Yes I need info on Elipticals

[Rebecca11]

I did a search and didn't find much info. I'm thinking hard about getting one, my knees aren't holding up to the high impact and living in IL it's hard to do biking and hiking more than a couple months a year, it's always windy, 20 mph . So how do they stack up to stepping and kickboxing, calorie wise, cardiac impact wise ect.

Thanks guys! Rebecca

 

[nastsm0m]

bump

 

[Joni]

I have one at home that I rarely use because I'm addicted to Cathe step workouts, BUT - when I do use it, it's great. You can get as much or little out of it as you want. Up the tension and speed, and it will increase your HR to the max in no time. Keep your weight in your heels (and slightly squat) as you stride and you get an excellent glute/hamstring workout.

It's an excellent low/no impact cardio workout.

I can't remember the brand I have, but I bought it at Sports Authority for around $200.

If you're interested, I'll check when I get home tonight and let you know what kind it is.

If you can afford a high-end elliptical, Precors are the way to go.

 

[ColleenM]

I have only used one a couple of times. It is nice, BUT if you have plantar fasciitis, it probably isn't the best piece of equipment to use.

Colleen

 

[Maximus]

I've used them before. They're OK but the intensity level is not nearly as high as, say, Cathe's step workouts.

You might want to look into arc trainers instead of ellipticals. The concept is similar but IMO you can get a more intense workout.

 

[Maximus]

Colleen--I've had a few run ins w/PF--no one told me to stop using ellipticals. How will it aggravate it? I know PF will keep coming back, but I'd like to avoid making it worse.

 

[ColleenM]

With the elliptical, it seems you have to put more weight on your heels. This is what aggravates my PF. I can do the stairclimber without setting off the PF, but the 2 times I've done the elliptical I need to ice right away. I can't find a way not to put that much weight on my heels.

If it doesn't aggravate your PF, I wouldn't worry. I think it was on the YaYa board a few others with PF also mentioned it aggravated their PF. Even with using my custom insoles, it sets it off Altho I'm stubborn and let myself do it once a week at the gym.

Colleen