Reached My Limit....?

[ghoniba]

Hi Gang:

I have been using my elliptical trainer for the past 4 years. I have made great gains using this machine. My body fat is down to just about where I want it to be.

My question is this: I am at the highest resistance level on this machine. I recently increased the time spent on the machine from 40 minutes per session to one hour, three times a week to get my body to work a bit harder on the machine and make up for the fact that I have reached the highest resistance level for this machine. I still seem to get a good workout on this elliptical, I am pouring with sweat by the end of the workout and according to the machine I burn around 1100 calories per session.

I am just wondering if this is a good long term approach? Would this be a good time to get a new machine that offers a more challenging workout? The only reason I am not jumping at a new machine is cost, I'll be into the thousands for a new elliptical. (I do love the elliptical, I do not wish to change.)

Just wondered what you guys think? Do I bite the bullet and get a more challenging machine or keep what I have and keep increasing my time spent on the machine? Where does this all end?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated....as always!

Thank you, Glenn

[threenorns]

keep the machine, cut your sessions to every other day, add weight training.

Save your hard-earned money. Lace up the running shoes and doing some serious running, including hills, intervals, etc.

[threenorns]

but the cardio component is already there - what's missing are the weights.

[ghoniba]

Thank you for the replies. I alternate weights with the cardio. I work out six days a week with one day off. Three days weights, three days cardio. Of course the diet is taken very seriously too. I am very happy with the results, just wondered about the elliptical.

I really hate running, too hard on the joints and I almost broke my neck on a patch of ice one day! Called it quits with the running at that point! I can use the elliptical anytime and catch a movie at the same time!

Thank you, Glenn

[CF-OC_gal]

I agree with pierini - switch to intervals.

So you had a bad experience from running. This time run when or where it is not icy, learn how to land your step and get good shoes (I hate "running" too but I love intervals). You could also hop on your bike for interval training or design a circuit of calestenics and BW moves (a la pierini).

In a pinch or bad weather Ive been know to do intervals running up and down the 2 flights of stair in my house.

[ghoniba]

Thank you again for the reply.

Glenn

[Merrida]

No need to run m'dear.....keep your machine. But alas, as the previous have surmised, I'll bring up the rear, so to speak, and agree,......try to incorporate HIIT during your cardio days.

Also, for the record, don't put too much stock in that "calories burned" readout....