Do any of you old fogies use an elliptical?

[tropitan]

Howdy folks,

I just inherited a rather nice Precor elliptical machine, and at 60, have never used one. I could use some good suggestions on how to use the thing..do you mount it from the left like a horse?
Actually, I hear they are quite good aerobic exercise. Enjoy!

 

[Souschef]

Hopefully, you got the instruction book with it, or can download one.
My main advice is to start slow and light, then work up from there.

 

[O2Bfree]

Be careful, don't get behind it when it doesn't know you're there --they kick!

Precor --that seems to be a good brand That's the brand my gym uses, and they seem pretty durable and easy to use. I'm nearly 57 and have been doing cardio on one for 6 or 7 years now. I like how easy they are on the knees. Also, standing up during cardio is a good variation from biking, maybe better for the back in the long run. Don't know about you, but I need some music to get me going on the thing, otherwise it can get rather boring.

You could start out by doing a 5 minute warm up at a level that feels really easy, trying for maybe around 100-120 strides/minute. Then bump up a level or two for 10 or 15 minutes, then back down for a 5 minute cool off. Read up on target heart rates and see where your workouts put you, then adjust as necessary. (I'm assuming your model has a heart-rate monitor.)

Does yours have the handles that you push and pull on for upper body exercise, or is it a leg-only version?

 

[Red Badger]

I used Precor in many hotel exercise rooms. Leads me to think they hold up well.

In retirement, I love walking outdoors in most any weather, so more machines for me.

Elliptical machines give one a great workout without the wear and tear on the joints. Enjoy in moderation, like wine.

Psst - they love oats.

 

[Bestwifeever]

All I know is you are supposed to keep your head at one level, not bobbing up and down. I don't really know why . Maybe you won't get bucked off that way.

 

[joeea]

I just inherited a rather nice Precor elliptical machine, and at 60, have never used one. I could use some good suggestions on how to use the thing

Pro tip: When hanging your clothes on the handles of an elliptical, it's best to use a plastic hanger.

 

[friar1610]

I'm 74 so I believe I qualify as an old fogie. I've been using an elliptical for quite a few years now. I think O2B above gave you good advice (although the strides per minute sounds high to me). The type I use has the handles for the arms and I prefer those. I try to use the arms vigorously by pushing/pulling fairly hard on the handles. I notice a lot of people at the gym appear to be using only their legs and letting their arms just go along for the ride. I'd just as soon get both an upper and lower body workout if I'm going to put in the time. I find the hill routines to be the best for me because I get an interval workout. I agree with bringing along some entertainment - I listen to podcasts.

 

[tropitan]

Be careful, don't get behind it when it doesn't know you're there --they kick!

Precor --that seems to be a good brand That's the brand my gym uses, and they seem pretty durable and easy to use. I'm nearly 57 and have been doing cardio on one for 6 or 7 years now. I like how easy they are on the knees. Also, standing up during cardio is a good variation from biking, maybe better for the back in the long run. Don't know about you, but I need some music to get me going on the thing, otherwise it can get rather boring.

You could start out by doing a 5 minute warm up at a level that feels really easy, trying for maybe around 100-120 strides/minute. Then bump up a level or two for 10 or 15 minutes, then back down for a 5 minute cool off. Read up on target heart rates and see where your workouts put you, then adjust as necessary. (I'm assuming your model has a heart-rate monitor.)

Does yours have the handles that you push and pull on for upper body exercise, or is it a leg-only version?

Thank you, yes, this one has the push and pull. I need to download the manual, and your regimen sound about right. How often do you use it? Is daily use necessary for optimal benefit? Thanks again.

 

[O2Bfree]

Thank you, yes, this one has the push and pull. I need to download the manual, and your regimen sound about right. How often do you use it? Is daily use necessary for optimal benefit? Thanks again.

I use it for 30 minutes just 3x/week, 2 in the summer when I'm doing more outside activities. My resting heart rate is low- to mid-50s and a typical BP for me is 108/60, so I guess that's doing the job. YMMV, of course.

