Lie: Using an Elliptical is Just Like Running
How many times have you heard some “fitness expert” tell you that using an elliptical is just like running just without the stress on your joints? I hear it all the time and it is a big fat LIE! While an elliptical workout might feel like running, it’s not.
Huffington Post cleared the air on this myth in a post they did last week the cracked down on a handful of bad fitness advice.
The Truth: The elliptical does remove some stress on your joints but it can be worse on your hips than running or jogging.
Ellipticals are not bad
The Huffington Post article I linked to above does come off a little strong against elliptical use. I think it’s enough to say that it’s not exactly like running because nothing is exactly like running unless you’re actually running. Obviously. You’re on an elliptical which allows you move the weight with the arm handles and adjust the resistance. Can you do that when you’re running down the street? No. Thus, there are some benefit to elliptical use.
True, ellipticals have been known to strain your hips but what doesn’t? Your hips pretty vulnerable during just about every exercise. Hiking, swimming, and jump roping all put strain on your hips one way or another. Does that mean they should be avoided? The elliptical is an excellent machine for getting an intense workout and they’re especially good for those with bad joints. Is cycling a better option? Whose to say?
If you want an exercise just like running, try running
To those that claim using an elliptical is just like running I ask, “Then why not just run?” If I wanted a workout that is just like running, I’d save myself the gym membership or 1000 dollars it costs to buy an elliptical and run around the block. Ellipticals provide you with a workout different from running which is why they are so popular.
Variety is the Key
It’s time we stop dissing on every exercise out there and come to the simple conclusion that no exercise is bad and that the more types of exercises you do, the better off you will be. If you have the means of doing yoga one day, the treadmill the next day, the elliptical next, and free weights on Saturday, your body is going to be challenged every which-way which is the key to a good workout. You’re not going to get the best workout from an elliptical or a treadmill or an exercise bike. You are going to get a good workout by doing all of those things because they each have their strengths and their weaknesses.