low impact, high intensity

C

CindyC923

Cathlete
Hi,

I am considering purchasing an elliptical machine.
Does anybody own one? I am looking for low impact
cardio workout where I can get my heart rate up high
enough 135 to 140 bpm.
I have an old nordic track that I use along with
Cathe's step workouts. I am not able to get my heart
rate up as high as I would like on the nordic track.
I put on 2.5 lb ankle weights and hold 2 to 3 lb weights on
the nordic track. My other thought is buying one of those
weighted vests by Debbie Rocker. Buying the vest would be
less expensive than an elliptical.

Any input would be helpful.

thanks
 
I don't know how much you're willing to spend, but if you're gonna purchase a major piece of home workout equipment I'd recommend the arc trainer rather than the elliptical. I use both at the gym, but the arc trainer is definitely my preference. Both use the same basic movements but the arc trainer is much more intense & gives you a better cardio workout IMO, not to mention helps shape the legs/butt.
 
Does your Nordic Trak adjust the ski tension? I am in pretty good shape and I have no problems getting my heart rate up. Are you going 7 or 8 MPH on it?

It is very easy to get bored with a Nordic - I have had mine for 10 years and I have to watch TV with no commercials, but I still get a rippin' workout.

Just a thought.
Melissa
 
Laura,

Are they called arc trainers or are they called elliptical
trainers but have the arc design? I have been looking in
the papers like sears and some sporting good stores and
don't recall anything called arc trainer.
I like the idea of the intensity and leg and butt shaping
you are talking about.

Cindy
 
Hi Melissa,

The tension thing really doesn't give me much adjustment
options because if I try to increase the tension the skis
don't move at all and if I lower the tension the strap holding
it falls down and removes all the tension. The speedometer
doesn't work. I think it has seen it's better days. It's
almost 20 years old. I love the low impact workout from it.

Cindy
 
Hi Cindy - I'd have to agree with Laura on the arc trainer - they are truly a thing of beauty that will kick your butt!! Only problem is that they're still relatively new to the market so their price still rivals that of a small car (around $6500 [LauraMax let me know if that price has come down]). I have an elliptical and I love it. I have the Precor with the adjustable ramp and it's awesome. I originally had a life fitness but I made them take it back. It's not unusual for me to have interruptions when I work out (I'm a SAHM) and when I would pause the machine and then resume - the console would wipe out the program. They tried for 3 months to fix / replace it - to no avail. So I went to the Precor and haven't regretted it for a second. But I am waiting for the arcs to come down in price. If $$ isn't a concern - I'd say go that route.

Lorrie
 
Does that arc trainer move like that Tony Little Gazelle? That's what it looks like to me. I always thought the Gazelle-like machines were pretty lame.
 
Thank you all for your input. It helps a lot.
I can see the arc trainers are club quality.

I'll look around for prices on the precor ellipticals.

Cindy
 
I've never tried the gazelle, but from what I've seen from commercials it appears the pedals go forward & backward, while the arc trainer has more of a circular motion.

Also you can adjust the intensity level & the incline, which can make a huge difference.
 
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