As others have said, it's good to take it easy at first when starting a new regimen. Give yourself a rest day between sessions to see how your body is taking it. You can always crank it up later. You definitely don't want to strain something right out of the chute!

If you have any health issues, you should check with your doctor before starting.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

We have one, and it's much easier on your knees and back and feet than jogging or even walking. I would say unless you already exercise regularly, start with 10-15 minutes at what feels like an easy speed for a week or so before starting to challenge yourself with a faster pace. I was up to 50 minutes a day, 20 minutes at a running pace, for a while, but I built up to that over a year's time. I'm down to about half that now and that's still enough to keep me from being a couch potato.

And to keep yourself from getting bored, if you have room you could do what I did in our basement:

 

[Moemg]

I use one at the gym three times a week . It has a built in screen so I watch a tv show while I work out for 55 minutes . I am 72 .

 

[GoodWishes]

We have a Precor elliptical > 10 years. It is holding up well, high quality. We don't use it much in good weather since we can do more outdoor activities. During the winter, we use it 1-3 times a week depending on the weather.

As others pointed out, start slow, give yourself a day or two off to see how it affects you. Slowly increase the duration and intensity. I do 40 minutes, random incline, resistance 7 out of 10 and try for ~130 strides. DH does more like 45 minutes, ~150 strides.

Ours is in the garage against the wall so we can only get on from the left. Before I get on, I adjust it to make sure it is not on too much incline. I hold on to a sturdy part with my left hand, put my left foot on, once stable, put my right foot on, and hold on with my right hand. Do the reverse when getting off.

It is a good workout without impact. Enjoy

 

[Callitaday2022]

Knees not able to run so doing elliptical for years. Bought 2 cheap Costco ones that only lasted a couple of years. Had patient give me Octane one if I would get friends to haul out of her basement so they could have a music room . Worked for 2 or 3 yrs. Bought top of line commercial Precor few yrs ago off Craigslist that was almost brand new and love it. Owner had fused spine from upper cervical to sacrum and thought she could use it, but could not.
Use 1hr 3 times a wk, and for 2hrs 3 times a week and go very hard all six days. Definitely need TV to make the time go faster.
Really like the incline and variable resistance programs. Also have Precor stairclimber and both great quality. Start slow and work your way up...

 

[haha]

Use 1hr 3 times a wk, and for 2hrs 3 times a week and go very hard all six days.

WOW!!!

Ha

 

[Rambler]

I still run a couple times a week, down from 5-6 times a week a few years back. At that time, I used the elliptical a couple times a week to keep from overusing the knees, but I wasn’t fond of it. I always ended up with numbness in the bottom of my feet and toes, kind of like walking on pins and needles after 20 minutes or so. Now I find myself with ankle issues though, and can’t run as much as I did before...and I’m beginning to lose the battle of the bulge. I do think that if you can perfect your form you may be able to avoid, or get used to the numbness (it is a common problem, or so I’m told). In terms of aerobic activity, I like running the most, and hiking, but not living near good trails, running tends to win. That said, when I can’t run, it seems better for me to use the elliptical, the stationary bike, and the rowing machine for 10-15 minutes each, but also make sure to include strength training a couple times a week. If I try to do one of those machines for 30-45 minutes, I get too bored and end up quitting.

 

[CaptTom]

As a long-time walker, I've largely switched to an elliptical, for a few reasons.

First, less impact is better for my lower back issues. Second, someone bought the land I had criss-crossed with walking trails. Third, I can use it daily, not just in good weather. Fourth, I live on a busy road, walking requires taking your life in your hands, at least up to the next intersection.

It's been great for keeping aerobic activity up. Using it daily, I can really feel the results. I do just a half-hour, enough to work up a good sweat and keep my heart rate elevated for a while. I use the handles for my arms, but wish I could use hand weights, instead. Those just make it too hard to balance and still watch something on my phone to keep my mind occupied. That's the thing I miss most about walking outdoors.

Long story short, it's the only piece of exercise equipment I've ever bought that's been used regularly for any length of time.

