Elliptical Cardio

[Stigmatic]

I currently have a hoist half rack with dumbells in my basement that i work out with. I have a tradmill but it does a number on my knees. I enjoy doing workouts on elliptical and am looking to add one to my basement. The machine im looking at is the Octane Q37. Has anyone had experience with this machine? Originaly i wanted the SOLO E95 unit but because of my basement height it will not work out. Any help out there?

[GG300]

I have read a number of articles over the years stating that the ellipticals are the least effiecent calorie burning cardio. If the treadmill is causing your knee problems I would suggest looking into doing intervals on a stationary bike.

[Jean-Paul]

Good call GG300. I hate having cardio machines in my gym, although they are constantly full. If I didn't have them I wouldn't be able to sell enough memberships to pay the rent (let alone myself!).

[Lost Dog]

Originally Posted by GG300

I have read a number of articles over the years stating that the ellipticals are the least effiecent calorie burning cardio. If the treadmill is causing your knee problems I would suggest looking into doing intervals on a stationary bike.

The Crosstrainer-Elliptical Machine is Useless for Fat Loss, By Craig Ballantyne

Here's Craig's (of Turbulence Training fame) take on it.

He lists some alternatives, down at the bottom, too.

[maxattack]

I second the stationary bike if you are looking into other cardio equipment.

Another cool option would be a rowing machine, I absolutely love using one for intervals because it really is a total body workout. Concept makes a very good model.

[eastcoastsurfer]

The elliptical can work, but you have to up the resistance (usually a lot). If you don't up the resistance the momentum of the movement allows you to do a lot of revolutions with very little work. Personally, I like the stationary bike or, as mentioned above, the rowing machine for my cardio.

[liftintexas]

I agree that they're not the greatest, especially compared to other options. That being said, we have one at home and I do intervals on it. It works really well from that perspective. Now, to sit there and go at a snail's pace while watching cnn ... not so much ...

[Lisa~]

If the treadmill "does a number" on your knees, then I'd suggest spending your money on more lifting equipment (some barbells and Olympic plates) and moving to more floor based bodyweight circuits for your cardio workouts. Maybe spend a little money on floor mats. You can get your cardio done while improving your hip mobility and core strength. Your knees will thank you. Those expensive machines are just not necessary, or even ideal.

[MAXX]

Are you using the treadmill for running? You could put the incline on its highest setting and set the speed on a fast paced walk. This will still give you a pretty good aerobic workout while putting less stress on the knees.

[strambo]

Thanks for the heads up on the ellipticals. I never knew that they were so inefficient...shows how much I use cardio equipment (almost never). My clients always want to use that stuff on the days I don't see them...now I know to recommend something other than the elliptical. I have them do intervals on whatever equipment they choose so it is at least better than long, slow distance.

[karkid]

Everyone can say what they want but I lost 30 pounds pretty quick a couple years ago using one. They obviously aren't useless, and I hate running so I prefer it. Of course, if you aren't sweating and breathing hard you need to jack up the resistance, otherwise you might as well be walking.

[Aoife]

If it's for at home and you already have a bike, your cheapest option is a good trainer... spending $300ish US will get you one of the good ones. Or rollers... if you can learn to balance on them, (we're still trying). I hate actual stationary bikes, they suk butt, even spin bikes.

[Deserve]

I'm not so interested in fatloss but in aerobic capacity. What are some good options. Is the elptical the Smith Machine of the cardio levels?

[eastcoastsurfer]

Originally Posted by Deserve

I'm not so interested in fatloss but in aerobic capacity. What are some good options. Is the elptical the Smith Machine of the cardio levels?

In my experience the row machines give me the best pure cardio workout. Those things just kick my ass all over the place lol

[strambo]

In my opinion none of these machines should be "cardio option A" only what you do when you can't do something off of a machine or outside. They are for convenience, kinda at odds with stressing your body to make it adapt.

I only work out at a gym because I am a trainer there. I do sprints in the parking lot out back. Flip tires, work with kettlebells, bodyweight. I have only used machines as active rest in between work sets of something else or as a warm up. I train outdoors when it is cold and rainy too.

Machines aren't "bad", just not real efficient as compared to other things when looking at burning fat and/or building aerobic/anaerobic conditioning.

If you are going to use a machine then get after it. Do intervals on it, push yourself hard. The environment makes it so easy to just chill and mark time watching the TV while the machine lets you go through the motions.

[Lost Dog]

Originally Posted by Deserve

I'm not so interested in fatloss but in aerobic capacity. What are some good options. Is the elptical the Smith Machine of the cardio levels?

What are you going to do with that aerobic capacity? Why do you want it?

[JeremyBJJ]

I second the row machine suggestion. The Concept 2 is awesome. The VersaClimber is also said to be good, but the prices are very high for personal use. A good stationary bike is probably the cheapest option, and still useful if you put in the work.

[silver_surfer]

I read Craig's page on why ellipticals are useless. I do agree with it, however as a member pointed out in a post on this thread, if you crank up the intensity of the machine, it will improve the effectiveness of this machine.

[steve_dirt42]

what about a skipping rope?