elliptical training or jogging?

I haven't used an elliptical machine much but I do jog everyday. In under half a year I've gone from 205 pounds to under 164 pounds. Ofcourse I also changed my diet and cut down on my calorie intake. But if you want to lose weight you always have to change your eating habits. Otherwise no matter what you do to work out there wont be any impact.

I haven't had any problems with my joints, legs, or feet unless I pushed my body too far too soon. Right now I jog 6 miles in about ~70 minutes a day. But when I first started out I walked 2 miles in an hour. Then 2 miles in 30 minutes. After that I pushed forward to speed walking 4 miles. Next was a light jog of 4 miles in ~30-40 minutes. I gradually increased my workout as my body adjusted and got use to it.

Not doing this and pushing your body to do something it isn't use to right off the bat is the wrong thing to do. I think that ultimately is what leads to alot of problems with things like jogging or running.

I'm not saying jogging is the better choice over other forms of aerobic exercises. But for me it's what worked best. Though, these kind of exercises alone wont do you any good. If you really want to get in shape you need to do Aerobic and Anaerobic exercising. Don't forget to include alot of stretching too.. They all complement each other nicely.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Leveless

Your approach is wonderful assuming that the dieter is ambitous enough to work out, but you may have missed a point. The plan is that this person is willing to jog for...10 minutes a day. There's a fair chance that they'll only jog 5 minutes, then turn around and jog halfway back and walk the last block or two. But let's just assume they do jog for 10 minutes. You have to start somewhere, right? Maybe they'll even gradually take up a routine that actually impacts their physique. In that case, certain fats can be considered good as well as certain eating habits. As of now, there is no contrast. You need to get fit to stay fit and you get fit by sweating, foremost. And there's a difference between being fit and not being fat. There's also a difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest.

I don't think you really understand the concept of dietary fat versus body fat. They're completely different. Your body will turn any macronutrient into fat for storage if it's in excess. Fat as a macronutrient is healthy, essential, and anabolic. You don't get fat by eating fat; you get fat by eating too much, too infrequently, at the wrong time.

Also, everyone has a basal metabolic rate. A 200 lb. man will burn 2000 calories by sitting on his ass all day. Yes, someone who takes in and expends 6000 calories a day will look a lot better than someone who takes in and expends 3000 (this is where exercise comes into play), but that's beyond the scope of this discussion. The point is that your body burns fat in response to a caloric deficit.

This is what I'm talking about--there are so many misconceptions out there. Stop reading "Women's Health and Fitness".

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Quote:

You don't get fat by eating fat; you get fat by eating too much, too infrequently, at the wrong time.

And by being lazy?

How ya doing, buddy?

that too, but I find elliptical, cause it's great on cold/rainy/snowy, and tornado struck days when you need to stay inside

I was speaking idiomatically.

I heard those elliptical machines are the latest thing, never tried it though. But if you can do it longer because its easier, what's the point? Personally I prefer running and jogging, I got used to it the hard way. I think that if you feel pain its because you're neglecting far too many other areas, such as your basic activity level and your nutrition. There's also a method of how to productively run/jog (how to land your feet, posture, etc) and with all these things commonly ignored by most people I can see why there's so much pain and so few old people still doing it. A decent pair of shoes doesn't hurt either.

As far as diet, last year I went from 262 to where I am (193) in about six months. In 1999 I went from 240 to 187, and I like to think I've learned enough to not gain that weight back ever again.

Whatever cardio you decide on, don't go past 30 minutes for the love of God. I think 15-20 is best, but optimally (like Will said) interval training is best. You bust your ass for 30 seconds, do some light walking or whatever for one minute or a minute and a half, and repeat another five times. Short, intense, and it works wonders for your body and metabolism. Look at the difference between the body of a long distance runner and a sprinter. And you can do interval training without even having to necessarily run. Whatever you do though, don't become a mindless automation huffing and puffing away for over a half hour... Even if that helped you lose weight, what good does it do you performance wise? I've seen great long distance joggers get out of breath by just running up a flight of steps. Absolutely no explosiveness, it seems all they've trained to do is be able to withstand being out of breath for long periods of time. In the real world what does that help beyond some heart benefits?

