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Elliptical trainer ,as great as they say

swimming Posts: 15 Joined: 2002/08/25	2003/04/25, 12:54 PM Hi all, I was wondering whether someone can give me some further info on exercising on an elliptical trainer. Read that it's a great exercise due to low impact. I have an enlarged disk in my lower back but am without pain when exercising on an elliptical trainer - which I feel is a good sign! Was wondering though whether there isn't quite a bit of strain put onto the knees due to the, I know 'elliptical movement' but still kind of 'cycling' motion. Am asking about knees here, too as unfortuntely have to be careful with my knees. Literature describes this machine as a variation of the treadmill which is virtually impact-free. But I feel it's more as heavy as cycling on a stationary bike, at least for the knees. HOPE loads of people have experience with this type of machine and are willing to share their knowledge, expertise and tips. Many thanks. S
Ravenbeauty Posts: 3,755 Joined: 2002/09/24	2003/04/25, 01:16 PM I love elliptical trainer, it is a lot easier on my knees.. -------------- Bettia.... When you feel like giving up, take it to the limit one more time!! You will SUCEED :-)
swimming Posts: 15 Joined: 2002/08/25	2003/04/25, 02:39 PM Thanks, Ravenwolf and Ravenbeauty - that's good news then! Perhaps I should have also specified though that I am not talking about an elliptical trainer in a gym but one to be purchased for home use. I am thinking of the Reebok 2000. Anybody else any comments on my query or experience with the Reebok 2000? Would be very much appreciated. Thanks! S
Deby Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/08/05	2003/04/25, 03:08 PM I don't know because I have just started using the elliptical but boy does it give you a workout. I have been gaining muscle and not losing fat so I am MAKING myself use the elliptical because working on the treadmill was not helping me. I did 25 minutes on the elliptical last night and it said I burned 250 calories!!! I like that. I am going back tonight and trying for 30 minutes!!! -------------- Gramma
rsquade Posts: 152 Joined: 2003/01/06	2003/04/25, 04:00 PM My physical therapist recommended the eliptical trainer during my recovery from a herniated disk. I couldn't always walk, but I could use the eliptical trainer.
swimming Posts: 15 Joined: 2002/08/25	2003/04/26, 04:47 AM Thanks deby and rsquade- that's rather encouraging! I guess any initial knee pain the day after using an elliptical trainer might only be at the start of getting into a routine and like ravenwolf said, starting it gradually might help with that, too. So hopefully there won't be any discomfort in the knees for many days. S
swimming Posts: 15 Joined: 2002/08/25	2003/04/26, 04:47 AM Thanks deby and rsquade- that's rather encouraging! I guess any initial knee pain the day after using an elliptical trainer might only be at the start of getting into a routine and like ravenwolf said, starting it gradually might help with that, too. So hopefully there won't be any discomfort in the knees for many days. S
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/04/26, 10:54 AM There is no iimpact so the knee is actually doing what it is supposedto do, (acting as a hinge) thats why no pain. Burns really good clories, and most machines have computerised programs. Its is almost like a xcountry ski motion but the feet go more up than back. -------------- We must become the change we want to see. Ivan Montreal Canada
swimming Posts: 15 Joined: 2002/08/25	2003/04/26, 12:13 PM Thanks for your note carivan. An elliptical trainer it is for me then... What I wanted to ask ravenwolf and rsquade, as they both mentioned problems with disks as well. HOW are you dealing with the pain or rather the limitations when trying to do strength exercise (weights) or any other way of cardio (next to elliptical) ?? I am severely limited in the exercises I can do because of my back problem, hence find it difficult to get to a stage where my muscles are stronger to support my back and any disk problems in it,without any pain..... Just the other day I took my weight training a step further doing some upper body work - more than usually-, as I thought that would be ok, and it left me rather immobilized for the next 2 days, still suffering now actually, but it's getting better. What's your advise on that? Thanks for your thoughts. S