OT Eliptical cross trainer

Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help with a
question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back problem worse.
I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y had suggested it for me
because it was so low inpact. I have some spine issues. Has anyone else had
this experience? I won't be seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't
really want to put off the excercise until then. I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.

--
Bear
Grrrrrrrrrrrr )
297/271/210
Highest weight 353
http://home.earthlink.net/~polarbear50/index.html

I like the ET. I run, swim and will start biking today, but I really like
the low impact of the ET. I would do as you stated and start out slow.
Work your way up to 20 minutes and then 30. If you can do 30 it will be a
big help, but no rush to get there. I have been told it takes 17-18 minutes
for your body to start to burn fat or some such thing, I can't remember. So
every minute after 18 would seem to be a big deal or at least that is how I
looked at it. I think it is a great idea, but if you have pains of any kind
take it easy. When I am running or whatever and I have pain that is more
then just muscle fatigue, I will stop early that day. So far, injury
free....and yes I am knocking on wood.

Enjoy the workouts. I just listen to music and daydream, but confess it is
a little boring no matter what. I cover up the computer, so I don't know
how much time is left. You do feel great after it is over though.

Curt

"Bear" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help with
a
question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back problem
worse.
I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y had suggested it for me
because it was so low inpact. I have some spine issues. Has anyone else
had
this experience? I won't be seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't
really want to put off the excercise until then. I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and
the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.

--
Bear
Grrrrrrrrrrrr )
297/271/210
Highest weight 353
http://home.earthlink.net/~polarbear50/index.html

Hi Bear -

I've not done much ET work...so I really can't speak to it. However, if you
like it, it can work for you. I'd certainly suggest you go slow and work
into it, paying lots of attention to how it makes your spine feel.

I can't blame anyone for hating the stationary bike. I hate it too, but I
force myself to do it. It works.
What I really like is the Concept 2 rower. I can't speak to how that would
be for your spine, either, but it would seem like not the best of ideas for
you (you can do a search for them on e-bay -- if I had enough room I'd buy
one).

As for keeping it interesting -- well, I do 40 to 50 minutes on a stationary
once or twice a day. I'm lucky to be able to afford stuff like my 30 GB
iPod -- and I've converted over 200 CDs into MP3. So I strap that thing
around my waist and play the tunes -- fast ones. I basically ride to the
beat -- or double the beat. It's the only way I can get through it. BTW,
I never listen to music on my road bike or while lifting. I feel both of
those activities require concentration. I do listen when I walk (I'll start
doing that again soon just to exercise some different muscles).

What is the reason you can't walk? I don't think running would be a great
idea....

Bear wrote:
:: Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help
:: with a question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back
:: problem worse. I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y
:: had suggested it for me because it was so low inpact. I have some
:: spine issues. Has anyone else had this experience? I won't be
:: seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't really want to put off the
:: excercise until then. I suppose I could start slowly and see what
:: happens, but just curious what others think of the ET machines. It's
:: the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I bought a
:: recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
:: something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking
:: and the ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight
:: training. I can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also
:: out. Comments and experiences about any of this is appreciated.
:: Including how to make other excercises more appealing.
::
:: --
:: Bear
:: Grrrrrrrrrrrr )
:: 297/271/210
:: Highest weight 353
:: http://home.earthlink.net/~polarbear50/index.html

In article k.net,
"Bear" wrote:

Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help with
a
question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back problem
worse.
I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y had suggested it for me
because it was so low inpact. I have some spine issues. Has anyone else
had
this experience? I won't be seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't
really want to put off the excercise until then. I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and
the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments
and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.


I had issues with the ET - but that's because my legs are so darned
short. All my height is in my torso, and the ET machines at my health
club are not adjustable. I can't explain, other than to say that I was
getting serious strain trying to reach the darned handles - I could get
close to them, but then I was right up against the front edges of the
platforms, and getting shin splints. Finally my trainer said that
perhaps it wasn't the best choice for me, and I went to the treadmill,
ramping it up quite a bit, and trying for faster, more difficult
work-outs. I rather think that response would be less common for
someone whose legs were of reasonable length in proportion to their
bodies - but don't quote me.

Still, it felt good if I didn't work my arms - if I just held on (and I
still do this) and used the leg portion only, it's not as
cross-training, but it's a different work-out.

--
Nancy Howells (don't forget to switch it, and replace the to send mail).

Bear wrote:
Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help with a
question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back problem worse.
I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y had suggested it for me
because it was so low inpact. I have some spine issues. Has anyone else had
this experience? I won't be seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't
really want to put off the excercise until then. I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.


I'm not a fitness guru, but I also have spine issues (lower back, upper
back and neck). My therapist had me on the ET, and I loved it. I wish
I had $5000 to blow so I could get my own. I think only you will know
how it works for your own problem. I would think that if you take it
nice and gentle, you should be able to tell.

