Question:
I feel like a failure on my new elliptical machine.
Hi all, Let me give you some background info. I am just over 2 years postop from lap rny and have lost 165 lbs. with 20 lbs. more left to lose. I am almost 4 months postop from my abdominalplasty. My surgeon said I could go back to exercising. Since the tummy tuck he only allowed walking for the last 2 months.<p> So my husband and I did some research and decided to buy an elliptical machine. It was delivered last Friday and my husband assembled it. He is in pretty good shape and he could only do 6 minutes the first time. Well, I said please I know I can do at least 10 minutes and gradually build up to 30 minutes. So I get on it and after 5 minutes my heart feels like it is going to come through my chest. The manual said to start gradually and only use it every other day the first few weeks. <p>Keep in mind this is the kind with the arms. The machine is a Reebok RL525. It is a manual machine. Our local sporting goods stores said they don't even carry the electric ones. This machine was the nicest and smoothest at the stores we went to. It feels more intense on my thighs when I don't do the arms and hold onto the optional hand rest. My thighs, calfs, upper and lower arms have been screaming this week. I think I have found muscles I have never used before. I thought I was in pretty good shape and I know taking time off from exercise due to surgeons orders after the tummy tuck has made a difference. <p>I just feel like a failure on this machine. Is this unusual for first time users? Will I eventually be able to build up my time on this machine? We purchased it knowing it would give an intense workout, but I figured I could at least do 10-15 minutes to start. At 5 minutes this machine is kicking my butt. I have a 30-day return period, which I don't want to do if I know I will be able to build up my endurance. Any input would be appreciated? — ckreh (posted on November 17, 2004)
November 17, 2004
Kristin:
Don't give up, you will build indurance!! I work out on an elliptical
machine 4-5 days a week. At first I could not go very long either!! I'm
up to 40 minutes at a time. The one I use has different programs, which
vary the incline ect. It also has resistance levels. I use different
programs on different days, depending on how I'm feeling. The best thing
about it, is that it isn't hard on the knees and hips, like other work out
machines. Hang in there, it will get better. I feel like I get a good
workout from it! DeeAnn
— DeeAnn
November 17, 2004
HI Kristin,
Don't give up...I dont have one in my home but use one at the gym..and I'll
tell you I could'nt do it for more then 10 min at once..but after going and
using it 3x a week I worked myself up too it..now i'm using it for
30min..i'm not pushing myself untill I know I am ready for longer..I do
feel it in my thighs alot..and feels good! I also lift some weights after
to cool down....I only go 3x a week for an hour..i'm not looking to be a
lifer at the gym but looking for toning while i'm losing..and plus makes me
feel good...give yourself a pat on the back for at least trying, and
another idea is..listen to some good tunes..I bought the sony armband radio
and love it..makes me feel like i'm in my own little world..lol! times goes
by fast then..dont look at the time while doing it...it drags on
then...other then that..just do few min each time....and add few
more..you'll get there in no time! good luck!
Shauna
5/11/04
229/145/125
— por2geegurl
November 17, 2004
You have to start out slow. I got on one for fun and could not do it for 2
minutes! I was determined, so I bought a CD with slow songs on it and got
on the eliptical and pedaled very slowly until I could handle it. I can
get on it for an hour now, and my music is much much faster!
— misha
November 17, 2004
You are not the only one. 5 minutes and I want to fall off and die. /hugs
— RebeccaP
November 17, 2004
Don't give up - it's a fantastic workout. When I started, I could only do 6
minutes. Each week, I would add on 2 minutes more. Then I would add on 5
minute increments until I reached 40 minutes. It took about 2 months for me
to build up to 40 minutes.
— Yolanda J.
November 17, 2004
I have it and love it but it took me a month before I could build up on it.
It kicked my fanny when I first got on it and thought I was going to die!
— [Deactivated Member]
November 18, 2004
I have had 2 knee surgeries and I basically had to start from the
beginning. The way i did this was to start out at 5 minutes...then each
week progress 2 more minutes. I did eventually get to 40 minutes! I love
it.
— Hypnocutie Cha CHa
November 18, 2004
Girl, you did good for the first time. The first time I walked on that
machine, 2 mins. was ALL I could do and I'd been working out already for a
month lifting and doing water aerobics. The elliptical has got to be the
hardest machine known to humans. Give yourself a break and don't expect so
much. People at my gym said it took them a month to build up to just 10
mins. You will do great, just try really hard to be patient...Good luck.
— juju524
November 18, 2004
Original Poster here, thanks to all for your input. I am going to stick
with it and try to increase my time slowly. I bought this machine for an
intense workout and boy did I get that. I have to keep telling myself I
can do this and think about the nice toned butt and legs I'm going to get
from working out on this elliptical.
— ckreh
November 18, 2004
Set your goals lower so you're not so disapointed. Start with just 3
minutes each day. Then build up 2 minutes after a week. You ARE using
muscles you didn't use before, so you need to build it up. The good thing
is you're getting a good workout. I remember when I started, I could barely
do 2 minutes! Now I do a comfortable 1/2 to 45 min. This is a sign that I
need to do something else as the body gets use to it. Best of luck!
— ZZ S.
November 21, 2004
Hi Kristen,
You need to understand that with the manually "motored" machines,
you will not perform the same way as the electronic devices. It is like
using free weights versus a universal weight center. The methods are
different and the manual is more hard...like using a free weights you would
need to learn how to control your muscle movements and take on additional
responsibilities like form where as the universal product works thru
"chamberized motions" (the machine keeps the weights in alignment
for you.) You are not a failure for having a difficult time and
realistically it may not get easier for you. You may want to consider
returning that product and finding a company that will offer the product
that will provide you with the "flow" that will help you achieve
your goal(s). I did many years of weight training in the military and
regardless of my physical status (which was great at that time) I had a
difficult time with "free forms" versus machines. I bought a
VERY expensive set of equipment and after 2 months it was nothing more then
a place to hang a towel or shirt in passing. Good luck!!!
— l P.
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