| Author | Message | ||
     Tere Senior Member Username: Tere Post Number: 772 Registered: 02-2003 |
I just purchased an elliptical machine. I made this choice because of my poor old knees...and I'm too fat. Up until a few years ago weight was not my problem. But now..I'm out of control. So I'm committing to getting in shape. It arrived this week and I think it's gonna work for me. I can't stay on it long because I'm so out of shape but each day I'm able to do a few minutes more. So that's a start. I'm not kidding the first day 30 seconds and my legs were burning like nobody's business. Interestingly though after I stepped off I wasn't it pain just knew I'd used some muscles. That really encouraged me. So I'm asking those of you that workout how, over the long haul, has the elliptical worked for you? I really wanted a treadmill instead by my doc discouraged that kind of abuse on my knees. Just curious what you all think or know about this machine and what your results have been. Tere Pia's of Pleasant Valley | ||
| Marilyn Senior Member Username: Marilyn Post Number: 251 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Tere, When I was going to the gym, that was my favorite machine. It was a great workout and you can elect to use or not use the arms in conjunction with the legs. I was up to about 40 minutes both arms and legs. Start with 2 minutes. Your legs will feel like jelly for the first few times but they will get stronger. Gradually add more time. In no time you will be doing 30 minutes and feel a great workout. Make sure and have a water bottle handy so you can take quick sips often for hydration. The secret is to elevate your heart rate and keep it at your target zone for 20 minutes to burn fat. Is yours the one that monitors your heart rate? Make sure you cool down very slowly...10-15 minutes but dont stop moving. Walk around the house. I am very proud of you for making this commitment and want you to keep us updated on your progress. Marilyn Taylor Bountiful Basket | ||
| Kdeer Senior Member Username: Kdeer Post Number: 727 Registered: 06-2003 |
Way to go Tere! The eliptical is my all time favorite machine too because of the low/no impact aspect. I have one at home as well as using it at my gym. I had a high end treadmill standing around for years and finally sold it...just not my thing and hard on knees if you have bad ones. One thing to keep in mind as you get better at it, is to mix up your workout. I don't know what kind you bought, but you will have to change the incline pattern and intensity on occasion to have it continue to work for you. Once you are feeling like it's a snap it means you are losing workout value and you need to do intervals or adjust intensity, incline, etc., depending on what capability your machine has. That's down the road a bit, but you will be surprised how quickly you will be able to increase the time if you are regular. Good luck and keep it up! As you know, it gets easier as you keep going. I simply love the eliptical! -Krista | ||
| Tere Senior Member Username: Tere Post Number: 773 Registered: 02-2003 |
Thanks you two. Did you workout everyday, every other day or? INCLINE? OMG, you mean I have to walk up hill too? I thought the peddaling backwards would be my big finale. :o). Whatever it takes to get this 40 extra pounds off, I'll do. Tere Pia's of Pleasant Valley | ||
| Kdeer Senior Member Username: Kdeer Post Number: 728 Registered: 06-2003 |
I hate being the bearer of bad news Tere, but cardio can/should be done everyday. It's weight training that should be every other day. Cardio is what gets and keeps the weight off. I personally work out in one way or another everyday except one...usually Sunday...always cardio and I always walk 7 days a week. Krista p.s Had to add this....another sorry, incline kicks the butt and quads but ya gotta do it to lose it. In addition to the eliptical, I live at the top of a hill and I curse my round trip walk everyday! LOL! (Message edited by kdeer on May 25, 2006) | ||
| Tere Senior Member Username: Tere Post Number: 774 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Krista, I really don't mind doing it everyday. >>>>>I live at the top of a hill and I curse my round trip walk everyday! LOL! Can't you call a friend to pick you up at the bottom of the hill??? Thanks again Krista, I appreciate your input. Tere Pia's of Pleasant Valley | ||
| Kdeer Senior Member Username: Kdeer Post Number: 729 Registered: 06-2003 |
 Yes Tere, I could get picked up at the bottom of the hill, but then my butt would probably end up at my ankles!! LOL!! It's so darn hard to fight gravity! -Krista | ||
| Tere Senior Member Username: Tere Post Number: 795 Registered: 02-2003 |
ok, it's been three weeks. I haven't lost much weight but I'm down one size. I'm darn happy about that. I do aerobics everyday, use arm weights for the "flabby factor" and use my ellipitical 2x a day during the week and 3x each day on weekends. I'm doing much better with my portion control. The hardest part was giving up whole milk. I LOVE milk. But I'm taking calcium and use nonfat on my oatmeal so I guess that'll have to do. So far so good. Tere Pia's of Pleasant Valley | ||
| Kdeer Senior Member Username: Kdeer Post Number: 739 Registered: 06-2003 |
Way to go Tere!! That's fantastic! I can't believe 3 weeks and one size...that's inspirational! You didn't see much in pounds because you developed muscle, but that's the best thing ever! You are making me feel like a whimp with that 2 and 3 times a day!! Congratulations!! -Krista | ||
| Sherryd Intermediate Member Username: Sherryd Post Number: 62 Registered: 05-2005 |
That is great Tere! I started doing pilates this week. We'll see how it goes. Keep up the good work. |
