Obesity Discussion Forums

[sweetn_low]

I wanted to post some pictures of my new elliptical trainer because I am proud of it. I have never owned a piece of workout equipment before. After some research, we decided on an elliptical rather than a treadmill because it is much better for people with damaged backs like mine. There is no jarring impact on the back like when you take steps on a treadmill because you never have to raise your feet off the pedals to move. I have been watching the online classifieds and finally found a nice machine for a reasonable price. It has some nice features like heart rate monitor, different resistance programs, logs your weight and age, fitness test, a fan for your face and it even measures the temperature in the room for some reason LOL. We are building a little gym in the basement and this is my first addition. The pictures were taken at the seller's house when I picked it up. I haven't set things up yet to take my own picture.

Any idea how long I should workout for to start? I am going to use lower resistance for awhile until I am used to it. I also can't over due it and strain my back.
Any other suggestions on how to achieve a great workout or advice from elliptical users is always so appreciated.

Amanda

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by sweetn_low

I wanted to post some pictures of my new elliptical trainer because I am proud of it. I have never owned a piece of workout equipment before. After some research, we decided on an elliptical rather than a treadmill because it is much better for people with damaged backs like mine. There is no jarring impact on the back like when you take steps on a treadmill because you never have to raise your feet off the pedals to move. I have been watching the online classifieds and finally found a nice machine for a reasonable price. It has some nice features like heart rate monitor, different resistance programs, logs your weight and age, fitness test, a fan for your face and it even measures the temperature in the room for some reason LOL. We are building a little gym in the basement and this is my first addition. The pictures were taken at the seller's house when I picked it up. I haven't set things up yet to take my own picture.

Any idea how long I should workout for to start? I am going to use lower resistance for awhile until I am used to it. I also can't over due it and strain my back.
Any other suggestions on how to achieve a great workout or advice from elliptical users is always so appreciated.

Amanda

Start very easy on it. I use it about 4-5 days a week on a good week because of how easy it is on the joints.

Since you have a heart rate monitor, get your heart rate moving (see my chart below)! Use that and how your body feels as a guide the first time. A nice steady 20 minute workout should be a good start. Feel free to push yourself a little bit once in a while to get a better idea of what your body can tolerate. As you conquer say 20 minutes on the lowest level, up the level one notch, or add 5 minutes to make the next workout a little tougher. Don't do the same workout too often or else you could get bored a little easier. Add some incline here, resistance there, different exercise programs that come with the machine (if it has those), etc.

Two suggestions though.

1. It's always a good idea to see your doctor first and foremost to get cleared to exercise before tackling something new to your body like this.

2. Consider putting it in front of the TV, that way you can watch TV and workout at the same time. Kill 2 birds with one stone and the workout becomes more enjoyable.

Good look with the new machine!



On this chart below, find your age and I'd shoot for the lowest level heart rate at first, and try to eventually work your way up to having your heart rate in the anaerobic range for at least 20 minutes, eventually adding some high intensity interval training into the mix (more advanced, we can cover this when you're ready).

[sweetn_low]

I always worry a bit about my heart rate. My resting rate is always a little high, like 80-110 and I do take a while to recover after exercising. My face is usually red for about 10 minutes but I feel settled after a couple. I take blood pressure meds and I am a smoker but I am quitting in a week or so. I kind of feel like my own doctor. The one I have basically doesn't care and I don't have an option to switch due to a shortage. I will ask when I go in again on Dec 4th though. I believe this machine calculates your rate by subtracting your age from your heart rate then it displays little heart symbols in a chart. It will flash if you exceed 90% for your recommended rate. I am not entirely sure, I have just read the manual. My first workout will start tomorrow. I have it all set up in front of the basement TV. I always have to have a tv, even if I am just listening to it. I hate silence

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by sweetn_low

I always worry a bit about my heart rate. My resting rate is always a little high, like 80-110 and I do take a while to recover after exercising. My face is usually red for about 10 minutes but I feel settled after a couple. I take blood pressure meds and I am a smoker but I am quitting in a week or so. I kind of feel like my own doctor. The one I have basically doesn't care and I don't have an option to switch due to a shortage. I will ask when I go in again on Dec 4th though. I believe this machine calculates your rate by subtracting your age from your heart rate then it displays little heart symbols in a chart. It will flash if you exceed 90% for your recommended rate. I am not entirely sure, I have just read the manual. My first workout will start tomorrow. I have it all set up in front of the basement TV. I always have to have a tv, even if I am just listening to it. I hate silence

If your resting rate is that high, you may want to take it easy....not push yourself too hard at first......just a little something to get the heart rate slightly elevated. But again, I'd still confer with your doctor. It's going to be a little tough to breathe until you've been off the cigs for a while.