Elliptical trainer

[nancy324]

Does anyone else have trouble getting into their target heart rate zone on an elliptical machine? I guess my legs get too tired to get my cardiovascular system into the aerobic zone. When I do my power walking on the treadmill I have no trouble getting right into my aerobic heart rate zone, but I am looking for a way to vary my workouts so I don't get too bored. Is anyone getting a really good aerobic workout on the elliptical machine? Thanks.

 

[kila]

I have an elliptical and like it very much. I have a bad low back knees and ankles. So I find this machine great for a change of pace. I don't have a problem getting into my heart rate zone on this machine. I do use a heart rate monitor most times when I am on there so I know I am hitting my target heart rate zone. I also listen to music when I am on there so I find myself peddling to the beat of the music. And it also makes my time on the elliptical more enjoyable.

 

[CindySue]

I have the opposite problem. I can't seem to get my heart rate as high while walking. Can you change the resistance on your machine? Otherwise it may be too easy for you. I also love varying the elliptical incline to target different parts of my legs/glutes. I have knee probs so the elliptical works for me.

 

[CindySue]

I have the opposite problem. I can't seem to get my heart rate as high while walking. Can you change the resistance on your machine? Otherwise it may be too easy for you. I also love varying the elliptical incline to target different parts of my legs/glutes. I have knee probs so the elliptical works for me.

 

[nancy324]

The thing about walking on the treadmill is that there is no muscle in my body that gets tired or worn out. I can walk as fast as I need to and incline as high as I need to in order to get my heart pumping. On the elliptical, if my quads or glutes get a little tired and I have to slow down or lower the incline, then my heart rate falls. Maybe it's just a matter of getting my quads and glutes in excellent shape so that the elliptical becomes easy for me. Or maybe I should use the machines that have the arm thingies? Do those help raise the heart rate?

 

[cindysue]

I don't use an elliptical machine with arm thingies.

I'll use high incline for so many minutes, decrease the incline a little for so many minutes, decrease again, etc...So that I work the entire leg (from glute to calf) over a 20 minute period. It's a little harder at higher inclines...so to compensate I increase the resistance at lower inclines. When I get tired of the elliptical I move to the bike or treadmill to get a total of 30-45 minutes of cardio. I tend to get a better elliptical workout with some good heartpumping music going...makes me go faster.

 

[cindysue]

I don't use an elliptical machine with arm thingies.

I'll use high incline for so many minutes, decrease the incline a little for so many minutes, decrease again, etc...So that I work the entire leg (from glute to calf) over a 20 minute period. It's a little harder at higher inclines...so to compensate I increase the resistance at lower inclines. When I get tired of the elliptical I move to the bike or treadmill to get a total of 30-45 minutes of cardio. I tend to get a better elliptical workout with some good heartpumping music going...makes me go faster.

 

[LuvCardio]

I also recommend great music! I found this great site on eBay where you can order pre-mixed CDs for really cheap!

His website is: www.CardioMixes.com.

He mixes them himself. They have some of the good ol' songs from the 70's & 80's all mixed up with techno beats! They seriously keep me going for about another 15 minutes after I am ready to stop every time I listen to one of them.

I have an elliptical too and don't get as good a workout on it on some days. Then on others when I am motivated I do great. I think mine is too easy to cheat on. I like the ones at the club better but am not fortunate enough to get there more than once a week or so.

Good luck!!!!