How should I pace myself on the ellipitcal machine?!
Question:
I have just started working out and I did 5 mins. on the elliptical yesterday but I don't know how much I should push myself or when I should increase my time?
Answers:
I love the elliptical as well. Your best bet is to rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 as you are working out. If you are at a 10 after 5 minutes (and be honest with yourself!), you probably do need to take it easy and build yourself. Maybe try to increase by 5 minutes every week. If you are at a 5 after 5 minutes, try increasing to 10 minutes and see where you are. The other thing to do is to pace how fast you are going. If you are going super fast for 5 minutes, try slowing down and going longer instead. Best of luck to you!!
Other Answers:
You were smart to start out slow. You could probably keep up that pace for a while and then slowly start increasing your time. If you want to know your limits you should probably consult and doctor also. I love the elliptical and I do it for about 2 miles. It is great excercise but you need to know how to use it properly.
A good way to pace yourself is through heart rate training (See the link below). For now though your main priority is to just keep your exerciseing fun. Keep your intensity low and up your time, when you begin to get tired it is acceptable to take a short break or simply get on the bike or treadmill still keeping your intensity level low. You could also just simply walk after you are sick of the oliptical.
You should, for now, keep your intensity so low that you can at least reach the 20 minute mark before stopping even if that level is Zero at a 2% decline, once again you can do 5 min on the oliptical, 5 bike, 5 treadmill, 5 walking around whatever. JUST KEEP IT FUN.
Source(s):
http://www.ifpa-fitness.com/Fitness-Resources/Charts/Fat_Loss--PD.html
Answers: