Quote:
Originally Posted by DapperButch
Kelt, I assume it is adding your body weight to the mix on the steps and elliptical that makes the difference. It is not the same on the bicycles. You have to start working harder right away. The stairs more than the elliptical. That is why it is the winner (I think I am making this whole thing up, but it sounds logical).
I have never liked the stairs because it isn't sustainable for me. I don't like the treadmill because the arches in my feet hurt and my arms aren't getting any resistance. The bike just doesn't get up the heart rate and I burn less calories (plus, again, no workout for the arms). We don't have an Arc at my gym, so it is the elliptical for me. I'm happy with it.
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Spot on, it is the increased body weight for the actual HR. I'm certain that the perception of effort on the bikes is because that set of muscles isn't used to being used that way. Using the weak set makes it feel harder, when the cardio reality is different (for me).
It's that bit about perception I found to be interesting. I also know a really good way to strengthen my quads and lower legs now.
Just get on a bike.
Now I'm just going to do the battle of the elliptical and the Arc to see which wins. I'm struggling to sustain my attention in a gym, I gotta make it a wager or something with myself.