Problem with the elliptical trainer

[SRP]

Well, it's not actually a problem with the equipment. It's a problem with how my knee responds to the equipment. I've had to stay away from floor routines lately and so have been using the elliptical a lot more. Now I have another problem. Sigh. Too much elliptical work bothers my knee, the same problem I used to have when I ran.

I suspect this is just another way my body has decided to betray me, and I'll just have to deal with it.

BUT - if anyone else has had a similar experience and has overcome it, I'd really appreciate any advice.

Because otherwise, it looks like I'm going to have to eliminate all cardio for a while. I'll go nuts within a week.

 

[tneah]

Can you do it with less resistance? That might work? The stationary bike is always good for knees. When I was recovering from a knee surgery, I did the recumbent bike. Hope your knee heals quickly!

 

[singinggoddess]

Shannon,
What kind of elliptical do you have? I was using the precor at the gym and I found it was more of an up and down motion instead of a circular motion like some. It bothered my knees. I had to get the life fitness elliptical, which has never bothered them. I was not sure if you are working out at the gym or home. If you are at the gym, maybe try another type of elliptical. Or, maybe spend less time on the elliptical at once. You could do 2 20 minutes sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening. I know how frustrating it is the thought of not doing cardio. Power walking might be good as well. Anyway, I hope your knees get better. Yoga is also a good thing to do for a week off

Susan

 

[SRP]

Tneah - it's odd, but it seems like it actually feels better with more resistance, and worse doing speed/sprints with low resistance. I'm afraid it's simply the repetitive motion.

Susan - I have a ProForm from Sears. Yes, I work out at home, so trying different models is out. I'm stuck with the one I have. I might be able to break the sessions up on weekends - that's an idea. But during the week, nope. And power walking is out for now, until my calf muscle heals.

Oh dear. Please don't talk about a rest week. I just did one of those!!!

Thanks for your input, ladies. I appreciate it.

 

[Miss Lee]

{{{{{Cuz}}}}} Oh no!!! I'm so sorry about this. I don't know what to say. I've never had knee issues with my elliptical (I have a Precor and it has an elliptical motion -- not an up and down motion ).

How often are you using it? I limit it to 3 times/week but when I use it I go all out in terms of speed and resistance. Maybe if you limit it to once or twice per week that will help.

 

[SRP]

Hey Cuz! Well, mine has the elliptical motion - more of a pedal than and up and down. It's not like climbing stairs. I do cardio 3x/week and usually just use the elliptical one of those days. Lately all of my cardio has been on the elliptical, so obviously I'm going to have to scale back. And yes, like you, when I use it I go all out.

 

[Miss Lee]

Could it be your form? I am constantly checking to make sure I'm in proper body alignment; standing tall and lifted through the torso and making sure my weight is equally distributed through the bottoms of my feet. If you have the handlebars, make sure you're not leaning too far forward. I can't use a machine with handlebars because they throw me completely out of good body alignment.

 

[SRP]

It could be. Where can I find info about proper form? I do always feel like the elliptical throws me forward, and lots of times my toes fall asleep. How on EARTH do you ellipticize without handlebars? I bow to you!

I also wonder if the pedals are too far apart, but I can't adjust the width.