Eliptical Challenge!

[ImEllie]

Ok, I have been doing the eliptical for about 1 & 1/2 weeks and am working my way up on my time and level! If you want to challenge each other who can go longer or just as long as one of us Lets do it! It will be hard and fun!I will start off with my work out today! 35 min on level 5! Amoung other exercises but this is about the eliptical! NEXT!

[Pedmom]

Ellie, have you tried Cardio Coach on the elliptical? It totally ROCKS!

[showmeleslie]

i love the elliptical machine i could do it for hours but i don't think my body could...800 calories. Yay!!

[LKT724]

Hi Ellie--I would like to join you. I got my elliptical a few weeks ago, also. I have worked up to 40 min., at level 3. Maybe I should try level 4, or try some of the programs on it soon, I have to push myself gradually, though. I don't want to get frustrated & give up!
Showmeleslie--I'm a Leslie, too!
What is Cardio coach Pedmom? a video?
Good luck!! I'll stop back again Monday, going to see my family this weekend. (there is an elliptical at the nearby gym!--I love it!)
~~Leslie

[LKT724]

Hello Hello!!! Any ellipticalers out there still????

I was very very bad over Easter, and did not do a thing, and feel very FAT as a consequence. wahhhh...anyhow, got back on the ellipti last night & did 22 minutes on a tougher program. Had been just doing manual at level 3. Did 50 crunches, and 50 push ups today, and I plan to do at least 30 minutes on ellipti today.

How are you all doing? Is challenge still on?? Let's keep this going! Bathing suit & short season are right around the corner!

Hope to see you here soon!
Leslie

[showmeleslie]

i did 70 minutes today i can't feel my legs but it feels good

[Jesi]

i'm addicted to the elliptical!!! i like it sooo much more than the treadmill, not sure why but i stay much more motivated and never get bored on it!

[AzDeb]

Hi .. I just purchased an eliptical and it should be delivered this week. I tried it at the store for about 10 minutes and loved it. I'm so bad at exercising but this seemed like it would be good. Any tips for newbies? I'm going to put it right in the family room so I can watch tv. How many minutes should I start out? I'm about 25 lbs overweight but I haven't exercised in ages, plus I'm a smoker. I'm really excited about this and would love to join a challenge with other newbies.

[mzflowers]

Can I join the elipitcal challenge? I *try* and do mine 5 days a week..7 would be better.

What my routine is...25 min..at 20% at 5 resistance...then I do HIIT for the remaining 20 min...going up every minute in resistance...then back down. I'm pouring sweat by the end. Its great!!

[yakara]

I would like to join this challenge, I must confess that I am not up to par with the rest of the athletes on this board. I would like to get there though. I can do 20 minutes on level 1 before I die. But that is up from 5 minutes on level 1 3 weeks ago. So I am proud of myself. If you have room for me I would love to join

[mzflowers]

Yakara....The only challenge is with yourself...so don't worry about what others do. We all need to challenge ourselves. Keep it up!! We all have to have a starting point!

[mzflowers]

So...when do we officially get started?? Lets all post our individual goals and check in with eachother. Does that work??

I personally..am NOT exercising today. I gave blood last night...and I'm wiped out today..so I'm going to drink extra water and just not worry about it.

Tomorrow I will do 40 min of eliptical.

What about you?

[LKT724]

Hey, that sounds great Mzflowers !!

Anyone who wants to ellliptical here is welcome Lets start now!

My goal for this week:
(at least) 30 min 3x a week. Next week I will increase the resistance.

Every time I take a few days off, I have to work up to over 20 min again.

AzDeb--I started at 15 minutes, then worked up by 5 min increments. Basically, wherever you feel comfortable starting, and then add on a few minutes each time.

Why don't we do this weekly, and report in on our progress?

Happy pedaling!


Leslie

[feather319]

Just a note for you all. I'm an elliptical nut. I do it 4-5 times a week for at least 40 minutes and burn close to 700 calories each time (if I enter my weight as 100. I do that for a more accurate calorie burning number). I always go hard. Anywyay, when in your target heart rate zone, 0-20 minutes works your cardiovascular system. From 20-40 minutes is pure fat burn. However, if you go over 40 minutes, you may be burning calories however you go back into cardiovascular training. Never force more than an hour. 75 minutes is way to long if going close to your maximum heart rate.

