I thought of an interesting question today, and I wanted to know if anyone had the answer. Why is it that I can do a eliptical machine for over an hour at 75% of my heart rate, but when I run on the street, its takes me only 5 minutes or less till my breathing is so heavy that I have to slow down to a walk. Anyone might know the answer?
I’m not sure, but maybe it’s because you’re running faster on the street when you don’t have the numbers on the machine to pace yourself. That’s what usually happens to me. I think I’m going at a gentle jog, but it turns out I’m really going much faster.
Also, the eliptical is designed to be lower-impact (I believe) and help you through the motions. Maybe it’s just an easier exercise than walking unassisted, and therefore you need to… slow down! *grin*
One more thing: what’s the weather like where you are? Weather can have a *huge* impact on exertion rates.
I agree with Julie, its less impact. Think about how much more work your body does without the assistance of the machine. Great that you are doing both the running and the elliptical.
I thought of an interesting question today, and I wanted to know if anyone had the answer. Why is it that I can do a eliptical machine for over an hour at 75% of my heart rate, but when I run on the street, its takes me only 5 minutes or less till my breathing is so heavy that I have to slow down to a walk. Anyone might know the answer?
I figured it had to do with impact, but I was just wondering why I have such trouble with keeping my breath. The question I have now is, which one is a better exercise to help stimulate fat loss?
Hi Skyler,
I started running (on the street) 3 weeks ago, and 5 minutes is all I can do every morning without slowing down. Now I’m not the fittest person in the world, but I swim and dance at least twice a week, so I was stunned to find out 5 minutes is all I can do!
If you think about it, on an exercise machine you only have to put in half the effort, because the machine carries the foot you put down (does that make sense?) which is also why it has less impact. I thought it might have something to do with the air as well, air conditioned gym versus outside air?
At the end of the day, I know I can make up all the excuses I want, but I’ll be happy if I can run 10 minutes without stopping by September. Just as long as there’s some progress, that’s the most important thing.
Hope you’re still running!
As for your question of fat loss, I won’t pretend to be an expert there, but apparently rollerblading is a good one, and fun too!
I used to teach craxy one hour spinning (cycling) classes 3X a week and still found that I could not run near as much. Also, i can do high resistance elliptical for an hour as well...still running was hard. I started to noitce afew things for myself....when i ran, i held my body ridgid (tight back, shoulders arms and hands) and that was zapping me, I wasnt standing upright...but rather leaning foward, which again was zapping me. Also, i wasnt taking in relaxing full slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. I would breath shallow and sometimes even hold breath too long. So I tried to stand tall, run on my heals, and constantly check in that shoulders, arms and hands were low and loose...(even my jaw, actually) I started rythmically breathing: In for 4 through the nose, out for 4 through the mouth....(since then i dont pay attention to the breathing as it has just become natural) and i moved my focus to paying attention to the podcast/song i was listening to, to take away from stressing that i was fatiquing early.
Running has way more impact than anything. The striking and absorbing of your legs and feet have got to be part of it. I have never really studied running....but these are things that i think worked for me....and I have noticed an improvement. Try out The Podcast called “Podcasts for Running” It is by a guy who wants to start running again, and he walks you through some progressive interval runs. (set to music)
Good Luck, and i will check back too, as i am looking to increase my running stamina
Ever tried wearing a HR monitor? I imagine running is a much more aerobically demanding cardio exercise than anything that uses equipment. I bet if you compared HR rates during different types of exercise you would find running to be at the top of the list.
Skyler, one other factor may be that your breathing is less relaxed with the impact of running, or that your thinking, fueled perhaps by the visual stimulation of jogging in the real world, prevents you from breathing as deeply while running? I know that when I’m learning a new aerobic routine I frequently forget to breathe when my brain’s more consciously engaged. When I know the routine, I throw myself into it harder, with more certainty, but I’m also freed up to breathe. Maybe just me.
After reading Jenn’s post, when I went for my run today, I really concentrated on my breathing. And miraculously, when I got back, I didn’t collapse on the sofa for the first time, and got straight in the shower! Excellent suggestion, thanks Jenn!
I found the wind was my biggest problem when running outside. I went from running indoors on a concrete track to running outside, and I didn’t think it would be a big deal...till that first gust of wind came!
I love running forums like this… I am really finding some peace and satisfaction on the pavement...its becoming Gold time for me…
I’m excited to be around ppl who are doing the same....
