Vesna Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Who has an elliptical trainer? I am interested in other people's experiences and results with one and need to know how safe it is to use one. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I absolutely LOVE mine, but you need to be prepared to spend some money to get a good one. I have a Precor 521 si. Here is a picture of it. I had found one online used with price of $1,250 shipped. Fortunately, after checking Craigslist, I found one right in my local area (used, of course) and only paid $600 for it. It is an absolute workhorse! It has variable inclines and resistance and is totally digital. Many of the cheaper ones make you stop your workout to change the incline. I just wasn't having that. If you get a good, solid, heavy duty one like this one you won't have to worry about safety or how long it'll last. Heck, I don't even hang onto the bars any more during my workouts. It's a very smoooooth ride! Link to post Share on other sites
Wink Tobasco Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I had a compact, cheap model, it wasn't all bad but the "stride' was too short. I like the good ones at the gym. They are easier on the joints. But a treadmill works up a sweat faster. Link to post Share on other sites
Keridan Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Ellipticals are awesome, but you do need to get at least a mid level one. The cheap ones will fall apart on ya or give you a poor workout or worse, be bad for you. They give a good work out in several areas and are great for weight loss (don't expect to add too much muscle). Even better if you add in some running or rope jumping in between. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 But a treadmill works up a sweat faster.Not if you use the elliptical correctly. Link to post Share on other sites
GrayClouds Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 Who has an elliptical trainer? I am interested in other people's experiences and results with one and need to know how safe it is to use one. Thanks. I do not have one myself but those people who do own them, find them to be a very useful for hanging/drying clothes. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 I do not have one myself but those people who do own them, find them to be a very useful for hanging/drying clothes.As would the same people for a treadmill or a stationary bike, but OBVIOUSLY there are people who USE their exercise equipment. Don't project your attitude on those of us with a little ambition. Link to post Share on other sites
GrayClouds Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 As would the same people for a treadmill or a stationary bike, but OBVIOUSLY there are people who USE their exercise equipment. Don't project your attitude on those of us with a little ambition. And with a little more ambition you would just go outside and burn a little energy:rolleyes: Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 I absolutely LOVE mine, but you need to be prepared to spend some money to get a good one. I have a Precor 521 si. Here is a picture of it. That is EXACTLY what Skiman bought me last year. Ours was about $2,000, new. It was selling for about $1,500 at CostCo brand new at the time. Link to post Share on other sites
CrayonAngel Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 I did the elliptical for 2 years and loved it! BUT beware if you have bad knees, they are horrible on your knees. thats why I had to switch to cycling. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 And with a little more ambition you would just go outside and burn a little energy:rolleyes:Yeah, that's really fun when it's twenty below zero. right back atcha know-it-all. Link to post Share on other sites
GrayClouds Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Yeah, that's really fun when it's twenty below zero. right back atcha know-it-all. Actually it is quite fun and if you get a little cold try moving a bit faster: http://www.ladonia.net/new_herald/wp-content/PedroSnowrun1200m.jpg " There is no such thing as bad weather, just soft people. " - Bill Bowerman . Link to post Share on other sites
Author Vesna Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 Thanks everyone for your opinions. I just need to motivate myself now. Link to post Share on other sites
denise_xo Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I did the elliptical for 2 years and loved it! BUT beware if you have bad knees, they are horrible on your knees. thats why I had to switch to cycling. Really? I didn't know that. I use them at the gym all the time. Is there something I should be looking out for? My knees aren't bad to start off with, though, I don't think. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Actually it is quite fun and if you get a little cold try moving a bit faster: http://www.ladonia.net/new_herald/wp-content/PedroSnowrun1200m.jpg " There is no such thing as bad weather, just soft people. " - Bill Bowerman . Nope. Not for me. I also don't enjoy power walking (which I LOVE) past the mosquito infested wetlands on my road either when it is nice out. Hence, I have something indoors I can always count on when I can't get outside. That way, NOTHING stops me from a good workout. I also have free weights at my home. OP, I have used an elliptical for many years, and I do have bad knees to begin with due to a motorcycle wreck when I was in my twenties. I have NEVER had a problem using my elliptical. I pound that thing hard for 45 minutes to an hour, and no problem. Link to post Share on other sites
CrayonAngel Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Really? I didn't know that. I use them at the gym all the time. Is there something I should be looking out for? My knees aren't bad to start off with, though, I don't think. YES! I didn't know it either but the DR told me they they run down your knees IF you have a history of knee problems. I tore mine back in 00' didn't think anything of it down the road because if just didn't ever bother me. BUT if you don't have knee problems, they are GREAT! I miss mine! Link to post Share on other sites
denise_xo Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Thanks, both of you. I should be fine, then. Guess I just dodged another excuse to exercise :laugh: Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 YES! I didn't know it either but the DR told me they they run down your knees IF you have a history of knee problems. I tore mine back in 00' didn't think anything of it down the road because if just didn't ever bother me. BUT if you don't have knee problems, they are GREAT! I miss mine! I didn't start using one until AFTER my knee problems, which had actually been activated YEARS earlier by my motorcycle wreck, surfaced about age 31. I used to run in the a.m. before work, and after not missing a day of my five day a week runs I was out one morning and this EXCRUTICATING pain stopped me about a half mile into my run. I went to the doc, and he said I probably wouldn't be able to run again for exercise and should look to other methods of cardio. That's when I started the elliptical. AFTER my knees would no longer allow me to run for lengthy periods. I have NEVER had trouble on the elliptical. In fact, now that I'm over 50, I find that when I do NOT do my workouts regularly, my left knee bothers me. When I do get on my elliptical like I should, my knee feels better. Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I think CanyonAngel is wrong about ellipticals and knees, sorry to say. When I hurt my knee in September 2009 (torn PCL, strained MCL, and meniscus tear), my orthopedic surgeon told me to STOP running and even walking for exercise (I didn't though ), as both are high impact and put jolting stress on the knees. I was told the best and only exercise recommended for bad knees is the elliptical because it's so low impact and your knees never break 90 degrees. I never felt pain on the elliptical. Link to post Share on other sites
CrayonAngel Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 that is what my Doc Told me. They are lower impact that running or treadmill I know that..but I'm speaking from experience as well, I didn't have any problems until years down the road when I started the elliptical. everyone is different. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I think CanyonAngel is wrong about ellipticals and knees, sorry to say..I agree. A couple items on the net: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/knee-pain-elliptical-machine.html http://ezinearticles.com/?Elliptical-Trainer-Information-About-Knee-Injury&id=572281 http://www.livestrong.com/article/88519-elliptical-machines-knee-pain/ Every article I've seen thus far says an elliptical is actually GOOD for promoting bone growth and the best for a good workout with little to no impact. Link to post Share on other sites
CrayonAngel Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 OP, do whatever you feel is comfortable. I guess my doc is full of it, but I don't really feel like debating. Isn't that was the relationships forum is for? sheesh. Link to post Share on other sites
donnamaybe Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Um, I thought that was what EVERY forum was for. I wasn't about to leave the OP incorrectly thinking she'd ruin her knees using an elliptical. Quite the contrary, it appears. Link to post Share on other sites
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