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Exercise & Nutrition

Elliptical machines

13 years ago

I am interested in getting an elliptical machine but notice they run anywhere from $400.00 right up to the thousands. Anybody out there have one or any suggestions on what to avoid or look for? I am not interested in getting a heavy duty machine, just one that gets my heart rate up and burns calories wiithout all of the bells and whistles. What has been your experience? Another place to hang clothes on?

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Comments (3)

rivkadr
13 years ago
I use my elliptical almost every single day. I've got it sitting in my living room, near the TV, so that a) I see it every day and can't avoid it, and b) it's got a built in activity (watching TV) to make it more enjoyable. If you stick it in a bedroom or other place, you're more likely to skip using it.

DON'T BUY NEW. Look on craigslist, and you should be able to find a great deal.

I really wanted something compact, so I bought a used Orbitrek Platinum, for $100. This is not a machine that would stand up to super-heavy use (or a very heavy person), nor does it have any bells and whistles. But it's perfect for me -- I use it every day for about 30 minutes while watching TV or reading a book. In the 3 months that I've been using it, I've lost about 10 pounds (doesn't sound like a lot, but for me, it's a big deal!)

Anyway, definitely check out Craigslist -- you can easily find something affordable on there...
bulldinkie
13 years ago
I was at Sears one dayu thier big one was on sale big time so I bought it.Watch for sales.
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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.
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eortega
13 years ago
At my gym they use life fitness elliptical machines. They're great because they also have those monitors to tell when you're burning fat and when you're just burning calories or something like that lol

Here is a link that might be useful: how to lose belly fat

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