 

[eytonxav]

There are some real cardio beasts on this thread. While I do not use an elliptical, the most cardio I've done in a single gym session is 30 minutes on a treadmill at various elevations. Now I generally warm up by either doing 10 minutes on a bike, 5 minutes on the treadmill or 5 minutes on a Concept 2. Also used to push a weighted sled until I developed a knee problem.

 

[tropitan]

Thanks to you all for the great tips! I'm looking forward to getting on the thing this morning...

 

[WyndChym]

Elliptical

We bought our Livestrong elliptical trainer 10 yrs ago (nicknamed “ellie”). There have been stretches of time where ellie gathered dust but she has been used pretty regularly the past 3 years helping keep our 65 yr old bodies healthy. We mount it from the left, left foot first. I do it as soon as I get up in the morning after starting coffee and feeding the dog. DH does ellie in the evening. My sweet spot is 25-30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, on a Weight Loss resistance level. I plop on my Audio-Technica headphones and let the music take me away (currently David Bowie’s Station to Station [FONT=&quot]?[/FONT]).

Start out slow. Listen to your body. Take time off to recover when needed. Enjoy!

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

We have one, and it's much easier on your knees and back and feet than jogging or even walking. I would say unless you already exercise regularly, start with 10-15 minutes at what feels like an easy speed for a week or so before starting to challenge yourself with a faster pace. I was up to 50 minutes a day, 20 minutes at a running pace, for a while, but I built up to that over a year's time. I'm down to about half that now and that's still enough to keep me from being a couch potato.

And to keep yourself from getting bored, if you have room you could do what I did in our basement:

Oh! I forgot to say, ours is a Schwinn 470, and while it was a bit challenging to put together, it's been going strong ever since.

 

[Starsky]

I bought my wife a used top-of-the-line Precor from a gym several years ago. We don't use it as much as we used to; but for rainy days like today, it's our backup plan.

I've had some cardiac issues, so now I walk daily for my health; however I can actually have a comfortable jog on the low-impact Precor. I think it's cool that the Precor doesn't need to be plugged in and works on your own movement. (That's one thing about it, you need to walk a step or two for it to come on so you can program it.)

Understanding the programs and using them makes a big difference in the Precor exercise routine. On our machine, I especially like the cardio routine that targets a specific pulse rate and adjusts the routine according to the heart rate sensors on the handles. The different terrain routines are also a nice way to get some intervalic exercise.

I usually set my iPad on the machine and watch a Youtube comedy special or listen to music and the time flies by. 30-45 minutes is my typical Precor routine as opposed to my 60 minute walks. It usually starts slowly for me, but I can build up a good sweat after 15-20 minutes.

Depending on the temperature, a fan is a nice accessory; (also a headband and towel, so that I can avoid sweating all over the Precor - yuk). I would also recommend stretching out before using it, and doing a short slow-down routine to complete the exercise rather than stopping quickly.

 

[imoldernu]

What's an elliptical?

At home I use the 1962 Vitamaster exercise bike that we bought at the Salvation Army for $8... At our own CCRC fitness center, there are about 30 machines, but while I use them, never paid attention to what they're called.

Three years ago, stopped my 15-25 mile biking, for fear of getting hurt. Not good when you're over 80.

Oh!... and by the way.... "Fogey"

noun, plural fo. · gies. an excessively conservative or old-fashioned person, especially one who is intellectually dull (usually preceded by old ): The board of directors were old fogies still living in the 19th century.

 

[WestUniversity]

I have an elliptical at the house. Love it. Good aerobic workout without impact on the joints...

 

[tropitan]

What's an elliptical?

At home I use the 1962 Vitamaster exercise bike that we bought at the Salvation Army for $8... At our own CCRC fitness center, there are about 30 machines, but while I use them, never paid attention to what they're called.

Three years ago, stopped my 15-25 mile biking, for fear of getting hurt. Not good when you're over 80.

Oh!... and by the way.... "Fogey"

'Fogie': I use it strictly as a term of endearment

 

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