Thread: Is the elliptical a waste of your time ?

Originally Posted by QuestionGuy

Hi,

So i am really big into cardio, i love it, i do it 6 times per week every morning before breakfast, even on work days. It makes me feel good and healthy and it helps on a cut as well. Today I was working out at my local gym and walked into the nutrition center where I know the owner to be a very big and dedicated bodybuilder. I have known him for several years (but i never buy anything from him because its crazy expensive and a rip off)....So my question to him was if by doing cardio every day (45 minutes elyptical) if i was going to mess up my metabolism and slow it down because it would get used to it...His answer was no, but then he also stated that doing the elyptical is a big waste of time and that it does not do anything...so he said that the best thing to do is either run, or walk on the treadmill..well, im a big boy (220 pounds, 13%BF) and running hurts my knees and dedication, so im not running..........But it surprised me when he said that walking the treadmill is better than the elypitical........He brings up good points, only people doing the elyptical are fat out of shape people, you never leave the ground and just keep goind in circles.....But he said that when you walk, you are actually moving and doing something which burns more calories...if that is correct then why after doing the elyptical for 45 minutes do I feel tired, and I sweat so much that it looks like i took a shower in my shirt??? IM confused, would the more advanced people here explain ?

Thank you

I am a Registered Clinical Exercise Specialist through American College Sports Medicine. The elliptical machine is very safe and effective is done properly. It is designed to be a non-impact activity---perfect for larger folks.

It is as effective, cardiovascularly, as any other aerobic activity.

I would suggest monitoring your heart rate throughout any cardio activity so you can reap optimal benefits in minimal time...In other words, exercise efficiently and smartly.

Make sure you are within your THR for about 40-45 mins; interval training is very good too. Try changing directions periodically while maintaining proper form. Do this several times throughout your duration. Change up the incline , resistance, direction, and speed.

It will be more enjoyable too and you won't feel like a hamster on a wheel.

I am a VersaClimber fan as well. 35 mins and you're good to go

Seems like there's a lot of support for the versaclimber. Not my cup of tea, but if you're already willing to use an elliptical, it may not hurt to try it.

I have a few rock climbing buddies who swear by the versaclimber. I do think it is probably the toughest cardio machine in the gym.

As far as x piece of equipment and y piece of equipment...nothing is really the best.

Versaclimber, elliptical, airdyne, ergometer, whatever. If you apply effort, you'll get results. If you are looking for general conditioning work to do at home, I really see no reason to drop several hundred or perhaps thousand dollars on a piece of one-dimensional equipment, unless you have specific need for it or you really enjoy it.

You can get a good kettlebell or sandbag to train with for no more than 50 bucks and you have so many more training possibilities.

I'm not directing this at anyone here, but whenever I hear people talking up some piece of cardio equipment or workout as "the best", I just can't help but think they are drinking the kool-aid.

I actually did hear Mike Boyle say in an interview that the airdyne was in his opinion the best piece of equipment for high intensity interval work due to its simplicity. No nobs, no settings no having to fiddle with things between rest and work. The harder you pedal, the harder it gets.