so, can someone clarify for me on how time spent on an elliptical machine counts towards a runners training??? I have knee issues and want to be good to them. I spent 1hr 10 on the elliptical 2day, 7.25 miles by their measure. I then spent another 33 + minutes on the treadmill for another 3.25 miles. My ever supportive husband says the elliptical work doesn't count... please tell me he isn't right????
Forums » General Training
elliptical machine
(4 posts)-
Posted 9 months ago #
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The elliptical counts as cardiovascular training. It is the closest thing to running other than running. You can vary the resistance and ramp up and down. You are using the same muscles without the impact. Generally I'll burn about 500 calories an hour running if I am running at about 7 mph. It takes me longer to burn the same amount of calories on the elliptical. I never stay on it for longer than an hour though. I just get bored. I tend to burn closer to 400 on the elliptical.
Posted 9 months ago # -
This is a good question...
I'll start by saying I think that it absolutely counts toward training. The elliptical is a cardio work out, and therefore you're making your heart and lungs stronger by doing it. It's also more weight bearing than a bicycle, so you're getting some sport specific advantage from that aspect of it.
Is it the same effort as a treadmill? Well, not exactly... but riding a stationary bike is not the same effort as riding a bike on the road, either... but that doesn't mean that it isn't a valuable workout.
No, lot's of people will gladly debate with you whether the mileage on a treadmill is the same as mileage running on the road... those same people will often tell you that mileage on a stationary bike isn't equivalent to mileage on the open road.
But the truth is that no two miles are ever the same anyway... there are hills, wind, rain, darkness, heat, cold... and all of these things make miles harder or easier than each other.
So the real question in my mind, is "did you get a good workout"? If the answer is yes, then count whatever "stars" you want to count... give yourself some kudos! You deserve it!
Posted 9 months ago # -
I work in a rehabilitation center. There we use bicycling as a way to build up the knee's strength. Do at least 20 minutes with high resistance at a steady, but not fast, pace. You should feel your knees straining to get the pedals around, but it should not be painful. It is better to use a tall bike (legs down as a real road bike would have you sitting, not out in front of you as some stationary bikes are). You can try alternating sitting and standing while pedaling, trying to keep the same resistance and steady speed. Count 8 seconds standing, than 8 seconds sitting. Than cut to 4 seconds, than just two. It will give your knees a good strenghtening workout.
Posted 9 months ago #
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