Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Do not buy a cheap elliptical

Hi Beth,

I think it is great that you are gonna try exercise to help with your C, but I would DEFINITELY advise against buying any cheap elliptical machines.
When I wanted to buy an elliptical, I did a lot of research and was planning on buying one that was really inexpensive. I wish I could remember the website address now, but at that time I find a site that gave advice about purchasing your own fitness equiptment. One of the most important things about the elliptical is making sure that it has a long enough "stride". The site gave a number, in measurements, so I will try to find out.. or have a look if you get some time, as my computer has been kinda wonky lately.
The really cheap ones seem to be a lot more up and down, than an actual stride which isn't really the idea for the elliptical.
A friend of mine got a really cheap one, and she just gave it away because it was so bad. It was jerky and as the movements were not AT ALL fluid, it was HARD on the knees, rather than being easy on them like it is supposed to. I tried it and it felt awkward and difficult and not in a good way!

Adrian and I got an elliptical machine at a boxing day sale at a major department store. It is a Nordic track brand, and although I do much prefer the elliptical machines at the gym, it is the best one we found to purchase. It cost us approx. $1000, and that was the sale price which was waaaay reduced for boxing day.

Like Tina said, I would go to a local gym or somewhere with the exercise equiptment and try the elliptical. I think the first few times you go on it, it is sort of a different motion and can feel a little awkward, I suppose. It is hard at first to kinda get into a real good rhythm BUT it gets a lot easier and it really is good for giving you a better workout.. which I imagine would be the most beneficial for getting stuff moving.

I think treadmills are good too, and do tend to be cheaper. As you aren't looking for the most calorie burning and all that, I can't imagine there is a huge difference.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

**hugs**
--Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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