Hey :)
My mum is mid 60's, in pretty good health with average fitness.
I was wondering if an elliptical trainer would be a good way for her to lose weight & tone up a little.
Would this be too hard an item to use? is there something easier that would be more suited for the older individual?
(she tried one and felt pain in her upper thighs/knees, I tried to explain it's just cause it worked out muscles she's not used before and we all get that to begin! hah)
2007-03-26 10:38:39 · 4 answers · asked by prettyh8masheen 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
It would be just fine, since they give a low-impact cardiovascular workout, and it will not hurt her knees. An elliptical cross trainer is comparable to a treadmill in its exertion of leg muscles and the heart. However, because the user's limbs remain in continuous contact with the machine, its operation limits the dynamic loading of bones and joints to generally harmless levels. This non-impact aspect appeals to those with recent injuries, chronic knee problems, and the obese, who cannot tolerate a treadmill. Ellipticals produce an intermediate range of leg motion between that of stationary bikes and treadmills
2007-03-26 10:45:59 · answer #1 · answered by AMBER D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure she warms up Properly before doing any exercise. Lots of joint mobility work and simple stretches. Due to the older age and previous lack of exercise it will be harder for her to get the muscles warm and synovial fluids viscous enough for exercise. 10 - 15 mins is normal for an older adult.
Very easy exercise to begin with, even if she wants to go for it. Many older adults sometimes feel they need to prove their worth at fitness and give it their all to begin with, explain she can do that later!
A rower or an elliptical trainer should be fine. Get her to stretch fully after the exercise though!
2007-03-26 22:11:25 · answer #2 · answered by harry_the_monk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like my elliptical, though I'm younger than your mom. I've found it's better for me to go at a walking pace, rather than trying to go for a hard jog on it. Suggest she start with 1/4-1/2 of a mile and work her way up, but go slowly
2007-03-26 10:45:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what about a rebounder, starting with walking and then slow jogging. The pressure on knees is minimil.
2007-03-29 22:17:32 · answer #4 · answered by tanzanite 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