It’s one of the lowest on the calorie burning scale - it doesn’t take much effort to get it moving and keep it moving.
The movement is in no way similar to anything else a human might do, unless they suck at roller skating or something.
I have yet to find one that allows for a full ROM if you’re over 5’6" (I am).
In short, it’s worthless to me and most others. If you’re healthy (I can understand using it if you have knee problems), why not run sprints, use a rower so full ROM can actually be achieved, or do conditioning with weights/anything that is useful (like a rock, bodyweight complexes, etc)?
[quote]buffalokilla wrote:
It’s one of the lowest on the calorie burning scale - it doesn’t take much effort to get it moving and keep it moving.[/quote]
Perhaps this is the reason people use it. A lot of those who replied said they use it post-weight training. If one trains T-style (I guess I can assume that with those who replied), the weight training part would be highly intensed. In that case I don’t see why one should not use a machine that is easy to use AFTER a hard weight session.
[quote]buffalokilla wrote:
The movement is in no way similar to anything else a human might do…
[/quote]
I agree to this. It gives a moving pattern that is not similiar to everyday or sport movement. This is particularly bad for those who train for a sport.
[quote]buffalokilla wrote:]
In short, it’s worthless to me and most others. If you’re healthy (I can understand using it if you have knee problems), why not run sprints, use a rower so full ROM can actually be achieved, or do conditioning with weights/anything that is useful (like a rock, bodyweight complexes, etc)?
-Dan[/quote]
Again I partially agree. I don’t entirely think it is worthless if one use this just as a SMALL part of the training and willing to progress to harder GPP routines/exercises (as you suggested) once one becomes better conditioned. e.g. Elliptical LSD → Elliptical HITT → rower/treadmill LSD/HITT → HITT + body wgt hybird → HITT + weighted exercises hybird / multi-directional run drills / hill runs etc.
But, Dan, I get what you are saying, as jsb said, it is not wise to spend long time on an elliptical machine. In fact it is not wise to over-use it in any way if one trains T-style. I guess we can agree to disagree here.
[quote]454SS wrote:
I use the elliptical trainer for HIIT these days. Works great, low impact save the knees for the important stuff like squats! wouldnt use anything else.[/quote]
This (HIIT) is the best use for them.
Not totally bad for a quick 5 minute get the blood flowing warmup … but dynamic stretching and mobility drills are better.
Also fun is dragging them around the gym like a sled. This does not go over so well at 24 hour fatness.
I used to use them at my old gym for a cardio change of pace (pun intended). However, I find the ones at my new gym uncomfotable. I don’t remember either brand but the old ones had a much longer stride and better ergonomics to the handles. The new ones feel like I’m on a childs toy. I miss using them since I believe they provide a good way to warm up the total body. I wish they had an adjustable model but perhaps that would make them too complicated.
hey what up, dude.
elliptical training, not something i do a whole lot but i don use the machine. it’s better then bike as few already mentioned reason being that you acctualy have to stand and move your whole body. if you just started using the machine the one thing i learned to do is to do a little hop with each time i peddal. it gives you more of a nautral feeling then keeping your foot on the pedals. i usally do 10min then switch to treadmill and do about 9 min on that, then i do bike to cool down. bike is not as effective as the other machines. so if you want cardio in your workout routine i say your doing a GRERAT job by sticking to the Elliptical machine.
hope my info helped , anyway takecare and buh bye.