Which is better? I feel the eliptical could cause more injuries because it isn't flexible enough. Which is more similar to running?
Which is better? I feel the eliptical could cause more injuries because it isn't flexible enough. Which is more similar to running?
Pool running. Elliptical machines generally require your foot to flex somewhat, which is a no-no with a stress fracture. It also isn't very much like running.
I 2nd pool running - just make sure you're working hard and don't use the belt as long as you're decently form-fit
I'm a fan of the eliptical, can get the heartrate sky high and a good burn. And it's not as boring as pool running.
Ha. I can never get my HR up with the elliptical but can in the pool.
Do a combination of things, get your overall fitness really high. Swim, bike, Pool Running, Elliptical.
You could really do 2 a days for one hour each with those and be in good shape when you return to running.
Hit the stairmaster. It will give you a huge aerobic base and make you stronger for hill running. I had a metatarsal stress fracture and was off 8 weeks. I did the stairmaster 2 hours a day. I also dropped a few lbs. Within 2 weeks back running, I was at the level when I got hurt. Six weeks later, my 5k was 30 sec faster than last year. My resting heart rate went from 50's to low 40's and now 2 1/2 months later is 39.
The only downside is you have to watch if your knees start to ache as your quads get stronger. You may have to do some extensions and flexions to keep everything balanced.
The stairmaster kept me in such good shape, I now do it rather than recovery or easy runs. I get the same aerobic and calorie burning benefit without the pounding. Rather than 60-65 miles I ran last summer, I am running a far more intense 40 as well as training another 5-6 hours (equivelant to 40-48 miles) on the stairmaster. I am not only running much faster, I have no aches and pains like I had last year.