Is doing cardio on the elliptical pointless? page 2

[Kharnath]

The elliptical trainer is a great tool for improving your cardiovascular system. Yeah, I know the heart isn't as sexy as beach abs or a slim waist line, but I believe it at least deserves some attention. I mean, one in four of us can expect to die from heart disease...

[Forever Young]

The elliptical trainer is a great tool for improving your cardiovascular system. Yeah, I know the heart isn't as sexy as beach abs or a slim waist line, but I believe it at least deserves some attention. I mean, one in four of us can expect to die from heart disease...

That line of thought is so CW. Yes it can be a tool for that. The truth is though that what is constantly referred to as "cardio" is really not. It is aerobic exercise because it is carried out at a low enough intensity to be done for long duration. High intensity exercise such as brief, very intense weight training is far more taxing to the cardio vascular system, thus a far better workout for it. Sprint type intervals are far more taxing than any steady state training, thus much more productive. The heart is a muscle like any other in this regard. Would you strengthen your muscles better moving very light weights for hours a week or much heavier weights a few times a week?

I'm not saying that aerobic work is useless. Its good to move and be active. There are benefits. But real cardio training is training that is intense and brief in duration. Brief because you really couldn't do more.

[Kharnath]

Sprint type intervals are far more taxing than any steady state training, thus much more productive. The heart is a muscle like any other in this regard. Would you strengthen your muscles better moving very light weights for hours a week or much heavier weights a few times a week?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can do high intensity interval training on elliptical trainers too?

[VeggieLover]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can do high intensity interval training on elliptical trainers too?

Right, I guess I should state that I mix it up, I put the intensity up to 11 and the angle (if thats the right word?) up to 20, climb that for 2 minutes and then back to 7, and angle 17 for 3 minutes. This is effective interval training isnt it? With resistance doesnt that build muscle? I do yoga as well, pushups and planks but definitely could tone up a bit more. I guess I am a little intimidated by the machines at the gym

[Kharnath]

Right, I guess I should state that I mix it up, I put the intensity up to 11 and the angle (if thats the right word?) up to 20, climb that for 2 minutes and then back to 7, and angle 17 for 3 minutes. This is effective interval training isnt it? With resistance doesnt that build muscle? I do yoga as well, pushups and planks but definitely could tone up a bit more. I guess I am a little intimidated by the machines at the gym

It probably won't build muscle unless you're very unfit, and you probably won't lose fat either unless you're in a calorie deficit. But that doesn't mean the elliptical trainer is pointless.

Progressive resistance training, diet, consistency and patience are the tools you need to improve your body composition.

[sbhikes]

I have yet to see anybody at the gym with the treadmill cranked up to a high angle actually walking the way you would if you were walking up a steep mountain. They all hang on to the front of the machine and lean back so they are effectively walking level. It's the silliest thing I've ever seen.

[Dirlot]

Of all the fixed machines at the gym I find the elipitcal one of the hardest on the joints.
A treadmill or a spin bike would probably be better choices.

[Scott F]

Of all the fixed machines at the gym I find the elipitcal one of the hardest on the joints.
A treadmill or a spin bike would probably be better choices.

Yeah, in general I agree with this. I, however, own an elliptical that I like and doesn't stress the joints. (my physical therapist like it too). It's made by Octane Fitness Octane q35e Elliptical CrossTrainer | Octane Fitness q35 Series | Fitness Superstore

The movement is more like a stepper and the elliptical movement adjusts to the person's stride length.

[Neckhammer]

I think ellipticals are fine if your using them for your "move frequently at a slow pace" portion of the pyramid.

[jfreaksho]

The thing that drove me away from ellipticals a long time ago was that even with the elliptical motion of the pedals, it doesn't feel right at all. I feel like doing too much elliptical would screw up body mechanics for real movement like running and walking.