As far as dieting, don't be stupid and keep it simple. I like to eat first thing in the morning for a good 300 calories, then repeat with four or five more meals throughout the day with 2.5-3 hours between each. This way you wont overload your body with food itll have to store as fat, you increase your metabolism by constantly making it work, and the best part is you can actually eat more throughout the day and still lose weight if you just like to eat. Personally I avoid horrible sources of fat (mayo, butter, greasy foods) and try to stick to fish oils, nuts (wtf are you talking about Leveless?), canola and olive oil, etc. Just avoid saturated fats and ESPECIALLY trans fats, get some decent omegas in, and try to get whole grain/fiber carbs in too and cut the sugar down to a minimum. Personally, I only drink water and green tea. At the very least start chugging some water.

If you want to complicate your life even more drink extremely cold water or take very cold showers. This'll increase your core temperature which will increase your metabolism. Slightly varying the calories you eat day to day helps to if you want to get anal about things, since you're results might plateau if your body gets used to the same exact calories everyday. Just like weightlifting.

This is my disorganized arrangement of what works for me. Of course I don't think I have to do every little thing here to get what I want, but every little bit helps.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

There is a reason why jogging makes you tired faster than the elliptical. The elliptical is easier. Period. Your heart rate doesn't nearly rise and stay high as long as jogging does (in my opinion). My workout almost always consists of jogging unless my legs are sore. The elliptical are for people who cannot afford the joint problems of jogging, like 50 year olds. Even then I see 50 year olds jog regularly. Just don't jog on concrete or marble or something crazy. The point of cardio is making your heart healthier and stronger. And on top of that, it really helps making your body look better. With the elliptical you either have to use it for an hour to get the same impact as jogging for half and hour or work on it as hard as you would jogging - but good luck with that. Save time - jog.

If you want to jog, a treadmill is already cushioned with impact devices. And even then I recommend a treadmill more than the elliptical. Jogging requires a lot more equilibrium and doesn't concentrate on one area of the body like most cardio machines do when used regularly. If you're in your twenties, jog. You'll only get better.

FELIPE NO

Actually, Dee, an elliptical trainer brings your heart rate up longer and faster than jogging does. It burns more calories per minute and in terms of weight loss, it's much better. The only thing it won't do is train your muscles for long term endurance the way running will.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I find it hard to believe that, especially with my experience with cardio machines. I use the elliptical for a half hour and it won't burn nearly as many calories as the treadmill can (according to the respective calorie counts). In fact, if I convert it, it would be equivalent to walking perhaps 3-3.5 mph for that half hour, which is wasted effort. You would be better off setting an incline on the treadmill and walking the same speed. I would propose, if you're an elliptical user, high resistance and usage of the arms, which is something the treadmill cannot give you.

But alas, this is all my two cents; if the elliptical makes you get off your lazy ass then use it!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

What, are you leaving the elliptical on an uber low setting or something? Crank up the resistance.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Makes sense that the setting would be too low on the elliptical. Because, if people can last longer on an elliptical than jogging, something's up. There's no way in fucking hell you can do something for a half hour that's easier than jogging (in terms of getting you tired) and lose more calories.

Good point though Dee. I sort of look at an elliptical versus jogging/running the same way I look at free weights versus machines and cables.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

It really depends on the machine. I've used ones that are easy as hell and you get basically no workout whatsoever, but I've also used machines that have kicked my ass. Just turn up the resistance if you don't feel like you're getting smoked enough.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Bredow

I want to lose weight, whats better for this,
jogging?

or an elliptical trainer?


id be able to jog for about 10 minutes at a time to start, i can do elliptical almost endlessly it seems.

thanks

If you are just looking for a good cardio routine if you have someone to work out with you take up a few classes of kickboxing and once you learn how to properly throw some punches get focus mitts, some gloves, and a partner and spend 15 minutes throwing punches. It may not seem like much but it will do ALOT more for you then your other two options, is a bit more fun IMO, AND if you ever need to defend yourself at least you will be able to throw a mean punch (and kick if you decide to stick with the classes).

I was speaking idiomatically.