propper elliptical use?

[bobdole]

Is there a specific way that you should use an elliptical machine? I found myself most comfortable with max resistance and leaning forward'ish kinda using my weight to assist with the down and back stroke. I went at it for 20 minutes for my first use of an elliptical and definitely felt "worked out" - more so than my usual 1mile jog + 2mile fast walk.

 

I'm wondering though if there is a proper way to use the machine. Should I come up on the my toes toward the end of the back stroke to the forward stroke?Should I not lean at all forward or backward? Maybe there's some info someone can link of PM to me that I can't seem to find?

[Star Gazer]

Position your spine as though you're walking or running. Don't rest your weight on the machine at all. The arm rails are there for balance only.

[tman666]

I second what Stargazer said. Sometimes you see people leaning on the rails and moving their feet with the machine, which is not only goofy looking, but incorrect.

[USMCHokie]

Is there a specific way that you should use an elliptical machine?

 

Yes, by walking past it to the weight room.

 

Just kidding...but not really...

 

But I second what Star and tman say...back straight and head up like you'd be walking or running...if you're only using your legs to move the elliptical, then your hands should be swinging alongside your body like you were running...not holding onto the supports...

[bobdole]

I'm not using the stationary handles. What I mean by leaning and using my weight is that the elliptical on high resistance was giving me a sorta "long stride stair climbing sensation". Not in the sense that I was moving up but that my down and back step cycle felt more natural to shift my weight to that foot resulting in a forward and left or right movement of my center of mass. Probably overthinking this... I felt exerted - therefore it must have done something good for me.

[donnamaybe]

You also shouldn't have the thing at max resistance unless you can comfortably utilize the machine at a decent pace for at least a half hour or so. The main purpose is cardio, with the secondary being strength in the legs, back, core, glutes, etc. I do a marching type pace which is about 120 steps per minute. Also, stride backwards as well. It works different muscles. Once you can comfortably do a good pace for a half hour at whatever resistance you're at and it seems too easy, then up your resistance. Also, once you get good at it, try not using your hands at all. If you have to use balance, you will also use more muscles.

[bobdole]

I did more research and found that your torso should be practically motionless. No movement front/back, left/right, or up/down. So Ive cheated my past two times. I'll give no movement a try this afternoon. I've read this is killer for your quads when you do it right. Not sure I'm looking forward to dong it right

[tman666]

Here's my beef with elliptical machines: the motion of using them doesn't really effectively emulate any real life athletic scenario. They're aren't like running or biking or climbing stairs. It's a fine tool for some steady state cardio, but I feel that if I'm going to use a machine for cardio, it might as well relate to something real world.

 

I have no problem with it as a tool for those with joint issues, but I just don't see how it could possibly be considered superior to a treadmill or stair climber. Of course, none of that is superior to actual stair sprints or running.

[donnamaybe]

One good thing is they could keep someone from becoming a person "with joint issues."

[tman666]

One good thing is they could keep someone from becoming a person "with joint issues."

 

This is completely debatable...

 

It's just like when people say that squats are bad for your knees, and that deadlifts are bad for your back. It's true that you can hurt yourself doing them, but injury and performance of those exercises do not (and should not) necessarily go hand in hand. That's why form is such a big deal.

 

As for abandoning running on terra firma in the name of preventing joint issues, this is a silly notion. Barring injurious circumstances, the body will adapt to reasonable stresses placed on it. Higher impact activities such as running and free weight strength training increase bone density and help train all the supporting ligature that help keep us from getting injured.

 

The notion that low impact training prevents injury is not necessarily true, especially when pre-existing injuries do not exist.

[donnamaybe]

It's mere common sense that says that pounding, pounding, pounding on your joints, no matter how skillful you are at doing so, is going to be harder on them over time than a motion such as you get with an elliptical.

 

My doc said the same thing, too, so it's not just layman's common sense.

[bobdole]

I'm using the elliptical for weight loss and the fact that I get horrid splints in the left leg to the point where I walk funny for a week after running any substantial distance. I still haven't abandoned running though, every other week or so I through a jog in.

 

So this afternoon I tried the elliptical "the right way". It wasn't any harder to me really. The only thing that bugged was my back was killing me about 8 minutes into the workout, but I adjusted my posture and that helped. Honestly I felt like It was easier than "my way" - I sweated a lot less if that is any indication.

 

Hmm... a bit puzzling. My sister is buying an elliptical from a specialty store in my town. I went with her the first time and think I'll go with her to purchase it. The guy seemed to know his stuff and maybe I can ask him about it.

[vhaukl]

As it is basically a conveyor belt, the treadmill can be used for activities other than running. If horses are being tested (especially in jockey racing) they will be put on a specially constructed treadmill. Large treadmills can also accommodate cars. Treadmills can also be used to exercise dogs that are accustomed to running on a conveyor; however avoid tying the leash to the treadmill as it can cause serious injury.

 

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