Elliptical trainers

[Lucy]

Hi all,

Since I can't go for walks right now, due to a little tendonitis in my right foot, I've started using an elliptical trainer (right now, just the one that just works the legs, but eventually, hope to be able to work the arms at the same time).

Apparently, forceful use of the muscles, resulting in their pulling of the bones, help to initiate bone growth, so this is what I'm trying to accomplish, along with everything else. It's supposed to be very difficult to start bones growing, but I'm giving it my best shot. Hope to be able to last a little longer in time.

Oh, and I've heard it's a good idea to do the exercise without adding the extra resistance for a good while. What I like to do is change the incline number on the machine at each 30 second interval while I'm running as that means that a different set of muscle fibers is being worked each time, resulting in a much better distributed workout on these muscles and hopefully, the attached bones.

Of course, once I'm able to add resistance, that should realllllly make a difference! Will do it gradually so I don't get hurt.

Any one else ever use an elliptical trainer? Aren't they neat?!!

Yours, Luce

[mbeezie]

Hey Luce,

Yep, I use the ellipital trainer at least once a week. I try to vary my cardio exercise and use different muscles each time I go to the gym. Our gym has several versions of the elliptical. I despise the side to side ones and the ones with the wave motion (makes me sick). I prefer the traditional one that you mentioned. I also don't use the pre-programmed courses and do what you do by changing the incline myself. I also try to go backwards for part of my workout - works out the quads a little better.

Re-mineralizing bone is a long process, so hang in there!

Mary Beth