PFC Samuel B.3494979<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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!How well would training on an elliptical help with actually running?2018-03-29T22:41:26-04:00PFC Samuel B.3494979<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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!How well would training on an elliptical help with actually running?2018-03-29T22:41:26-04:002018-03-29T22:41:26-04:001SG Private RallyPoint Member3495043<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Improving your run generally consists of two parts: increasing your aerobic capacity and conditioning your muscles to running. If you have a chance to run, do things like sets of sprints or 30-60s. If you feel a need to workout indoors, I highly recommend using a rowing machine. It will provide an aerobic workout as well as condition leg and core muscles.Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2018 11:18 PM2018-03-29T23:18:13-04:002018-03-29T23:18:13-04:00CPT Private RallyPoint Member3495050<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2018 11:19 PM2018-03-29T23:19:03-04:002018-03-29T23:19:03-04:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member3495141<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>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.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2018 12:34 AM2018-03-30T00:34:02-04:002018-03-30T00:34:02-04:00SPC Private RallyPoint Member3496019<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Elliptical is a good low-impact exercise for recovery days, but as stated above, it is no replacement for actual running.Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2018 9:52 AM2018-03-30T09:52:29-04:002018-03-30T09:52:29-04:00LCDR Private RallyPoint Member3496700<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It's certainly beneficial-You're getting your heart rate up, using the primary groups and training to a pace. However, my personal preference (back when I did a LOT of running) was to blend an even mix of track, trail and elliptical. "Cross Country" running builds a variety of other strengths; I used to run a route that took me over roads, across fields, sand, and even included a short swim. While forward deployed, options were limited, but we created a "route" that included obstacles and other challenges. Speed is important, but so is endurance and the ability to adapt to "unexpected" terrain changes.Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2018 1:03 PM2018-03-30T13:03:02-04:002018-03-30T13:03:02-04:00SGT Dave Tracy3496716<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A good machine in its own right, but not as a substitute for running if that's your hope.Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 30 at 2018 1:07 PM2018-03-30T13:07:35-04:002018-03-30T13:07:35-04:00SFC Christopher Taggart3496821<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PV2 Baytan, it doesn't, it just helps with keeping the "love handles" down. To lower your running time, just keep running. Looking at your picture, you probably have no problem with that. lolResponse by SFC Christopher Taggart made Mar 30 at 2018 1:43 PM2018-03-30T13:43:25-04:002018-03-30T13:43:25-04:00SSgt Dan Montague3497182<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not as well as running. You are not building the same muscle endurance on the elliptical as you would running.Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 30 at 2018 4:08 PM2018-03-30T16:08:24-04:002018-03-30T16:08:24-04:002018-03-29T22:41:26-04:00