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Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers?

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Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers?

Posted by Jenny on December 09, 2002 at 07:29:09:

Has anyone out there had experience with the home variety of elliptical machines? We are considering purchasing one. We are in our 50's and need more exercise. They supposedly give a good aerobic workout without excessive impact on knees, feet, etc.

Would love to hear any opinions before making an investment in one of these pricey machines. (It's our Christmas present to ourselves!)



Re: Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers?

Posted by
rhonda on December 09, 2002 at 09:17:14:

In Reply to: Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers? posted by Jenny on December 09, 2002 at 07:29:09:

It would be a worthy investment! I live in a family were there is 10 of us. Out of all the equipment in the exercise room, the elliptical machine is the most sought after. The oldest one using it, is my father-in-law, who is 58. If you invest in a good one, and not a cheap one, you will enjoy your workouts. They are smooth, non impact, and reversable in direction of your stride. Seening that you are in your 50's, it would be an excellent gift to one another(so you could enjoy good health with each in years to come, of course). Merry Christmas!



Re: Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers?

Posted by dmaryd on December 09, 2002 at 10:12:34:

In Reply to: Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers? posted by Jenny on December 09, 2002 at 07:29:09:

Yes,I think they are fantastic! I have 2 bad knees from sports injuries and surgeries and they have been very gentle to my knees while allowing a great cardio workout. They come in several flavors. I would look for one that has the ability to run different programs and to vary the incline. They also come with arms (like ski poles) that will give you an all over workout. I like the Precor brand myself. I believe they are also one of the more expensive ones but well worth it.

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There are no magic machines

Posted by Lincoln on December 09, 2002 at 12:17:49:

In Reply to: Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers? posted by Jenny on December 09, 2002 at 07:29:09:

It's not what machine you use, it's what you do with it. How hard you work, how much consistency you show, etc.

My favorite machine is a barbell. There isn't much I can't do with it and it costs a lot less than something like an elliptical trainer.



Re: There are no magic machines

Posted by Carol on December 09, 2002 at 17:18:08:

In Reply to: There are no magic machines posted by Lincoln on December 09, 2002 at 12:17:49:

Lincoln, did you not bother to read the whole question? This couple wants a machine for "aerobic" exercise. You cannot effectively get a cardiovascular workout with a barbell. That is great for strength training. I advise you to read the whole question next time or read up on the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise before you blindly put up a ridiculous answer.




Re: There are no magic machines

Posted by Lincoln on December 10, 2002 at 06:54:17:

In Reply to: Re: There are no magic machines posted by Carol on December 09, 2002 at 17:18:08:

"You cannot effectively get a cardiovascular workout with a barbell."

Simply not true.

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what about elliptical trainers? Alternative (Archive in exercise.)

Posted by Walt Stoll on December 10, 2002 at 07:42:27:

In Reply to: Re: Fitness buffs -- what about elliptical trainers? posted by rhonda on December 09, 2002 at 09:17:14:

Thanks, dmaryd and Rhonda.

I had not heard of this approach before this.

Namaste`

Walt

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