've used them at a gym and think they're a terrific workout and they are supposed to be relatively easy on the joints. Just first be sure to stand on the machine and see where your head will be in relationship to the ceiling!

re: Passing thru - top

[ In Reply To ..]
Elliptical machines (depending on the brand) are good, but will not give you a total body workout. If that is what you want, and you are limited in space, check out the Total Gym systems. They are complete body workouts including pilates. They fold up and fit under beds, into closets. The ones that Christie Brinkley and Chuck Norris use. I found mine on Craigslist for $100. It's absolutely wonderful and folds up and fits away neatly in my office.

I was also not that active, but arthritis apparently mandates that I keep mobile. It is too hot in the summer to go outside, then too cold in the winter. I feel like a bumbling old geezer at the gym, so it was an option for me. I've lost 8 inches from my waist, 32 pounds and have much more flexibilty in my shoulders and legs.

You use your own weight and adjust the difficulty by either raising or lowering the bench part. It is very, very easy and very, very effective!

Total Gym is not a cardio work out - Have used both

[ In Reply To ..]
I've used the total gym and I have an elliptical machine. The total gym is good for strength training, but it's not really a cardio workout. A complete workout regimen will include some of both.

The thing with elliptical machines is because of the way you stand on the pedals, your feet tend to be a little bit wider than a normal stance. There have been a lot of reports of knee pain because of this. Some brands, such as Sole, have models that have the pedals with a 2 degree incline so that your knees are at a more natural angle. I have problems with my knees and I can do 60 minutes on my elliptical without them hurting. I had to build up to that kind of endurance, though. I have the Sole E95 which is a very expensive, heavy duty health club quality model and I love, love, love it. It's not in everyone's price range, though.

If you're still looking at different types, look at the site treadmilldoctor.com. They have really good information about the various options available in elliptical machines.

re: Total gym - top

[ In Reply To ..]
Actually, it is, or I should say you absolutely CAN do cardio on the total gym. Check out their exercise download page for exercises and instructions. Also, any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and blood pumping is technically a "cardiac" workout. Just saying.

I think ellipticals are wonderful! - Maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
I use them at the gym. When I first started out, I could barely do 5 minutes, thought I was going to die. I can now do 40-50 minutes at low resistance, and can increase the resistance for brief periods, which strengthens my legs. Check with your doctor first, to be sure. I have arthritis in both knees, and had to take Arthritis-Strength Tylenol when I first started, every time, but now I don't have to take it at all any more. Good luck!

Thanks for all the information... - passing thru

[ In Reply To ..]
I guess I didn't realize how much stamina (or lack of it!) should be considered. I am interested in burning calories and weight loss, so it may take too long to build up my stamina on this type machine for that. I appreciate all the feedback.

Any chance you can do a free local gym trial? - Hayseed

[ In Reply To ..]
That's what I did and it actually turned out to be cheaper and more funsies than buying a single piece of high-quality equipment.

The BEST machine I have discovered at the gym is something called an "arc trainer." I have a knee that I have torn ligaments in twice now and it will forever be unstable, so any type of strenuous activity is definitely out. I cannot do an elliptical for more than a few minutes due to pain...people say that machine is gentle but I didn't have that experience.

That arc trainer, however, is a sheer joy to use and it's never sitting there empty--someone is always on it, even the personal trainers there. The movement is much more fluid and gentle and yet it gives a GREAT workout.

Unfortunately, I've never seen one in the stores in my area but that could be because I live in a podunk neck of the woods where treadmills and stationary bikes still rule.

I would see if you can trial a gym (2 local gyms offer free 1-week trial memberships) just so you can try out different pieces of equipment for more than just a few minutes like you would in a store. See what your body tells you :)

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