[kmcentire]

I have some questions about the elliptical. I have never used one, so would any of you suggest that I try one out or just jump right on in and buy one. Also, which brand do you recommend? I have seen them from ~$200-$4000. Also, do they take up as much room as a treadmill? Thanks for all of you help.

Kristi

[LKT724]

Hi Kristi~ I would try one out at a gym or sporting goods store before investing in one. The space they take up depends on the model, style & brand you get. Mine is New Balance, and it doesn't take up much room at all. Mine was more than 200 bucks, but less than 600 bucks. I researched it online before I got this one, cause if you get a cheapie, it won't be worth the money. I would recommend testing out different kinds of equipment at a gym or sports store if you can, and do your research. Some find joining a gym or excercising with videos works better for them, and if you are spending a large amount of money, definately look into what you're getting.

And, Join us, if you decide to do elliptical. I really like mine, and I like it better than the treadmill. It's easier on the knees, and I think it's more fun.

Today I've done 20 min so far, but will do another 10-20 tonight. I can feel it already.

Thank you, Feather319 for the info!! 70 min seemed like too much to me. I'm shooting for 40 now, and taking baby steps to get there. I'm not increasing the resistance till I get fitter.

Happy pedaling ellipties!

[yakara]

My goal today is for 20 minutes. I think that I can do it. My overall goal will be to work up to 40 minutes 4 days a week. I am going to try to up to level 2 next week, without upping my time. Does anyone have any advice on what you should up first, time or resistence?

[LKT724]

I think that sounds like a GREAT plan Yakara! Of course you can do it!! I think my pants are feeling looser already!

[mzflowers]

Ok...I haven't check in lately...but wanted to report that I did 30 min of eliptical this morning. It wasn't the hardest workout...but at least it was done.

Have a great day!!

[LKT724]

Great job, Mzflowers! I did only 20 min yesterday, and some ab excercises, I must confess, today I hope to do 30 min. I'm working up to 40, either in 2-20 minute rounds, or 1 40 min round.

[d_samy2003]

Hello to all of you.

I was just wondering which burns more calories jogging or using the elliptical for let’s say 30 min.

Thanks guys.

[d_samy2003]

Just one more thing. if I want to buy an elliptical, what should I be looking for in terms of speed, durability, calorie counters and everything

[feather319]

Elliptal burns more calories however running is good for overall strength, balance, and agility. Your muscles will become conditioned after doing the elliptical everyday so vary up the routine. Jogging vs running too. Jogging in 30 min burns about 250 calories vs running is about 400.

[LKT724]

How are the ellipticalers doing? Last week was TOM for me, so there was not much pedaling going on, I'm afraid. I did 30 min last night however, and did arm & ab excercises too!

I also have a bike that I'm planning on riding at least once a week. So, the goal is bike 1x a week, and elliptical & arm & ab excercise 3x week. Those are my goals for this week. What are yours?

[Sheila K]

Originally Posted by showmeleslie

i love the elliptical machine i could do it for hours but i don't think my body could...800 calories. Yay!!

Hello,

I have been researching old posts to get information about elliptical machines because I am planning to purchase one.

I love the Precor machine I use at the gym but it costs $5000--too much for my budget.

Do you have any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks,

Sheila

[AsmallerME]

I'd suggest going to a gym equipment/sporting good store and testing the ones in your price range. Mine is a Reebok and I purchased it 6 years ago for around $1500. I like it but do not love it. But back then there were not as many options available. Definitely just try them - some have longer strides, some adjustable strides, some have pre-programed courses, etc. You really can't judge what you will like from that of another person.

P.S. I also love the Precor machines that my gym had!

[Illy]

I just purchased the Ironman Evo-1 from Costco.com and I love it. It is very sturdy, like a professional one. I had gone to Sears to try theirs and they were very unstable and felt cheap. I also love the lifestyle ones, but I got a pretty good deal at Costco. I would definitely recommend it.

[Sheila K]

Thanks, ya'll--your input regarding ellipticals is appreciated. I am so wishy washy when it comes to large purchases like this.