STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Bastet · Kate Spade

jogging/running vs. the ellipse machine

RyanJ · Coach

How long to do you plan to run each time?

Drew · Gucci

Technically, running is supposed to be the best form of cardiovascular exercise with the most benefits (calorie burning). However, about 1/3 of all runners will experience knee injuries as a result of running. Elliptical work outs are low impact so do not affect your knees or other body parts. You don't have to worry about injury from the elliptical. Because of that reason I have always prefered the elliptical to the treadmill.

I did start incorporating running into my workouts about a year ago and here's how I do it so I don't worry about injury. I only run one mile at a time and simply work on doing it faster each time. I'm up to a 7'50" mile and aiming for 7'. I do it after a weightlifting session to get the most benefit. I do that about two to three times a week, and do the elliptical for 40 minutes three times a week.

I never hold on to the machines and highly reccommend you don't either; holding on to a cardio machine decreases calorie burning by about 20% on average. If you want to hold on I reccommend simply decreasing your workout time by 20% instead; you'll save time and get the same workout that way.

THe elliptical is great for toning the back area of your thighs and your buttox, depending on the setting you have it on; it also tones calves as well, but I like the thigh/buttox burning settings (as most girls probably do too).

Mixing it up is always good. That way you are always challenging your body with new things and it doesn't get too used to doing the same thing (which can actually lower your metabolism). I also do a lot of biking in the summer and really push myself in whatever cardio exercise I do to really maximize benefits. I always remind myself when I feel like slacking that "Winners do what the losers WON'T do." Even if I'm tired and achey I force myself to continue and I think that's important too.

Good luck to you and PM me or repost if you want any other tips/advise.

ayo · Coach

As a runner, I'd say that you will probably get more results from running and I prefer it to being in the gym anyway. I also get bored and prefer being outside.

That being said, Drew is right it definitely takes a toll on your knees. Last year I trained for my first marathon and my knees were pretty weak. The benefit is that my body gained amazing tone and definition as a result of it.

What I would do differently, is that I would incorporate more weight lifting, focusing on my hamstrings and upper thighs. It really helps and I suspect if I didn't do any weights at all last year I might have had a permanent injury. I def think 3X a week should get you results...

Also when you are running try to avoid concrete sidewalks (if you can), they are very hard on your knees. Try stay on tarred surfaces...

I think that's all I have..you can also PM me if you have any questions about running...

Good luck :)

-- Edited by ayo at 17:38, 2006-04-14

honey · Gucci

my favorite thing about running is that you can do it outside. the gym can be sooo boring. i've recently started doing hiit on jen's suggestion and have noticed results. (you can do a search for it in this section). one of the things i really like about it, is that it forces me to stay focused which cuts down a lot on the boredom factor at the gym.

Bastet · Kate Spade

RyanJ wrote:

How long to do you plan to run each time?

Given that I'm a slug, my idea was to see how long I could go for. I managed to run for about 15 minutes before I thought I was going to keel over. Then I had to walk for a while before I started up again. I want to try and do it for 30 mins at a time.

re: knee injuries, I'm aware of the problems running can cause, but I know that I won't go to the gym, it's just too boring and I have no willpower to make myself do boring things. If Hubby and I ever buy a house, I want an ellipse machine, because then I can put it in front of the TV and put a DVD in or something.

The main thing I want to accomplish is to build up some endurance so I don't die when I go backpacking later this spring and summer. Toned highs/butt would be nice, too. I figure that *any* exercise is better then absolutely none. I'm trying to stick to doing it for 30 mins on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays and then on days I don't go running, I have freeweights.

Thanks for all the advice!

RyanJ · Coach

If you want to improve your endurace I would suggest farleks. I started doing them in high school track and it was AMAZING how much my endurance improved. My coach in track would tell us the time to push yourself the most is when you are tired. He claimed that would help your build your endurance. I run about 10 miles a day and the last mile is usually my fastest. I push myself as hard as I can.

In case you don't know what fartleks are here is a link-http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=10455&sidebar=13&category=running or http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/fartlek.htm

I have horrible knees and I will run in neighborhoods on the grass. It has made a huge difference in the way they feel. It has not elimnated the pain, but there has been an improvement. I agree w/ you about the gym- I could never drag myself there. I would just be thinking about how I would rather be outside.

-- Edited by RyanJ at 14:59, 2006-04-17