This may be a dumb question...

[Decker]

But does and elliptical machine count as cross-training on rest days? Just wondering if it is wise or not?

[Bazza1234 Graduate10]

Only your body can answer that question ? Ellipticals don't stress the legs much but I would still try to use the handles as much as possible to move it along. Rowing machine is good for cross-training AND cardio.

[Decker in reply to Bazza1234]

Thanks for the advice Bazza!

[Bazza1234 Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

I would like to add , that for me , "rest" means different things at different times - a rest from running or from daily life? Running 4-5 days per week doesn't really leave much time for anything else - after all we are not training for the Olympics. I have read recommendations regarding general health/fitness that we should all do "something" somewhat moderate to vigorous for 30 minutes 7 days per week. But the running literature talks about rest days - in between running of course. I think that I have in the past gotten a bit carried away with this running thing - and am now thinking that when I get back on the horse, I will be balancing it all a bit differently in the future.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate10]

There are No dumb questions here, we are all learning together. I have used the cross trainer on rest days but it really depends how your body is adapting to your new regime. If your getting up and the muscles are still very achy from you run day I would rest it, maybe just do a gentle walk. I know when I'm training for a HM I have to force myself to have non active days to let the muscles heal and I also had to do that while going through the program our bodies adapt at their own pace and if they are crying out for rest, that is exactly what they want, but on the other hand your bouncing about with new found energy, yes go and put it to some good healthy use 😀.

[Decker]

Thank you Bazza and Realfoodieclub. At the moment 3 days running a week works for me with occasional walking days in between has been working with my lifestyle and other work and family commitments. There have been days when I've pushed too hard and just take an extra day off to recover. But like you say there are other days when you have some extra energy and I thought the elliptical might be a good outlet for that as long as it did not do more harm than good for the old legs. 😀 It is still early days for me as I am only at around 6 or 7k now!

[RalphSS8 Graduate10]

I like to use my elliptical on non running days as the workout it gives is completely different to running. I think the thing is to restrict how long you are on it. I find using it raises my pulse higher than running and I sweat a lot more so around 20 minutes works for me

[Decker in reply to RalphSS8]

Thanks Ralph. I think I'll give it a short shot tomorrow as I have already run this morn. I did the C25k on the elliptical over a winter many years ago before I did the actual c25k outdoor run approach this time around in May. I remember this time thinking " this is nothing like the elliptical!" Not better or worse, just different.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Yes... particularly if using a programme with incline and resistance...but rest days are useful, for rest too... When I did a 10K revisited programme, it stressed the importance of taking some real, rest...with just doing non exercise things...

I used my elliptical cross trainer whilst on the IC, with broken and my legs really felt the benefit!

[Decker in reply to Oldfloss]

That makes sense Floss. If I'm honest, most of my rest days wind up as full rest days usually sitting in front of a computer working :). Thats why I was thinking about the elliptical as we have one in the home already. It's not mine but my wife may let me use it if I ask nicely :).

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

I think it would be useful to you... set it for how you feel it would be most helpful...

I find mine really great.... and on days in winter, when the weather is icy.. you can have one heck of a work out!!!

[Decker]

yes... good point

[davelinks Graduate10]

Yes, you can virtually do anything that's not pounding the legs on rest days, I use a statbike allthough 20- 30 mins on that is enough for me, as gets so boring! but as floss said, handy in the winter..😊

[Decker in reply to davelinks]

Thanks Dave. I get bored sometimes too. But I have a little stand on the elliptical where I kept a tablet to catch up on my Netflix. Maybe I'll do it again this year! 😀

[davelinks Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Yes, I watch TV..😊

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

What on earth is that?