August Gazelle and Elliptical Challenge~Sign Up and Report~

[masomaso]

masomaso 35/300

[Desihue]

I clocked in another mile last night...

5/30

[Sherri]

The Skinny on Elliptical Machines
When you're looking for a break from your usual treadmill routine, you might want to try an elliptical machine. They have some nice features: Most of them have a lot of variables built in, as well as movable handles you can use to work your upper body. Elliptical machines are especially good for people with knee problems, who find the workout to be a great cardio alternative to running because it's much easier on the joints.
Some elliptical trainers have adjustable ramps, which allow you to target different leg muscles by varying the incline. If the ramp is inclined and you're pedaling forward, you're working the muscles on the backs of your legs: the hamstrings, glutes, and calves. If the ramp is at a lower incline and you pedal backward, you're training the muscles in front: the quads and dorsiflexors. The one thing that makes me wary about elliptical trainers is that it's fairly easy to phone in your workout — especially if you hold on to the static handles. The only handles you should be holding on to are the movable ones that get your arms and heart rate pumping. It's really important that you keep your intensity high. And don't trust the machine to tell you how many calories you're burning — those electronic readouts are not the most reliable. Instead, monitor your heart rate and keep it at 85 percent of its maximum (to calculate maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220). Increase the resistance so that gravity isn't doing all the work for you. Remember, your time is precious and your workout is for you alone — don't cheat yourself!
JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY Hop to It
What type of cardio can you do anywhere? No matter where you are or what the weather, you can always jump. It will take a little time to build up endurance for this form of cardio, so try it in intervals at first: Jump one minute, rest the next, and so on. Jumping is an outstanding way to burn calories and tone your quads, hamstrings, and calves. You can jump up and down, jump rope, do jumping jacks, or get creative — the possibilities are endless.

[Sherri]

We're almost a week into the month and all of you are already putting in some great time on your machines. Great job ladies!
I've got some catching up to do.
I posted some info on elliptical machines from Jillian Michaels that I thought you would be interested in.
Keep striving forward.
Sherri xoxo

[Ohbehave007]

70/300

[Avery]

Sherri - Great info on the elliptical machine (and also the hopping, I've never thought about that!)

I'm showing up late, but nonetheless, I am here. I am pledging 800 minutes this month and I am happy to report that I am at 240. For some reason I have been able to really plug along with the elliptical (and the glider when at home). Yay for cardio. It's been an excellent mood enhancer, plus I've been listening to study materials on my mp3 player while working away... so I feel like I'm killing two birds with one stone. Now I just need to up the resistance. I think I'm in a rut.

I'm rambling.. just wanted to check in, pledge my time, and say great job to everyone!

240/800

Hugs,
Avery

[Sherri]

I got ten minutes in so far today. In between everything else i'm doing.
30/250

[Sherri]

Hi Avery,
I'm glad you're here. Great job getting in those minutes already!
Poor birdies, LOL, just kidding!
I look froward to watching you meet your goal.
Sherri {{hugs}}

[bubbantinkerbell]

Can I still Join in for this month? I will pledge 350 minutes on my elliptical.

[masomaso]

masomaso 50/300