How close is the elliptical to actual running?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:35:03 -0500

Ive been running on the elliptical the past month because of the cold. Is it a good workout to train for the two mile or should I find a new exercise?

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jan 25 at 2019 10:38 AM

SFC Marc W. — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:38:42 -0500

It's good to help maintain a run, as long as you're pushing yourself on it.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jan 25 at 2019 10:59 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:59:05 -0500

it's good exercise, but you should also run on a treadmill. when you do run on the treadmill you should set the incline to mimic running on a road. when i run on my treadmill i need to set the incline at a minimum of 1.5. i have read articles, most recently in runner's world, where marathon runners do their long training runs on a treadmill during bad weather.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 12:29 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 12:29:02 -0500

Better than nothing but definitely not the same. I usually do treadmill work for speed if I don't have a track but nothing beats running to practice for running. Supplement with bike, weights, and plyo.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 1:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 13:09:29 -0500

It all depends on the type of elliptical as far as benefits. Nothing will replace running but if it’s the right one, you can still get majority of the same muscle recruitment and familiarity in the movement. The basic ellipticals are garbage and not very beneficial to anyone in general. There have been several studies to support it but there are others that are specific to running and allow you increase or decrease your stride length to mimic running as best as possible. Theses are very good for those who have knee, foot or ankle issues. You aren’t getting the impact on the bones and joints that running gives upon contact with the ground. These will also allow you to increase or decrease the resistance which proves to be a lot harder than just running with your body weight. The Octane is a very good elliptical machine to use and it has a lot of options like that. The Precore machine is another good one that has 3 different strides to mimic stair walking, jogging and sprinting.

Like everyone has mentioned though, if you can get to a treadmill, that is your best best.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 25 at 2019 1:23 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 13:23:34 -0500

Not as good when you're young. Better when you're older and the knees are near shot.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 2:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:33:07 -0500

It won't do much to improve your two mile, but it will maintain it if you're really pushing it.
I've found the best indoor exercise is shuttle sprints on a turf. Things like versa climber, rower, sled, and bike will help you increase your cardio, but you still need that impact that running gives you or your legs will be toast when you hit the 2 mile test.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jan 26 at 2019 12:23 AM

SGT Chris Stephens — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 00:23:53 -0500

I'm a high-school track and cross country coach and I can say that without a doubt, running on a treadmill is the worst thing you can ever do. Not only is it bad for your knees and your back, the time it takes you to run a mile on it is ludicrous. Ellipticals are okay to use, but they're not ideal. It's nowhere near the same type of movement that you get when you run. While it may be cold outside, you'll warm up by running. I usually find myself wanting to shed some clothes after I've been running for a bit in the cold. Just put on a long-sleeve t-shirt, sweats, a good pair of gloves and a beanie, and you'll be more than fine. Plus, not to mention the better off your lungs will be by training in the cold.

But, if you must train inside, you do need a decent-sized space to get stuff done. A basketball court works fine where you can run along the outside (or anything that has a square look). You can also do sprints on a court. If you go to a gym, look for some type of space where you can do stuff there as well. If there's no space where you're at, you're better off to go outside. I promise you that running on a treadmill or working out on an elliptical will do nothing for you besides a slight boost in your cardiovascular endurance for about 24-48 hours. Get outside. It's better for you. Find a hill in your neighborhood and do hills that way.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2019 7:28 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 07:28:45 -0500

I agree with everyone below. Even pushing to a real high intensity, elliptical or stairs will not give your legs the same impact. I always found sprint intervals on the treadmill with a modest incline to be the better route if you're avoiding the cold. You should really throw in some high intensity cardio circuits too (mountain climbers, jump squats, box jumps, etc.) to keep your legs conditioned and really get your endurance up.

Also, as much as the cold sucks you gotta get out there once or twice a week and keep acclimated and test your 2 mile time. You don't want to risk getting back to warm weather APFT and not being conditioned outdoors.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2019 5:17 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 17:17:30 -0500

Like the others have stated, it is not a replacement for running. Why are you not using a treadmill? Set the incline to 2% and run 2 miles or more. Boom. You're good to go. This is what I have always done and I always run 13 to 14 minute 2 miles for my APFT. Easy breezy.