The Do You Work Out Zone

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hi, folks!

I am in the market for a new elliptical.

I am looking at either the Livestrong 10.0 or the Sole E25 (possible 35).

I can't decide which "feel" I like better when I have tried them in the stores.

The 10.0 has a slightly heavier flywheel and maybe 2 more programs, so they are comparable.

Price is the same.

What I like about the Livestrong is the Q-factor is 0, while the Q-factor of the Sole is 2. For those that don't know, this means that the pedals are closer together on the Livestrong, which they say is more similar to the natural way we walk. I believe that most ellipticals have a 2 on the Q-factor. I have never used an elliptical before, so I don't know which would be more comfortable/if this is an issue for users.

Questions:

1) Has anyone ever used either of these machines?

2) Has anyone ever felt like the pedals should be closer together (assuming most machines are not at a 0 in Q-factor (whatever that stands for?) when using an elliptical?

I am going to cross post this on the healthy weight loss b/c I think that there are elliptical users there. I am assuming this is ok, Admin (Linus?), as it is not a discussion topic.

Also...sorry one more question. When at the store I was in running shoes. I kind of felt like my feet were sliding forward on all machines. I am wondering if this is common and also if people use cross trainers (remember those?), instead of running shoes due to this problem (since running shoes have a bit of a heel). I am planning on going back with a pair of cross trainers on my feet.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

ETA: I am off to work, so will check back later.

1. I have used a variety of ellipticals but I cannot say for certain if either of those were one of the ones I've tried.

2. I've never had a conscious thought of 'Oh, I wish these pedals were closer to together!', no. Have some been more comfy than others, of course. My issues stem less with the pedals and more with the arms, as my arms are very short and most machines are built for the average to above average heighted person, who usually has average to longer than average arms and I tend to pull on my back and shoulders in uncomfortable ways trying to work on those types of machines.

3. Yes, you will slide forward while using the machines. I found that some of them did it less and that the sliding that did occur was more gradual, but it will happen. Sometimes I let it go. Sometimes I adjusted my step when I noticed my feet sliding. Sometimes I wedged a hand towel or cloth in the toe of each pedal/shoe on the elliptical.

Try to remember to work the machines standing straight and not hunched over. The pull should be at your hips and not your knees.