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Posted 1/22/2011 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
OK, as I posted elsewhere, I'm having a flare-up of a toe problem that seems to be a result of pounding that treadmill.

I was going to skip a workout to give it a chance to heal, but I decided not to do that.

So, today I did do my normal wworkout, but I have some questions.

Instead of the treadmill, I did the elliptical. It does seem to result in much less pounding on my toe. I was surprised to find that it was much more strenuous than the treadmill. Now, is that generally true, or might it be because I'm used to the treadmill and the elliptical was new. I also found that it really worked my front and rear thigh muscles much more than the treadmill. With the treadmill, I do 8-11 laps at roughly 3.7-3.9 mph and my heart rate is generally 135 or so, maybe peaking at 141. With the elliptical, I had to push but did 30 minutes and my heartrate was a very consistent 141-143, peaking at 146. So, indeed, it was harder. Suppposedly and elliptical is better for ones knees. However, in the past I always found it harder on my knees. I think that part went fine today.

Any comments?

Mel

Posted 1/22/2011 8:23 PM (GMT 0)

Compiler,

I started using the eliptical about 6 years ago when my knees were horrible. It was really the only cardiac exercise I could do that did not hurt my knees. I had bilateral knee replacement on Jan 14, 08, and it went great. I could do any cardio machine that I wanted to now, but I always go back to the eliptical. If one is to believe the electronic feedback, I burn lots more calories on the elip than I do on the treadmill at similar speeds. Unfortunately, it is a very popular machine, and is often occupied at my gym...even at 5:30 a.m.

Posted 1/22/2011 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Another option is upright or recumbent cycling, which gives you a quality aerobic workout.  To get more bang for your exercise buck, you may want to try HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). 
Posted 1/22/2011 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,
I am a dedicated runner, although quite slow at this age. But when I travel and use a workout facility the elliptical is one tuff workout. Watching some younger people do 40 mintues on that thing is amazing. So as far as your question goes, think it depends on the speed and duration, but the ellip seems to burn more calories due to using more body parts i.e arms, upper body. Your options are pretty good as someone suggested and even a rowing machine burns a lot of calories. Find something that you enjoy.
Michael
Posted 1/23/2011 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Occasionally I work out on an elliptical at a hotel. It seems fine for keeping you in good aerobic condition. However, if you want to improve your running, as some of us do, you have to run. I also still have my old Nordictrack, which is also an excellent aerobic workout, not as popular as it used to be. I do that less, for the same reason, namely it doesn't help my running that much.


DJ
Posted 1/23/2011 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
The new Feb. Consumer Reports has an article comparing treadmills and ellipitical machines and says they both burn about the same amount of calories. Fairly good article, but most of the focus was on the best machines.

Michael

Posted 1/23/2011 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,
I've been using the elliptical for almost 19 years. It doesn't put any strain on your joints or feet since there is no pounding. Also I burn more calories per minute than I do on the treadmill.
Posted 1/23/2011 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your responses. Again, I think I got a more intense workout with the elliptical. My heart rate was higher and I did feel my front and rear thigh muscles were being used.

Anyway, this will add variety to my workout.

I'm glad I tried it.

Mel

Posted 1/23/2011 1:43 PM (GMT 0)

I started using the Cardio equipment (including the recumbent and upright bike) after my knee and Achilles injury. I have found over the past few weeks like most things it got easier when I was able to become more efficient in my skill at using the equipment. I really like the workout I’ve been getting. Last summer when I gave up running for the bicycle I was reminded by a PT that I still need to get some occasional impact training for stable bone mass.

Hero

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