swimming vs elliptical?

vp911 · 08-Dec-05, 02:22 PM

I was involved in an auto accident a few months ago and I can't really go running anymore - so I am trying to find a new way to get my cardio workout in. I am trying to figure out how effective swimming is at burning calories compared to using an elliptical? TIA

**MostMuscle** · 08-Dec-05, 02:34 PM

Depending on the nature of your injuries I would go with swimming. Very little stress on the joints and can also help your flexiblity. On the flip side, it is very hard to accurately judge workrate with different factors such as stroke type etc although you may be able to get a heart rate monitor that works in water (not sure) which will make it much easier for you to track your workrate.

Make sure you couple your swimming with some weight-bearing activities to slowly strengthen your bone/joints.

vp911 · 08-Dec-05, 02:36 PM

Thanks -

What type of weight activities would you suggest? I was just thinking about a HRM to track the workout - but I am not sure about where to even look for one.

**MostMuscle** · 08-Dec-05, 02:45 PM

The weight-bearing activities could range from walking to resistance training, again depending on your injuries. If you went through therapy, they should let you know what activities you can or cannot do.

Save some cash and look for a Polar heart rate monitor on ebay! If you don't like the online things, you could try Sports Authority or Dick's Sporting Goods, although you will pay more. Make sure you research them and make sure they are water proof (not water resistant).

vp911 · 08-Dec-05, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MostMuscle

The weight-bearing activities could range from walking to resistance training, again depending on your injuries. If you went through therapy, they should let you know what activities you can or cannot do.

Save some cash and look for a Polar heart rate monitor on ebay! If you don't like the online things, you could try Sports Authority or Dick's Sporting Goods, although you will pay more. Make sure you research them and make sure they are water proof (not water resistant).

Therapy only made my back worse. Injuries - my back simply hurts. I was told by the doctors I can do anything I want - I think they are idiots as there must be something wrong since my back has only been killing me since the auto accident.

I have heard only good things about Polar - but my problem was that they have that annoying chest strap. I havn't been able to find a HRM that will get your pules from your wrist. I just make the assumption there is no such device?

Thanks for your help

**Lady C** · 08-Dec-05, 02:57 PM

From my experience, any HRM that does not have a chest strap are not accurate or simply don't work right. Polar has models you can use in water but they are more expensive.

heavyliftn · 08-Dec-05, 08:55 PM

Swimming is what I am doing for my disc problems right now.