Posted on Mar 29, 2018
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I’ve been using an elliptical for some time now, just doing about 1-2 miles at a time for cardio and running a pace of about 5:40 per mile. I was wondering how well that would translate to actually running 1 mile outdoors or 2 miles for the APFT. Any other fitness/training advice would be appreciated!
APFT
Fitness
Running
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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Elliptical is a good low-impact exercise for recovery days, but as stated above, it is no replacement for actual running.
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In my humble opinion, as long as you are doing cardio and pushing yourself, then that helps. I HATE FRIGGIN RUNNING, however, I do it because it keeps me somewhat thin and is good for the heart. And I simply refuse to be a fatty. I've had times where I've done nothing but used a treadmill for a couple of months a couple of times per week and improved my run time on the APFT. Every person's body is different and my upper body strength is what gets me the most points on the APFT, so I don't focus so much on my cardio training for the points and still achieve well over a 250 easily, and I'm fine with that. Doing interval training on a treadmill for a couple of miles is sometimes all I need to improve my run time. I mainly run outside on beautiful sunny days, only. I say don't over think it, just run, brother. Then run some more, either inside or outside.
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SFC (Join to see)
Oh, and if you aren't already, use a stop watch so you can pace yourself on the APFT. I'm 38 friggin years old and I set mine for a certain time and make sure I complete the run before my stop watch hits zero. The mind is a powerful tool.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SFC (Join to see) - I used a stair climber for years to keep in aerobic shape for the APFT while I was in the National Guard. No place to run that was safe around where I lived, especially since my workout time was early in the morning before work, so I hit the stair climber. I was at the point that I was at the maximum settings for both resistance and time, and it kept my run time still in that 85 or better range. And hell yes, a stop watch helps. You should be able to figure out what pace you need to be on and the stop watch helps keep your mind right about it.
I was 27 when I enlisted, so I feel your pain.
I was 27 when I enlisted, so I feel your pain.
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SFC (Join to see)
I went on the stair climber once, never again. That thing kicked my ass after like 10 minutes.
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I think they can be used as an effective rehab tool if you're coming back from injury or simply trying to give your legs a break from the impact of running, but I wouldn't use it as a replacement for running.
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