Man...elliptical machine kicks my ass

[blackangst1]

Well, I posted a few months ago I was seriously starting a workout routine. I started with a light weight routine, and 15 min's of HIIT type training...hill profile on lifecycle recumbent bike. As of now Im up to one hour of cardio, 30 mins of treadmill (I throw in 15 degree incline and short 2 min running a few times in that time), and 30 mins on recumbent bike.

So last night after my treadmill I hopped on the elliptical. I put in my profile for hills, and holy shit! Im telling you it kicked my ass within 10 mins. I couldnt do anymore. This machine of course has the things you grab onto that simulate arm switnging, but it also has two stationary handles in the middle that detect heartrate. I was at about 140 or so, so about where I need to be for my age (42)

Damn. This is really tough. Im thinking of just sticking with it and build up my endurance?

 

[MegaVovaN]

Do whatever cardio you like as long as it gets your heart rate up there.

 

[paulxcook]

I like those better than treadmills. I try to keep my heart rate in the 160-175 range when I'm on one and try to stay on for about 30 min.

 

[blackangst1]

How old are you paul?

 

[kalster]

i use it about 5 days a week as well, the precor kind is pretty good

 

[Red Dawn]

I do 8 1/2 miles 3 to 4 days a week on an elliptical which takes me 65 minutes a session and my HR averages 150. I'm 54. I use to do a 35 to 40 minutes on the days I lift but that started to wear me out, especially on days I do drop sets or I do legs.

 

[Kev]

Just stick with it and it'll be fine after awhile.

 

[paulxcook]

Originally posted by: blackangst1
How old are you paul?

I'm only 24, but I have a bum left knee that can't handle running for long periods of time. The elliptical is great for working around it.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I do 8 1/2 miles 3 to 4 days a week on an elliptical which takes me 65 minutes a session and my HR averages 150. I'm 54. I use to do a 35 to 40 minutes on the days I lift but that started to wear me out, especially on days I do drop sets or I do legs.

Thats awesome Red.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I do 8 1/2 miles 3 to 4 days a week on an elliptical which takes me 65 minutes a session and my HR averages 150. I'm 54. I use to do a 35 to 40 minutes on the days I lift but that started to wear me out, especially on days I do drop sets or I do legs.

Thats awesome Red.

Yeah and I started out just like you, struggling. It didn't take a week or two to get where I am now and I still have days where it seems like it real hard but I stick with it as the rewards are definitely worth it.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

Nice. I'm 26, and I've incorporated the elliptical into my workout as well. Gotta protect those knees. I generally try to treadmill once a week (2 miles) and elliptical 2-3 times a week, 35 minutes at a time. Been keeping my HR around 150-160 depending on how tired I am. Start slow and build up, and you'll be able to go on longer.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I do 8 1/2 miles 3 to 4 days a week on an elliptical which takes me 65 minutes a session and my HR averages 150. I'm 54. I use to do a 35 to 40 minutes on the days I lift but that started to wear me out, especially on days I do drop sets or I do legs.

Thats awesome Red.

Yeah and I started out just like you, struggling. It didn't take a week or two to get where I am now and I still have days where it seems like it real hard but I stick with it as the rewards are definitely worth it.

I hear ya. Like I said its taken me 5-6 months and completely quitting smoking to get to an hour at a time. There are times I'll be walking to the gym and for whatever reason I'll still be a little sore or maybe not stretched enough, but feel achy. After about 20 mins tho, I feel fine and feel soooo much better afterwards. Its amazing what tricks your mind can play on you via your body.

 

[gotsmack]

The trick to the elliptical is to put the resistance to at least level 3 and then just shift your weight from left to right. The motion of the pedals will carry you into the next motion and your weight will press the pedal. I once did 10 miles like this while watching a movie and was fine. After 6 months of this my knees started to get wobbly so I stopped. I suspect that the reason is because the distance between the feet on the machine is too wide.

I got a recumbent bike and haven't looked back.

 

[irishScott]

Rowing Machine FTW!

/thread