5 perks of the elliptical machine


I always felt it was a great injustice when people told me running wasn't enough. And that, as a runner, I should also do so some crosstraining.

It's not fair! I'm dóing it aren't I?!


I felt like I was finally participating in a hurdle race, and I had réached the final hurdle. And then they go and put another one up!
But in the end I succumbed.
I bought myself an elliptical machine. 

Because if I was going to crosstrain, I was going to do it in style! Which in my case meant on a rickety Elliptical Machine I bought for 45 bucks at a local thrift store.

And I have to admit I kind of like it!

So for this Friday Five I decided to share 5 things I've discovered about crosstraining  on an elliptical machine.

elliptical bike
My rickety elliptical machine!

5 things about crosstraining on an elliptical machine

  1. It's boring as hell! But that's alright, because that way it will calm your mind even more than a run would.
  2. Because it's so boring, I only do it for 10 minutes at a time. And I do it after my run.
  3. Because my elliptical machine is on our balcony I feel the freedom to go all out! I work out much harder on the elliptical machine than I do on a run. Because I'm already home. So it's okay if I can't walk afterwards.
  4. I like going backwards more than going forwards. It feels easier!
  5. I like that my arms are finally getting a workout too. I know this, because they keep asking me to stop.

15 comments

Deborah Brooks said...

I love to use my elliptical as cross training but I don't do it the same days as I run.
Confessions of A Mother Runner

Fairytales and Fitness said...

I would love to have my treadmill outside like that. I'm not a fan of the elliptical. I tried it at a relatives house and it made me dizzy. I think too much movement or something!

Nicole Orriëns said...

Yes it's a great solution for me. Because we don't have enough room inside the house.

Julie said...

I LOVE the elliptical machine at the gym. It is my absolute favorite. I have bad ankles so I can't jog for too long without my ankles starting to hurt but when I use this it seems so much easier on them. My legs get that funny jello feeling afterwards tho so it would definitely be nice to have one at home!

Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC said...

i also think they are pretty boring!

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

I have one and I love it for when I am injured although I have read that the movement is so similar to running that not all people consider it a real form of cross training for running. I also love that I can read books or watch Netflix while on my elliptical makes the time fly.

Kim Smith said...

Fitness rules. Best of luck with it. I am failing miserably but you have inspired me!

Nicole Orriëns said...

I'm glad I did that! Who would have tought that someone who used to hate sports can actually inspire others to work out!

Nicole Orriëns said...

I hope that's not right about it not being a proper form of crosstraining! That would totally suck big time.

How do you read a book or watch Netflix while you're on the elliptical? I want to do that too, but I don't know where to put the book.

Nicole Orriëns said...

That jello feeling makes you feel like you've really worked out doesn't it?! I love it. And I'm very happy I've got my very own elliptical machine. It makes it easier for me to actually use it.

Nicole Orriëns said...

Yes, you're giving it your all and you're going nowhere.

Sonya Kendall said...

I'm not a runner, but I enjoy using my elliptical. I took a long break from using it but I can finally run a 5k on it. Hopefully, one day I will try running outside.

Unknown said...

I like ellipticals but don't get as good a workout as other things anymore - thanks for the post!

OrangeHeroMama said...

Ugh! I hate my elliptical, and only do about 10-15 mins at a time too! it seems to just kick my butt every time!

Nicole Orriëns said...

As long as it kick your butt into shape, that's alright!

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