What do you all think of elliptical trainers?
- Thread starter susieq
- Start date
TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Hi Susieq!
I have a Precor elliptical trainer -- the home version of their club model -- and have had it for a little over a year. My DH and I really love it. I love ellipticals generally, but this brand in particular is great because of the patented flywheel which makes the treading action so smooth and comfortable AND reversible. (And when you set the resistance pretty heavy and the incline up a bit, try "pedaling" backward and feel those glutes and hams screaming!) It's got several pre-set programs kinda like a Lifecycle, and a heart rate monitor built in that seems fairly accurate. You can also set up your own programs to be remembered, and it remembers the data (age, weight, HR zone) on 2 users. All in all a really nice model.
We have had a bunch of cardio equipment over the years -- upright and recumbent bikes, a good treadmill, NordicTrack -- and although we still have everything except the upright bike, the Precor is the piece we keep going back to for a great, time-efficient and pretty strenuous lower-body workout. I use it at least once a week as a low-impact break from Cathe's cardio and a "light" leg endurance workout. But my DH, who is very choreography-challenged and doesn't do any of Cathe's cardio (just her strength tapes), uses it three to four times a week and then runs on our treadmill once just for variety. He swears by the Precor and I HIGHLY recommend it!
http://www.clicksmilie.de/sammlung/sport/sport003.gif Kathy S.
I have a Precor elliptical trainer -- the home version of their club model -- and have had it for a little over a year. My DH and I really love it. I love ellipticals generally, but this brand in particular is great because of the patented flywheel which makes the treading action so smooth and comfortable AND reversible. (And when you set the resistance pretty heavy and the incline up a bit, try "pedaling" backward and feel those glutes and hams screaming!) It's got several pre-set programs kinda like a Lifecycle, and a heart rate monitor built in that seems fairly accurate. You can also set up your own programs to be remembered, and it remembers the data (age, weight, HR zone) on 2 users. All in all a really nice model.
We have had a bunch of cardio equipment over the years -- upright and recumbent bikes, a good treadmill, NordicTrack -- and although we still have everything except the upright bike, the Precor is the piece we keep going back to for a great, time-efficient and pretty strenuous lower-body workout. I use it at least once a week as a low-impact break from Cathe's cardio and a "light" leg endurance workout. But my DH, who is very choreography-challenged and doesn't do any of Cathe's cardio (just her strength tapes), uses it three to four times a week and then runs on our treadmill once just for variety. He swears by the Precor and I HIGHLY recommend it!
http://www.clicksmilie.de/sammlung/sport/sport003.gif Kathy S.
Lynn M.
Cathlete
Hi there--
I got mine about 4 years ago and love it. They are great for a low impact day. I do alot of Cathe's tapes and run as well. But I always try to get one elliptical workout in per week. I like to do it when my legs are feeling pretty maxed from a run, step, or a grueling weight workout.
One thing I would caution you on is to "try before you buy." Some of them will feel more comfortable in their range of motion than others for you.
I have a Vision Quest and the range of motion isn't as great as some of the others I have tried in gyms. It feels more like a stepper. Its fine for me, but there is that to consider.
Overall,it is a great cardio workout IMHO.
Good luck!
Lynn
I got mine about 4 years ago and love it. They are great for a low impact day. I do alot of Cathe's tapes and run as well. But I always try to get one elliptical workout in per week. I like to do it when my legs are feeling pretty maxed from a run, step, or a grueling weight workout.
One thing I would caution you on is to "try before you buy." Some of them will feel more comfortable in their range of motion than others for you.
I have a Vision Quest and the range of motion isn't as great as some of the others I have tried in gyms. It feels more like a stepper. Its fine for me, but there is that to consider.
Overall,it is a great cardio workout IMHO.
Good luck!
Lynn
MadnNatsmom
Cathlete
If I had the space in my home, I would definitely get one.
I'm a runner, but there are days when I'd like the intensity without the impact.
I've read two articles that said although perceived exertion is less than running, you burn almost as many calories.
I love doing intervals on them - you can go really hard on it and not worry about the impact.
I'm a runner, but there are days when I'd like the intensity without the impact.
I've read two articles that said although perceived exertion is less than running, you burn almost as many calories.
I love doing intervals on them - you can go really hard on it and not worry about the impact.