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General Fitness & Nutrition: Elliptical Same as running?

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    • CommentAuthorSwisher
    • CommentTimeFeb 23rd 2008
     
    Swisher
    I have had to take to the elliprical a couple of days a week due to joinmt pain. My question is, If I am doing the same mileage and the time is the same, is it the same as running?
    • CommentAuthormargo328
    • CommentTimeFeb 24th 2008
     
    margo328
    I'm not sure, but I feel as if different muscles are being worked when I take the elliptical as opposed to running. Is this the same for you? That is truly my only reasoning for it not being "exactly" the same. But, if it helps with your joint pain it's better than doing nothing! That's for sure. If you are on the elliptical couple of days a week and still feel good when you do your regular runs (i.e, not short of breath or dead/heavy legged, etc) then it is probably working out fine. I have a friend who does triathlons and she uses the elliptical the majority of the winter season...granted she is not out to set records or win those tris though...just doing it for fun. If you are looking to be a serious competitor maybe get more expert advise but like I said, if you feel good on your regular runs just go with that. Another excellent regimen for joint pain is the pool! Aquajogging and water resistance are great for joints. You may already know all this but incase someone else is interested in your comment....the YMCA and many other health clubs/gyms offer different mild/light aquatic classes that really help. And of course...RICE! I ice my knees all the time. Many times inflammation causes pain as well. Good luck!
    • CommentAuthorcherry6499
    • CommentTimeMar 22nd 2008
     
    cherry6499
    I had this same question recently and asked a personal trainer.  The answer I got was that the two activities are not the same due to the lack of impact on the eliptical.  When you're running there are muscles that are triggered because of the impact of the foot on the ground.  Those muscles do not come into play on the eliptical.  However, for the sheer purpose of building endurance the trainer said eliptical work would give a similar result.  ... hope this helps.  :)
    • CommentAuthorPium
    • CommentTimeMar 23rd 2008
     
    Pium
    This does not really address your question, but I thought it might be helpful: I have had severe joint pain in my knees, and had to spend a long time recuperating. For this I used the elliptical just like you. This worked well, but as soon as I hit the road, my problems would come back within a month. Last time I incorporated weight training for my legs after recuperation (1-2/week), and I have been running without any joint pain whatsoever ever since (6 months). Hope this helps.
    • CommentAuthorBendy
    • CommentTimeMar 24th 2008
     
    Bendy

    It looks to me that it is not the same as running. 

    It will help you stay fit, as the cardio is similar, and you use similar muscles, but I feel that your tendons, cartilage, inserts and bones (the sites of your pain) will not develop to overcome the initial problems - if you give them to much of an easy time.

    So, whilst it is good not to over strain the sensitive parts, you will still need impact to strengthen them over time.

    I would say; use a mixture.

    • CommentAuthor1Honu4U2NV
    • CommentTimeMar 30th 2008
     
    1Honu4U2NV

    Aloha,

    I've using the elliptical machines (various ones) 4 days/week.  I alternate inbetween running and walking and yes ellipticals are definitely different from running.  Less strain on the knees than running.  i use different ones because each one seems to work better for your gluts, thighs & calves.  However each one does have a different variation such as Crossvamps to determine what area you want to work on, or the tention on pushing and pulling to work your upper body and lower body.  Either way, I love the elliptical because i believe it gives you a total body workout.

  7.  
    trinewbie5

    They are completely different workouts, work diff muscles, etc. but at least the elliptical keeps you working and maintains you're cardio. Instead of going straight from the elliptical back to running, try going from the elliptical to a treadmill (way less impact than running outdoors) then maybe an indoor track (a little spongier than concrete) then running. that way you kind of ease you're body back into the impact. A mixture of diff workouts is good too, you can maintain you're cardio gains with the least amount of impact on you're knees. You can try running on grass or other soft surfaces, but be careful of your ankles. I hate running (prefer biking, rollerblading, elliptical, swimming, etc) but there really is nothing else like it! If you want to improve you're run, you have to run :(

    Even if you're doing the same mileage on an elliptical or treadmill as running you need to incorporate core and lower body strength exercises to help make up for the lack of impact. This should also help you maintain a balance between ham and glute strength which might be a factor in you're pain. I love working on a BOSU ball, since you can incorporate multiple muscles into each exercise and it forces you to engage you're stabilizer muscles which is what you're really missing by using the elliptical or treadmill instead of running.

    Don't forget RICE immediately after your run (even if you don't feel pain it's a good idea) and stretch!

    Good luck!

     

    • CommentAuthorYoungsam
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     
    Youngsam
    The elliptical is an excellent cross training for running, but in reality is not the same.  It uses different muscles different amounts and can change your "gait" for running.  Still, if your injured an elliptical is a great choice. 
    • CommentAuthorjkpesven
    • CommentTimeJul 10th 2008
     
    jkpesven
    Exactly!  When I was injured for about 2-3 months with patello-femoral syndrome in my right knee, I exclusively used the elliptical because I could not run at all.  It got me through without losing much endurance, but was very different from running because of the lack of impact, different stride, and different muscles used.  I slowly reintroduced myself to running and am back at full strength.  I would use the elliptical for nothing more than occasional cross training now.
    • CommentAuthorDandelynAU
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     
    DandelynAU

    I don't think its the same as running, but it works to keep you in shape if you're injured... personally, I think running is easier!!! hehe...

     I love having my elliptical around in the winter when its so cold that I can't bear the thought of going outside... or just to mix things up a little... and when it sits right in front of my tv, what a great way to work out and have a little tv time!

    • CommentAuthorVeniVidiRun
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008 edited
     
    VeniVidiRun

    I was injured and was able to complete my training for a half marathon (which at the time ended up being a PR) by using the elliptical the final 3 weeks before race day.  I would not say you can use similar running guidelines - I cranked up the difficulty to the high-teens and went for a full 2 hours at a time at least every other day in order to accomplish what I thought was equivalent preparation.  Hope this helps some - good luck to you!

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