running on an eliptical?

Question

I wonder if there is anything in the world called running on an eliptical. I love running but it does not seem to fit in my hectic schedule. I wonder if using the eliptical will give the same cardio benefit.?
For those who "run" on it. Do you hold the hands or use the legs only putting your hands next to you?

Answer 1

I run on the eliptical trainer. The one I use does have the "ski pole" style hand holds. (Similar to the "Tony Little Gazelle", but it is a full eliptical trainer.) I do hold onto them for several reasons:
1) balance, so I don't fall off.
2) it gives my upper body some exercise as well
3) the handles have a heart rate monitor built in.

I find I can somewhat relax my legs and force just my arms to move the eliptical. So I can alternate back and forth between it being upper body and lower body that I am working out, so I am doing crosstraining this way.