Elliptical/Crosstrainer Question

[ladyinred]

I have a question about the elliptical trainer. I used to use it all the time but have now started using the treadmill more at the gym. To break things up though, I like to go back to the elliptical trainer now and then. My question is, is it okay to use this machine without holding on to the arm thingies? I don't hold on to anything on the treadmill and just pump my arms. I started doing the same thing on the elliptical as I feel it works the lower body more and it also helps with balance. Does anyone know if this is okay to do or does it defeat the purpose of the machine? I still pump my arms as though I were power walking.

[Richt]

Re: Elliptical/Crosstrainer Question

I have seen a few people use the cross trainer like that in the gym, so I guess its ok. Personally I try to use my arms on the "arm thingies" as it gives me a bit of a work out upper body aswell.

Another side note about eliptical / cross trainers. If you are doing a session of upper body weights, the cross trainer is a good warm up from your body. Even just 5 minutes on it will get the blood going, making weight lifting a little safer.

Rich

[ladyinred]

Re: Elliptical/Crosstrainer Question

Thanks Rich. I usually do weights first as it gets really busy on that side of the gym if I wait til after my cardio. I don't feel like the arm thingies (is there a technical term for these?) are doing anything for me. Maybe I need to increase the level.

[Richt]

Re: Elliptical/Crosstrainer Question

If you dont feel like doing them, maybe you should force yourself to, its character building.

I think they should be called Arm Thingies purely for comic effect.

[ladyinred]

Re: Elliptical/Crosstrainer Question

I think they should be called Arm Thingies purely for comic effect.

My no frills gym seems to use high school girls as their "trainers". That's probably what they're called. "omigo-od, like totally, like, do you like, use the arm thingies, like, omigod, like totally, like, to the max". lol

I thought going to the gym was character building in itself?