Elliptical Trainers?

[suzubeane]

We were toying with the idea of buying a treadmill, so I was looking on Craig's list. I see someone is selling an elliptical trainer, and I got curious.

I've used one at the gym, but I never really got used to it. There were always long waits to use these things, so I never gave it much of a shot. If you've used one, would you say that there a sort of learning curve?

Also, would you recommend them to someone who is not in great shape? Ever since I had pneumonia in 2002, sustained aerobic activity has been hard. I wonder an elliptical trainer would allow me to increase my endurance.

I also wonder if a home version could ever be as stable or smooth as the ones in gym.

What do you think of elliptical trainers? And if you have one at home, how would you rate it?

Thanks!

[SweetRed]

An elliptical trainer was my #1 piece of equipment when I lost about 40 pounds 9 years ago. Likewise, I had an uncle who swore by an elliptical as the reason he lost over 50 pounds. I think they're great for someone "not in shape."

There is definitely a "curve" in the beginning. I found in the beginning I could barely make 10 minutes. But I kept at it and then POOF! all of sudden I broke through this barrier and was suddenly doing 30+ minute workouts.

My personal preference at the gym is the Precor machine that allows you to adjust the incline but does not have the arm workout. Since I like to do interval style workouts, I find it easier to adjust my intenisty on that machine than the others. Still, I like the ones with the arms too.

And since I don't own one at home (at least not right now), I can't really comment on that part of it. But good luck!

~ Kay

[elladee]

Personally, I've never liked the elliptical trainers. I am not the most um...graceful... person in the world, and never managed to feel comfortable on the elliptical. I seemed to be very awkward to me, and I could never really get into a workout. Because of this, I only tried the elliptical machines a handful of times, so maybe there is a learning curve that I never got over. But I enjoy the treadmill, so I'm happy to stick with that.

[houseblend]

I'm opposite of elladee. I'm horribly ungraceful on the treadmill. I cramp up and have a hard time motivating myself to keep going. I love the elliptical, though! I love that it is low impact on the knees and that you supposedly burn more calories with it. Like SweetRed, I prefer the Precors that don't have the arm motion. These are really pricey, though, so I'm imagining the one you are looking at has the arm movements. I would prefer this over a treadmill, but they are definitely more awkward than the Precors. There are resistant levels and inclines, so it allows someone starting out to grow into it.

That said, though, if you've tried the one at the gym and are uncomfortable with it, I would try it out a few more times before you make a final decision on it.

[suzubeane]

Thanks everyone! This is all good information, and I see it's better if I don't rush into anything.

Oddly enough, most of the ones people sell used are the same ones you can get pretty inexpensively at the big sporting goods stores. I'm not sure if that indicates that the inexpensive ones are cheaply made, or that the people who buy them don't have a big commitment to them! Either way, I'm going to go to the stores and try them out.

It seems like the type of thing that if I stick to, I'll get better at. I also like that there's some balance involved, because that's good for the midsection, and I have a back issue that does not allow me to comfortably do sit-ups or anything like pilates which involves lying flat on the back.

[preppypinkgirl]

I always use them at the gym. But there is always a line for them. I am also looking into buying one. I just have no idea of what is a good one and a good price. I checked out Sears.com and they had some good ones.