Anyone using an Elliptical machine during the winter or even summer to help with cycling? got any idea how much the Elliptical will help compared to squats or weight lifting?

Ellipticals are great, but I never could manage to get a good workout on one. That was probably mostly mental, as I found it very difficult to keep at it for any length of time.

Conversely, I'm giving indoor rowing (ConceptII) a shot this winter because the workout seems more comprehensive, more intense, and (most importantly) holds my attention better. Since I'm in southern California, I will be biking right through the winter, but I plan to row once, maybe twice, per week.

Elliptical detrainers are a waste of time. Use a stationary bike or run, both of which are better workouts.

Buy the right winter clothes and run. Be sure to warm up sufficiently.

I've got both an elliptical and rowing machine at home.

The elliptical is good for an aerobic workout and does require you to move all limbs at once in a non-impact don't strain yourself kind of way. When going nuts on it I can just use my legs to simulate standing cycling. It's a stretch, but the motion is pretty close. I think it's more therapeutic 'recovery' exercise. If my wife didn't adore it, I wouldn't have it, though.

The rower is different. It's mostly upper body, particularly for a cyclist, and as such is not only a good workout in general but a fabulous compliment to cycling as well. You can also use some machines as resistance trainers. Get the rower, a trainer, and a nice set of dumbells, but don't forget to actually head outside for some 'real' exercise outside the lab.

I have an ellipitical and actually love it.

I don't use it in place of cycling or a trainer, which I also have. It's main advantage is aerobic. It helps me maintain an aerobic base. The trainer is used for cycling specific workouts.

In reality, all indoors exercise is crap compared to cycling outdoors. The ellipitical helps add variation to the mix. I'm thinking of also getting rollers for variation.

Don't know if you live in an area with snow, but snow shoes are a killer workout. Don't require the finesse of cross country skis. I would second running and any other activity outdoors, but I hate to be inside.

I just can't get my head around how an Elliptical machine could provide any exercise benefit at all ... it strikes me that very slowly strolling around the block would be more beneficial. But then, when I've gone to gyms that have them, the people on them are moving at about 1 stride every 10 seconds while flipping through their magazines.

My winter plan may involve any of the following:

-- lots and lots of brisk walking while carrying a heavy backpack of books. I've been averaging about 20 kms a week for the past 4 weeks, so far.

-- cycling outside ... as much as I can! In about a month, it may only happen on weekends, but that's OK.

-- cycling inside ... I've got a fluid trainer, and I plan to use it several evenings a week.

-- spinning classes ... if I can co-ordinate one or two classes with my schedule, I'll do that from either November to February or maybe just January and February.

-- weightlifting ... I have to figure out what to do about a gym. I'm kind of living two places right now and have to decide which city I want to get a gym membership in.

-- winter sports ... I've got all the equipment for cross country skiing and snowshoeing ... I just have to get out there. I have to find some places to go, and maybe people to go with.


Today is beautiful, so I've got to go for a ride now! :)

I just can't get my head around how an Elliptical machine could provide any exercise benefit at all ... it strikes me that very slowly strolling around the block would be more beneficial. But then, when I've gone to gyms that have them, the people on them are moving at about 1 stride every 10 seconds while flipping through their magazines. :)

Maybe this is why I was slammed so hard about using an elliptical machine in my post about my training.

The elliptical that I use I set at a resistance of 6 - 8, and run at an elevation from 7 -10. My slower minutes are at 170 - 180 strides per minute and then I do work at 200 SPM and up to 230 SPM. My heart rate does not go up to the same numbers as my runs on the treadmill, but it does get my heart rate into a decent aerobic workout.

No, I don't read a book or a magazine. I usually have the news on, and try to catch what they are saying, but I do the same thing when I am running on the treadmill.

I mix in ellipticals now and then and seem no worse for wear. I don't care for the arm motion so I hold the handles directly in front of the display and focus on my legs. Crank the resistance and hammer away. I've never walked away wondering if I did anything.

VanceMac is right on with the Concept II erg (rowing machine). Rowing is about 70% legs and 20% back. Arms are there pretty much just to connect all those muscles to the oars*. If you think I'm not quite right on this, take a look at top-level oarsmen. Awesome aerobic or anaerobic workout, depending on your pace. That said, I'm not sure if it works the "right" muscles for cycling. I try to alternate between rowing, spinning, the cycle trainer during the winter months.

*I mean rowing crew where the oarsman has a sliding seat, not a rowboat, where the oarsman's butt is stationary on a fixed seat.

I agree with .ks, I never get off the elliptical wondering if I worked out or not. I am usually drenched in sweat and have a lot of sweat to clean off the machine and the floor.