Are you also doing a lot of core exercises? Though my back is nowhere
near as good as it was 30 years ago, I have a lot less pain when I do my
core work because the muscles around the area help stabilize the whole area.

How to make recumbent bikes interesting? I don't have one, and would
love to try it. I imagine that watching a good movie or tv show might
help you forget that you're also exercising at the same time. There is
one thing I used to do to motivate myself to do my weight training. I'd
go to the library and get out a book on tape. And then I'd allow myself
to listen to it only when I was doing my exercises. It took me a couple
of weeks to get through a 6 hour book then, which is ok. Hmmm, maybe I
need to go do that again.

Rebecca

Brother also bought this machine. He was very badly out of shape with
a large amount of weight gained quickly. He immediately hurt his back
and didn't use it for quite a while. I'm not sure if the thing gets
used or not now, but I can tell you he isn't losing much weight (on
and off slimfast). I would not be surprised if it is a glorified
clothes rack. He's had for about two years.

"Bear" wrote:

Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help with a
question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back problem worse.
I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y had suggested it for me
because it was so low inpact. I have some spine issues. Has anyone else had
this experience? I won't be seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't
really want to put off the excercise until then. I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.

DiGiTAL_ViNYL (no email)
350/325/Mar-315/200
Atkins since 1/12/2004

My experience with an elliptical machine has been very positive. We
ended up buying a nice one (from LifeFitness) and it's fantastic. It
has made a big difference in weight loss.

I play racquetball, volleyball, mountainbike and snowboard (depending
on season), and I actually look forward to using this because it is so
low impact. Could it make your problem worse? I don't know ... it's
likely a YMMV thing....


"Bear" wrote in message thlink.net...
Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?) can help with a
question. Jenny posted awhile back that the ET made her back problem worse.
I was troubled by this because a trainer at the Y had suggested it for me
because it was so low inpact. I have some spine issues. Has anyone else had
this experience? I won't be seeing my Ortho doc until April and don't
really want to put off the excercise until then. I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy. I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.

"Bear" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Just wondering if some of you fitness gurus (Roger, carla?)

ack! I'm hardly a fitness guru - more like an enthusiastic neophyte. But
evidently I can bull$#!+ with the best of 'em. :-)

However, I can't even really bloviate convincingly about your question,
Bear. I love the elliptical - it's my favorite cardio machine. But I don't
have back problems - I have a very strong back, but very crunchy busted
knees. So the elliptical is perfect for me - I can use it at a jogging
pace, a much quicker stride than my knees can handle on the treadmill - so I
work much harder on it than I do while walking. That's why I like it.
Having read Jenny's stories about it, I would be very leery of using it if I
had a bad back. Maybe a good idea would be to try it gently and for a short
while at first, and see how it feels. But listen to the real gurus, not me!
:-)

carla

Bear wrote:
I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy.

That's probably a good plan... start off with a low amount of time and
intensity and then gradually move up. Just be sure to do plenty of
stretching afterwards. A lot of people I encounter get tight backs
due to thigh, overworked hamstrings. If the machine you're using has
the movable handles, you might want to skip those for a while -- I
could see how they might make you over twist your torso and therefore
over work your back.

I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make other
excercises more appealing.

Look into doing interval style training on the bikes after you have a
good
cardio base established. Intervals training keeps you mentally
engaged and
therefore makes the time go a little faster.


--
Rudy - Remove the Z from my address to respond.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!"
-Emiliano Zapata

Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm

Thanks everyone.
--
Bear
Grrrrrrrrrrrr )
297/271/210
Highest weight 353
http://home.earthlink.net/~polarbear50/index.html

"RRzVRR" wrote in message
...
Bear wrote:
I suppose I could start
slowly and see what happens, but just curious what others think of the
ET
machines. It's the only one I really enjoy.

That's probably a good plan... start off with a low amount of time and
intensity and then gradually move up. Just be sure to do plenty of
stretching afterwards. A lot of people I encounter get tight backs
due to thigh, overworked hamstrings. If the machine you're using has
the movable handles, you might want to skip those for a while -- I
could see how they might make you over twist your torso and therefore
over work your back.

I hate the stationary bike. I
bought a recumbant one and never used it so I sold it. Swimming is not
something I'll stick with either. For some reason, Running, walking and
the
ET are the only things I really get into, other than weight training. I
can't walk for more than ten minutes, so running is also out. Comments
and
experiences about any of this is appreciated. Including how to make
other
excercises more appealing.

Look into doing interval style training on the bikes after you have a
good
cardio base established. Intervals training keeps you mentally
engaged and
therefore makes the time go a little faster.


--
Rudy - Remove the Z from my address to respond.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!"
-Emiliano Zapata

Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm