Okay, so I've always heard that the elliptical is supposed to be better than a treadmill for being lower impact. So why is it that I can run (okay... jog...) just fine on the treadmill but literally feel like I'm going to die after two minutes on the elliptical? I tore up my knee when I was younger so I figured it would be better, but after not even a lap I feel like I ran a marathon! I know that probably means I'm getting a better workout, but I'd rather not be the still-fat girl huffing and puffing after only two minutes on the dang thing! Lol. Some people on here swear by the elliptical and can go for 30-45 minutes without stopping, or even 15-20 minutes for some people around my weight. Am I just doing it wrong? Should I suck it up and just power through it even though if feels like I'm going to have a heart attack? Should I just stick to my trusty treadmill and bike?

Im scared of the eliptical machine lol....im afraid i Will look like an idiot. you guys have inspired me to try it...even if it is for30 seconds at a time

30 seconds at a time is better than not trying at all. Good luck!! Oh, and don't be scared of looking like an idiot. I think I have that one covered!

I LOVE the elliptical!! I do it every other day. I started out on the lowest level 5 minutes then just kept adding minutes then raised my resistance then my cross trainer. Now I do 45 minutes 20 cross train 7 resistance. I can't do the treadmill very often, I have healed shin splints and I don't want them to come back. I can't do the bike either. It hurts my assets sooo bad.

When I trained with my trainer I did elliptical for 60 minutes and I died! LoL. I would love to buy one for my house so I can do it each day. I really don't want a gym membership again and love being in the privacy of my home.

I think it has something to do with the stride of the step. When I walk or, God help me, try to job, I have short almost shuffley strides. On the elliptical it forces me to take longer strides and it works more of my leg muscles.

Well, I'm up to 12 minutes on the helliptical! I am doing the arms and legs together. I feel better balanced when I do both at the same time. I'm definitely feeling it in my thighs, especially the muscles just above my knees! I do my helliptical time, then my (at least) 30 minutes on the bike. I definitely see the results happening quickly!

That's great Lissa! I remember my first time, I died but I kept pushing just like you and kept going. I did it for an hour a few times and I wanted to pass out. Lol

Okay, so I've always heard that the elliptical is supposed to be better than a treadmill for being lower impact. So why is it that I can run (okay... jog...) just fine on the treadmill but literally feel like I'm going to die after two minutes on the elliptical? I tore up my knee when I was younger so I figured it would be better, but after not even a lap I feel like I ran a marathon! I know that probably means I'm getting a better workout, but I'd rather not be the still-fat girl huffing and puffing after only two minutes on the dang thing! Lol. Some people on here swear by the elliptical and can go for 30-45 minutes without stopping, or even 15-20 minutes for some people around my weight. Am I just doing it wrong? Should I suck it up and just power through it even though if feels like I'm going to have a heart attack? Should I just stick to my trusty treadmill and bike?

I am TOTALLY the opposite. I only run when chased, but the elliptical is my friend. It was hard at first, but now I do 25- 30 minutes. Hoping to break that wall soon.

Dooter! I love the new pic!!

I bought a Lifefitness elliptical refurbished and it was the best investment ever. I love my Elliptical, although I like going to the gym better. My kids playroom is next to the Elliptical in the basement. The good thing about having it at home is that I could do 10 minutes at a time. I can't wait to get sleeved because the elliptical is going to be my fail safe to ensure I get in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Almostthere, are you already using the elliptical at home? It's definitely a learned motion, not natural, IMO. If you start using it now, you'll be ahead of the game on recovery after surgery. Make sure you're breathing deeply and not panting and it will be much easier.

Almostthere' date=' are you already using the elliptical at home? It's definitely a learned motion, not natural, IMO. If you start using it now, you'll be ahead of the game on recovery after surgery. Make sure you're breathing deeply and not panting and it will be much easier. [/quote']

Thanks Lissa, yes I am using it now. I exercise sporadically but this is one of those times. Surgery date is coming. I meet with the surgeon and nutritionist on Wednesday.

I bought one 2 days before I came back to work. I have 3 more weeks to go before I get my butt kicked on mine. It really wasnt to bad of a price. I paid $360 bucks with a 10% off card at walmart for a gold gym model. Its pretty stout of a machine for the price. Its assembled n ready to go. I cant wait.

360$ ?? Oh wow I want one! I assumed they would be more pricey. Thanks!

That's an awesome price! I assumed they'd be much more expensive as well!