How interesting! I recently heard sometihng similar about elipticals from our chiropractor. My suggestion would be to find an recumbent exercise bike. I think they're easier on the tush and the angle isn't as stressful. My friend who is recovering from knee surgery is using a bicyle for her upperbody. Your arms "pedal" the bike.

Our local Costco had exercise equipment last week. I believe I saw a tredmill and a recumbent bike.
Good luck, I know it's not easy!

That IS interesting! I haven't heard that before. We have an elliptical and a regular exercise bike. We use them both a lot without problems. DH has lower back problems, but never complains about having problems due to the elliptical. His chiro has never mentioned it as a possible source, either. I'll get him to ask her next time he goes to her.

I don't notice any back problems when I use it. Maybe some of it has to do with the posture maintained while on the elliptical. I do get onto DH about his frame while exercising. ??? I'll pay more attention to how he uses it versus how I use it to see if I can offer any "hints." I tend not to put any body weight on the machine...ie, holding on with my hands. I maintain a VERY light grip/touch. He tends to have a death grip on it and I think that causes him to hunch over a bit.

Glad you mentioned it. I wonder if DH IS bothered by it, but doesn't realize it's aggravated by the elliptical because he already tends to have back problems. Hmmmm. For me, I think maintaining a strong core is key. DH definitely doesn't do that!

I LOVE the idea of the recumbent bike! I couldn't talk anyone in the family into that one! They all thought it looked too weird! I really wanted a good ergometer (I rowed crew on an adult team), but geez...too cha-ching for me!

If you don't belong to a gym, why don't you go get a day pass (or go as a guest of a member) and try a good workout on an elliptical? After hearing about people having back problems, I'd try it out a few times for myself before investing the money.

I can't comment on the elliptical, but I love using a recumbent bike. I use one at the gym. The regular bikes hurt my lower back and the treadmills are hard on my hips and knees. Ah, old age is the best.

I now that some people prefer the elliptical because it cushions the stress on your joints.

Do you have a Planet Fitness near you? You can join for almost nothing, it's $10 a month after that and you can drop out at any time.

I hate exercising.

I tried them all when I was in rehab, and I didn't like the elliptical, I went back to the treadmill. I think it's an individual preference.

There was a guy there who did an hour on the elliptical, under the care of a PT, so it must not have been too bad. (My DD can't use the elliptical at all, after a few moments she gets very dizzy, and nauseous - something to do with her inner ear.)

I started on a recumbent bike and had a back ache after each session, so I switched to the upright bike.

Good luck

Here is a link that might be useful: Elliptical and back injuries

I use an elliptical, I can't treadmill, and I've not experienced any back problems. I think it is totally a 'YMMV' issue.

What's YMMV?

I used to work in a physical therapy clinic, maybe I'll ask a few of the PT's what they think.

I am certain a treadmill will not get much use, simply because walking even short distances causes me pain.

I'll have to look into the recumbent bike idea.

Thanks for all the input!

Linda

YMMV - your mileage may vary. And it usually does

I use an elliptical at the gym while I'm in Florida and at home during the summer. I have back and hip issues and the elliptical is far better for me than the treadmill which I have one of also. With bikes, I never seem to get my heart rate up as much as on the elliptical which I feel is important for me for fat/calorie burning. I have an extremely slow metabolism since I have gotten older and that is the only thing that helps keep my weight down.

Karen

I use the elliptical every other day and on occaision every day. I've been using it for several years. It works for me. In fact when I have a sore back, a little time on the machine helps loosen it up. First of all, you need to start slow and easy, 5 to 10 minutes building your strength and stamina. After a few days or a week, increase a bit. It's not unusual to find it difficult at fist but before you know it you're easily doing 20 mins, 30 minutes. It is important to watch your posture and don't "bounce" too much. In other words, use your legs more than the weight of your body. Bouncing is when you push down one leg using the force of your body and letting the momentum carry the other. Hard to explain. Look up some videos on Youtube for proper technique. I would imagine that bad form could hurt the back.

I watch old tv series that i have recorded amd my workouts are typically 50 minutes to an hour. Without the shows, I think it would be too boring to keep going for so long. A good series motivates you to go another day to see what's happening next. I don't watch much TV with the exception of my elliptical time.

I haven't tried a recumbant but I couldn't do a stationary bike very long as it hurt my hips. Treadmills were hard on my ankles and knees. I love the elliptical for the cardio workout. Do watch yourself and don't push too hard; the heart beat can really get going on it, pace yourself and build your strength.

michaelp

Thanks for all the good info. It really helps!

I went out to dinner with a girlfriend the other night and she invited me to come over to her house and work out on her elliptical a couple of times before I commit to buying one.

Think I will...

Linda