Getting confused with Ellipticals & Cross Trainers - help plse!

littlewren

Hi,


I want to buy a Cross Trainer. I have M.E. and although I have to be careful that I don't overdo it with exercise or I will bring on a flare-up, as I am now 60 I am aware that I should be doing more. I have a Pilates machine which I use occasionally and I have an exercise bike which I also use occasionally.


I really feel that a Cross Trainer would suit me as I want to get some weight off my hips due to having Osteoarthritis in my left hip (& I believe you can use the machines gently if you want, to start?) and have been reading up on them, but I am so confused. I cannot find anywhere that tells me the difference between an Elliptical Cross Trainer and an ordinary Cross Trainer.


If I Google what's the difference, it simply says that the Elliptical is a Cross Trainer, which doesn't help in the slightest!


Can someone please tell me in layman's terms, what is the difference and what is the best type to go for?


I can't even tell by price, as on Argos, the Elliptical ones can be in the same price range as ones that don't say 'Elliptical.'


I want to take advantage of Argos' offer at the moment on their fitness machines and I believe this runs out tomorrow or the next day so earlier replies would be much appreciated. :-)


Arrrrghh...


Many thanks in advance. :-)

alleycat`

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfHYYtcQKks

HTH

If you can i'd suggest swimming or even just walking up and down the pool as a strengthening exercise, especially if you have hip/bone issues.

It'll take some of the impact stress off your body.

littlewren

alleycat` wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfHYYtcQKks

HTH

If you can i'd suggest swimming or even just walking up and down the pool as a strengthening exercise, especially if you have hip/bone issues.

It'll take some of the impact stress off your body.

Thank you, but I can't swim and I'm afraid of water so wouldn't even fancy walking up and down the pool at the shallow end!

tomtontom

They are largely the same thing - a cross trainer is an elliptical with moving arms.

I don't get on with ellipticals at all, due to balance problems. Could you try one out first, book a session at your local gym? It's not going to help you lose weight specifically off your hips, you can't spot reduce fat in that way.

heartbreak_star

What on earth is a Pilates machine?

Maybe it's time to tackle that fear of water too, swimming is a really good skill to have.

Good luck!

HBS x

alleycat`

As far as i know a pilates machine is on sliders and uses the equivalent of cables/bands to allow you to push and pull based on your own body weight.

I think you can add resistance by adding and taking away cables as well.

I appreciate the ops phobia of water, as my MIL is the same, but as a matter of exercise it really is one of the best for people generally, especially when you have bone or joint issues.

terra_ferma

littlewren wrote: »

Hi,


I want to buy a Cross Trainer. I have M.E. and although I have to be careful that I don't overdo it with exercise or I will bring on a flare-up, as I am now 60 I am aware that I should be doing more. I have a Pilates machine which I use occasionally and I have an exercise bike which I also use occasionally.


I really feel that a Cross Trainer would suit me as I want to get some weight off my hips due to having Osteoarthritis in my left hip (& I believe you can use the machines gently if you want, to start?) and have been reading up on them, but I am so confused. I cannot find anywhere that tells me the difference between an Elliptical Cross Trainer and an ordinary Cross Trainer.


If I Google what's the difference, it simply says that the Elliptical is a Cross Trainer, which doesn't help in the slightest!


Can someone please tell me in layman's terms, what is the difference and what is the best type to go for?


I can't even tell by price, as on Argos, the Elliptical ones can be in the same price range as ones that don't say 'Elliptical.'


I want to take advantage of Argos' offer at the moment on their fitness machines and I believe this runs out tomorrow or the next day so earlier replies would be much appreciated. :-)


Arrrrghh...


Many thanks in advance. :-)

Many councils have an Exercise on Referral programme where people with certain conditions can get referred to, and get help from a qualified instructor who can help you decide what would work best for you, after carrying out an assessment.

The programmes available will very, normally they include gym and things like water aerobic, and attendance it's normally free or at least discounted.
I found that the cross trainer was bad for my knees, and someone I know can't use it because it gives her back ache, but this would be a safe way of trying different machines/activities.

here's an example
http://www.oxfordshiresport.org/exercise

Criteria, prices, activities and even the name can vary, but your GP should be able to advise you.