Why Does The Elliptical Kick My Butt?

[minaleigh 95]

Okay, so I've always heard that the elliptical is supposed to be better than a treadmill for being lower impact. So why is it that I can run (okay... jog...) just fine on the treadmill but literally feel like I'm going to die after two minutes on the elliptical? I tore up my knee when I was younger so I figured it would be better, but after not even a lap I feel like I ran a marathon! I know that probably means I'm getting a better workout, but I'd rather not be the still-fat girl huffing and puffing after only two minutes on the dang thing! Lol. Some people on here swear by the elliptical and can go for 30-45 minutes without stopping, or even 15-20 minutes for some people around my weight. Am I just doing it wrong? Should I suck it up and just power through it even though if feels like I'm going to have a heart attack? Should I just stick to my trusty treadmill and bike?

[Lissa 2,631]

I don't know either. I can do about 5 minutes on the elliptical and I'm dying, but I'm trying to incorporate it since it's supposed to be AWESOME cardio! It hits my first goal of cardio in a hurry, which is that I want to SWEAT like a pig while I'm doing cardio. I'm switching up because the bike is getting too easy... and the treadmill is harder on my legs than the elliptical.

I'll be watching for answers from someone who knows better than I.

[4ALongerLife 329]

Um, Lissa, IDK that I'm that person however.... here's my thoughts:

Maybe it's just getting the movement "down"? I have used the elliptical for about 9 years now and I'm a total addict (I was doing 5 miles a day, 5 times a week prior to surgery even!).

I still remember the first times whenever I couldn't do more than 7 minutes. It did kick butt. It's alot of movement and you have to find your groove PLUS you have to remember to breathe.

I encourage you to stick to it... and remember it takes 21 days to make a habit. Do three minutes then add a minute or two each time on it.... keep it up and whammy, you finally get to more time than you thought! (oh and my ipod has to be on to plow thru the routines)

Oh and btw, I still can't jog.. THAT killllllllllls me!

[bogeydog 30]

Start out on the lowest level of resistance, go as slow as you need to in the beginning and if your machine has arm involvement, work up to that later. Do something else -- watch a video or tv to take your mind off of it.

[kemo46 82]

Start slow and add time to each workout. Make a good music playlist you like to listen to while working out. DO NOT look at the time or distance readings on the machine. Get caught up in the music and before you know it, 10, 15 30 min will have passed. Take it slow.

[Mews 37]

Just start off with a short period and add like 30 seconds each day you do it. This way it's a gradual change and will be easier to tolerate. When I had my knee replacement surgery this is what the physical therapist did with the bike and it worked like a charm.

[Lissa 2,631]

Adding the 30 second increments seems to work for me as well. I appreciate the feedback as much as the original poster here does! I'm a music girl for working out, so I definitely can do more when I'm listening to some heart pounding music. I like the elliptical because it does get me sweating in a hurry, and I've already learned that I'm not coordinated enough to do the arms and legs at the same time! LOL

[BKMama 179]

I am so glad this isn't just me. I can do the bike or treadmill for 20-30 minutes and only the last 10 minutes are rough. 30 seconds into the elliptical and I'm DYING. I feel like a complete idiot with the other people bouncing along beside me. LOL I always feel like I'm going to step off and my legs are going to just totally give out.

That said, I am determined to conquer it so despite my pride, I'll do a few minutes then just keep adding time as suggested above.

[PhoenixFire 10]

I remember when I first started working out with my trainer. We would have to run to the stop sign and back. The sign was literally 1/2 a block away. When I first started I would die before I even got there and walk back slowly becuz I couldn't breathe and wanting to throw up like I ran a marathon. Lol. But I kept pushing and now I can do it several times over running like I should and when I get back I am ready for the next Excercise instead of laying all over the floor trying to catch my breath.

So my advice take it slow. Add a little bit of time each time. And push for it( meaning even if u dont think u can do that extra thirty push ur self even if u end up a breathless heap on the floor) Even just 30 seconds. It adds up and eventually u will be doing that 30-45 min. :-)

[Lissa 2,631]

I'm proud of me. I got to 5 full minutes on the elliptical this morning, then I minced my way over to the exercise bike and did 30 minutes on it, too! That 5 minutes just about killed me on the elliptical, though! Tonight, for my second workout today, I'm going to try the elliptical again and see if I can do 5:30 on it. I'm determined to get up to 30 minutes on it!

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I do about 30-45 minutes on an elliptical, but I sweat like you would not believe. I also don't have the resistance too high, I mix it up on the resistance. It is hard, but I think a good workout.

[minaleigh 95]

Thanks for the responses guys! I think I am going to try the adding 30 seconds every time thing. I've always had it on the lowest resistance, but I didn't think to stop using the arm lever things. I just know that whenever I get off, my legs feel like jelly! Definitely shouldn't do it right before work.

[Kristin 34]

Thanks for posting this.... I feel the exact same way. I can power walk and even jog for 30 minutes, but it the elliptical machine kills me! I'll try your all suggestions and add 30 seconds or minutes each time. Thanks!

[vsgchichi 48]

The elliptical is wayyy more challenging than treadmill because for one your using both upper and lower body parts and instead of just walking as in a treadmill, it's closer to the movement of walking up stairs which is more challenging.

[Zeus 11]

Pre surgery, i could do the elliptical for only 5 sec, really.

Post-op and after losing around 60 pounds, i could do it for 2 minutes.

Then, I saw someone who was doing it slowly, and on minimum resistance, and it inspired me to do the same.

Yesterday, i did a whole seven minutes.

It is the best exercise i have, much better than the treadmill.

It exercises more muscles, and it is much gentler on my knees.

As a bonus, i can easily climb a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing.