Today was a cross training day for me and as lazy as I was feeling, I decided I'd feel better if I went to the gym. I usually just do the elliptical for 45 minutes or so, but I wanted to jazz things up today so I took some advice from a Runner's World column and did three different machines. Today I did the erg, the elliptical, and another machine that I don't know the name of and can't find online...
Being a former coxswain, I've been around the erg (rowing machine) quite a bit. It drives me crazy when I see people misusing the machine (and abusing their bodies), but who am I to go up and correct their form? (Though honestly, sometimes I really really want to!) Today I just hopped on and did a 2k (not pushing too hard, but I was sweating) and then just did some easy strokes. I spent about 12 minutes on the erg.
Next up I did the elliptical for 28 minutes. I always do a cross training or variety option instead of manual so I get some built-in changes in elevation. I also bump up the resistance to 7 or 8 to make it a more challenging workout. I know a lot of people say the elliptical is boring, but if you do a program and watch something interesting, it's not so bad! It works your arms and different parts of your legs, and it has a lot less impact than a treadmill.
The last machine was part-StairMaster, part-hip adductor machine. It was interesting...not a favorite, but it was good to change it up.
All in all it was a tough workout, and I'm feeling pretty good right now! I'm glad I changed it up and tried something new.
Now for the Valentine's Day festivities! I'll be cooking dinner with a couple of friends - should be tasty!
I am so sorry I didn't even know what your blog was until I saw I was getting clicks from you. HI! I know that part elliptical part stepper whatever it is machine. It is weird and hard to get a rhythm! I do like the elliptical and I read that you can replace a run with it if you keep it at 100-120 RPMs. That reminds me, need to finish Feb's issue of Runners World!
ReplyDeletegreat idea to use different machines. I especially like the elliptical and stairs, which are a lot easier on the joints - also easy to go into brief "sprint mode". pls let me know if you figure out the name of the 'mystery device'...
ReplyDeleteThanks for this amazing share. Cross training is my favorite workout and so I recently bought cross training shoes from the New Balance India website. Check them out.
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