Ernie Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 Hi,I bought a recumbent bike a few months ago that I use about once a week when I feel up to it. I would like to buy a new piece of equipment and I am hesitant between a treadmill or an elipsical machine. I want to train upright to be able to keep some standing capacity and I also have joint pain when I use my recumbent. I am wondering if the treadmill would be better because it is more natural in movement than the elipsical. What is your opion or experience?Thank youErnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 I had a treadmill for about 5 years, but just sold it at a garage sale (UK members, car boot sale). While I liked that I could hold onto the handles to stabilize myself, I found that I got a better aerobic workout on the recumbent.I ended up buying a pilates performer (used) a few years ago, and find that Pilates, in general, really helps me with my stability. I have several DVD's that are floor work w/ out the machine...and several that are with the machine. Honestly, I think the plain floor work helps me the most...but the machine is kind of fun and allows some movements you can't really do on the floor alone. Also, I have two DVD's that are pilates with the therapy bands (big, long latex bands) for a small amount of resistance.Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steph37822 Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 oops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 Ernie,I am glad you're feeling well enough to try some upright exercise! I worked out mostly on an elliptical machine for years before POTS. I think it's the best machine for a full body work out. I am dying for the day I can get back on it and work off my big booty! But I think the treadmill would be a lot more user-friendly now that I have POTS. It's a lot more versatile than the elliptical. You can change the speeds, angles, etc., whereas on the eliptical, there are fewer options. I also think that the elliptical requires a lot more strength, even at the lower levels. The treadmill would better allow you to start off slowly and then move up.Personally, I haven't tried to exercise in an upright position, other than yoga and walking. I mostly use a small peddle bike or I do pilates. I agree with Nina, pilates is the best! I just have a DVD which cost only $10 or $15 and I think it's helped my symptoms a lot.I am sure you'll get a lot of different opinions on this. Let us know what you choose.-Rita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 Rita, I bought a bunch of Pilates dvd's on sale on the barne & noble website...not sure if they're still running the buy 2 get one free thing, but I paid a total of 19 dollars and a few cents, including shipping, for 3 Pilates dvd's. My preference is for the "stott" type...there are a number of flavors to choose from, and I've found the pace of the stott items to be just right for me, and the woman who is giving directions is careful to take it slow for those who don't yet have good muscle strength or stamina. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 I just looked it up on the www.bn.com website, and the one that is my favorite is called "pain free posture". http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/pro...BFI&frm=0&itm=8in addition to that, I have:http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/pro...BFI&frm=0&itm=4I also like one that is in 10 minute clips, but the instructor sometimes goes fast for me. http://video.barnesandnoble.com/search/pro...BFI&frm=0&itm=2I hope you find something that works well for you... Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingLight Posted July 15, 2005 Report Share Posted July 15, 2005 slow and steady is good! thanks for the pilates links.ernie...my treadmill is sorta kinda collecting dust. it's downstairs and i can't do the stairs. and, if i get to walk a bit, i want to get the frest air (as i don't have the wheelchair excursions that you do!) and since i don't faint, i don't have to worry about going a couple of minutes away from the house...and, well, i have asher and he has to walk to get his bowels moving! he-he. i usually leave that up to mom though! ha! but, it sounds like for you, staying inside with a piece of equipment is better in case you do faint or feel like you are going to faint!i'm just rambling here...i really have not a clue which is better. i'm impressed that you are going to try these things! i just do a little yoga or a little walk. that's about it right now. i've been away from pplace so much lately, that i am just enjoying checking in with everyone!later alligator!!!! happy exercising! emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted July 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2005 Hi,Thanks girls for your advice. I am going shopping tomorrow and I will consider what you have told me. I am all excited about it. Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calypso Posted July 16, 2005 Report Share Posted July 16, 2005 I bought an elliptical trainer about four months ago. I haven't used it too much only because the weather has been nice, so I walk outside. But I really like it. It's very low-impact on the joints, and I feel like it makes me less dizzy than a treadmill. When I get off a treadmill, I feel like the entire ground is moving for the next 10 minutes and like I am going to fall down. The elliptical makes my legs feel tired, but that's all.I think it's great that you feel up to handling either of the two machines. I am thinking of your fainting issues, and I also think it might be better to do the elliptical because if you faint, you wouldn't be on a surface that's still moving (i.e., a treadmill).Good luck with your purchase!Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted July 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2005 Hi,I just came back from my shopping. I tried different machines and bought a treadmill which has a slope from 0 to 10? and speed from 0.1 mph to 10 mph. There is also a key to plug in the control with the other end attached to me and if I faint the machine automatically stops.I will get it next week. I am sure that will help me get more upright time and it will also help with my cardiovascular.As you know when I leave the house I use my wheelchair so I need a little bit of exercise. I plan to start 5 minutes every day and work my way up to maybe 30 minutes or more if my body can manage it.I also want to alternate between the recumbent bike and the treatmill because of my joint pain. This way I will not use the same muscles and joints every day and hopefully be able to train more.I will keep you posted on my progress.Thanks again for your help.Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingLight Posted July 17, 2005 Report Share Posted July 17, 2005 Ernie,You go girl! I am very, very impressed. You will be doing more than I do, that is for sure! I think I make it seven minutes or so outside! EEEEEKKKKK! I've got a LONG ways to go!Do keep us posted on your progress! Emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted July 17, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2005 Sweet Emily,My doctor suggested I do "more" exercises since I am mostly in my wheelchair when I am out of the house. When I am at home I am a couch potato. Since I know that my disorder is genetic I also know there is no cure so I have to adapt my lifestlyle as much as possible to my limits and try to postpone being bedridden again.I have been doing a bit better since I got my CPAP. I don't know what is the link but I am glad it is helping me.I have a few more specialists line up, including Dr Grubb in a few weeks, so never know I might make a few more steps ahead.Keeping my fingers crossed.Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted July 18, 2005 Report Share Posted July 18, 2005 ernie-i missed weighing in on which machine but just wanted to send you encouragement & congrats on your exercise efforts. i've been doing the recumbant bike at a cardio rehab program and can't fathom doing anything upright these days. i think it's great that you're staying on top of the exercise to "combat" wheelchair use & it's a good reminder for me to keep doing the same. hope things go well when the treadmill is delivered...remember to be patient with your body...slow & steady wins the race :-)melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roselover Posted July 18, 2005 Report Share Posted July 18, 2005 Ernie!!! You're such an inspiration!! I've been thinking the same thing... I need some exercise and I've thought about the recumbent bike too. When I was in the hospital a few weeks ago, an OT gave me a catalouge with lots of things in it, but one was a pedaling machine that I thought could be attached to an incline board and I could lay on the ground and pedal. It was cheaper than a recumbent bike. They also gave me some therabands and I've been working my muscles right from my recliner! That's making a big difference!Keep us updated on how it goes!~Roselover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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