Is running on the elliptical machine for an hour and a half twice a day healthy?

Question

I love to run when I got my music on and I do well on the lifetime elliptical machine. I plan to work out 5 days a week on it. I wiIl do about 3 miles on there every 26 minutes. I want to run on the elliptical for 20 miles a day 5 days a week. I plan to do work out videos at home to also tone so I don't lose too much muscle. and do strength training( sit ups and such) My main thing is to have a flat toned stomach( which I know nutrition plays in that so I eat well). I would love to lose 56 lbs by Valentine's day. I want to have a special day and hopeful a date with my good friend whom I love and want to be with. more importantly I want to feel healthy, have great energy and be happier with myself, gain more confidence and enjoy my life. I want to challenge myself. I have great cardio endurance and a lot of time on my hands at school so I want to take advantage of that to the full extent. thanks;-) i plan to go most days at 11 and then again at 3pm. is it healthy to lose 3 lbs a week

Answer 1

I lost 75 pounds a year and a half ago.

You're starting too strong.

3lbs a week is healthy, but expect more like 2lbs a week.

As you work out, your body gets used to what you're doing. So you're going to do these 20 miles a day on the elliptical machine, but you're going to stop seeing results after a few weeks because your body will need more, and you'll have to bump up your routine.

All you need to do is get your heart rate up and keep it up. Why don't you start slower? When I started, I was running 3 miles a day on the elliptical. I bumped it up to 8, then eventually to 12 which is what I still do. You should probably do the same thing.

Also, after awhile, the elliptical will get boring. TRUST ME, IT WILL GET BORING!!!

And when you're running that much... PLEASE EAT. Eat healthy, but YOU NEED CALORIES!!! If you run that much and don't eat enough, you're going to exhaust/dehydrate yourself. Watch your heart rate, if you can. Don't let it get above 180 (healthy weight-loss rate is about 160).

Slow down, and then add a mile or two each week, and you won't plateau. Trust me on this, please!!!

Good luck!

Answer 2

1 1/2 hours twice a day sounds a little excessive. 3 lbs a week is probably healthy, but there will probably be some weeks that you don't lose any - don't get discouraged!