Gents, I am still trying to decide what exercise machine to buy. I am considering a rowing machine. What are your thoughts and experience on elliptical machines?
Thoughts on elliptical exercise machines
- Thread starter Austin
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A neighbor of mine has an ElliptiGo. It's an outdoor elliptical machine. Cross between an Elliptical and a bike.
http://www.elliptigo.com/
I can't handle being on a regular elliptical or treadmill, I get too bored watching tv or staring at a wall. This one gets you outside if that's something you're into. Unfortunately they are pretty pricey.
Regardless, good luck Andrew.
http://www.elliptigo.com/
I can't handle being on a regular elliptical or treadmill, I get too bored watching tv or staring at a wall. This one gets you outside if that's something you're into. Unfortunately they are pretty pricey.
Regardless, good luck Andrew.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks Tim. I have been using a recumbent bike for 3 years. I guess most folks would get bored on the bike but I don't suffer that problem.
I went with a yoga mat - I haven't found an exercise machine of any type that I enjoy using. I'd think the most important factor is - will you enjoy/use it, and then from that list pick what you want to get.
The ellipticals that I have used at a gym are nice in that you aren't pounding your feet like a treadmill. I find treadmills to be inferior to simply running outside. So, in that sense, an elliptical beats a treadmill (for me).
Consumer Reports might grade them, FYI.
The ellipticals that I have used at a gym are nice in that you aren't pounding your feet like a treadmill. I find treadmills to be inferior to simply running outside. So, in that sense, an elliptical beats a treadmill (for me).
Consumer Reports might grade them, FYI.
Elliptical machines are great for people who have joint problems or find the weight of running hard on the body.
It is far less damaging on the body but you can definitely get a good sweat on.
They are much quieter than a treadmill and can be used much more frequently later in one's life.
Rowing machine's are great as you can get a bit of a muscle workout at the same time but I've seen many people with sore/bad backs quit early into it.
It is far less damaging on the body but you can definitely get a good sweat on.
They are much quieter than a treadmill and can be used much more frequently later in one's life.
Rowing machine's are great as you can get a bit of a muscle workout at the same time but I've seen many people with sore/bad backs quit early into it.
Not to mention also that the treadmills that I used also used quite a bit of electricity. When I went from a treadmill to an elliptical my electrical bill dropped a significant amount. Plus the treadmills make a mess, every one I had made that black dust that coated anything around it.
Chris
I've had a Schwinn 430 for about five years. I am sure the new version has more bells and whistles. Great, low maintenance machine. Plenty of settings that get the job done.
Little late here, but I'm an elliptical fan. I had to give up running due to Posterior Tibial Tendon Disorder, but using the elliptical doesn't bother me. I have an Octane elliptical that I don't remember the model of, but it was a demo model that they sell into health clubs and those are much better built than the ones made for Dick's Sporting Goods and other big box stores. I've had it for almost 4 years now. I really love the 30:30 program which is intervals. Just watch the step up height if you get one for your basement.
I like ellipticals just wish they also bad a resistance setting of the arms. Also the problem my wife ran into buying one was the arms were not adjustable for short people. My reach is longer and I had no problem when the arms were at full extent ion/ full stride. My wife did. Still looking for the right one so until then I'll use the one provided at the gym.
I agree although I suppose adding too many options would push the price beyond what most of us would pay. Mine has an adjustable stride length and the handles have unique shape with many hold points which is really nice, but my wife still finds the stride a bit too long. I think if they had moved the footbeds forward a bit more that would have done the trick and it's too bad those are not adjustable. I tried a lot of models (I worked in the fitness industry a few years back) and there were only a handful of models that I found comfortable and they were all the higher end health club models.
