Rich on Running: Making the elliptical argument

One way to cope with cold weather outside is to run inside. And one helpful way to run inside is on an elliptical machine.This winter, I started walking/running on the elliptical. (Thanks to the friendly staff at the Lynn YMCA for all their help!) For me, it feels more secure than a treadmill. It can also leave your legs feeling like they?ve just finished a cross country race at Lynn Woods.Basically, all you have to do to start the machines at the Y is step into the pedals, hold on to the grips and move your feet up and down.There are different workouts – cardio, hill climb, aerobic – and different levels of exertion. The machine can also calculate how many calories you?ve burned, your speed and your distance. It even gives feedback. I felt a bit crestfallen when it basically informed me that my strides needed work.I?ve seen people working out in various ways. Some seem to start slow and build up to a faster pace. Others apparently have been moving fast from the get-go. I have experimented with slow to less-slow paces, and if I ever go faster than anticipated, I feel kind of like Mickey Mouse in “The Sorcerer?s Apprentice” when he realizes he?s in over his head.I guess you can challenge yourself, seeing if you can go for longer distances than your last effort, or to see how fast you can go. But I wouldn?t push the pedals too far or too fast … or get caught up too much in what those blinking red numbers say.One potential plus for an elliptical is that it could beat running on hard surfaces.?Using an elliptical machine is generally considered low impact,” Dr. Edward R. Laskowski writes on the Mayo Clinic website. “An elliptical machine might be a good alternative to jogging, whether on a treadmill or outside. An elliptical trainer shouldn?t cause knee pain if you?re using it correctly. You may experience knee pain, though, if you have an underlying knee problem, such as degenerative arthritis.”So, if the cold is making you averse to running outside, you don?t have to feel bad if you want to stay inside. Just hop off the couch and step onto an elliptical.