if i get a cheap elliptical will it work well if i use it long enough and get my heart rate up?

Question

i want to get this 200 dollar elliptical machine. its all i can afford and its small enough to fit in my room. but i dont really want to spend that much money on something that wont produce results. yadidamean?
do you think if i use it and keep my heart rate up for like 40 minutes a few days a week and diet it will help me lose weight?
im worried that since it doesnt have settings to make it more challenging that after a while it will become too easy and stop producing results or something...
what do you think?

hmmmm

Answer 1

Yeah... sounds like a good idea!

As long as it doesn't turn into a clothes rack.

If you can workout to your target heart rate, then go and get one. Even if you don't, it's better than sitting on the couch. Ask the salesperson if you can use it before you buy it. You should be able to tell if it will work to get your heart rate up.

If you do buy it, see if you have a used sporting goods store around. If you max out the machine's capability, you may be able to sell the old one, and pick up another one for less than the new one.

Answer 2

Any exercise that you will stick with is good. Those cheap exercise machines are good in theory but you are right. It may be too awkward to use the machine and you will simply end up having a $200 clothes' hanger. Consider, instead, some other type of activity. Try walking or running - these are generally free. Take the $200 and join a gym. Buy a good bicycle.

The most imporant thing to remember, however, is that anything that gets you moving is good. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Ellipticals are good machines. If you go to a gym, the majority of people use them. It will get your heart rate up, especially if it has the option to increase the level making it harder to do. I can get my heart rate up pretty high on it. I have had better results from the elliptical than I have the treadmill. Perhaps you should try one somewhere before you buy? Good luck.