Sunday, September 16, 2007

Talking to Myself
Exercising on the Elliptor

It is a sign of a dull nature to occupy oneself deeply in matters that concern the body; for instance, to be over much occupied about exercise, about eating and drinking, about easing oneself, about sexual intercourse.
Epictetus (c. 55–c. 135), Greek Stoic philosopher

I wish there was some sort of competition on elliptical machines. I’d like to know how I compare to others. It gets rather difficult to continually race one’s self. However, in order to do try and better my last numbers I sometimes assemble music that will get me moving quicker.


My most recent numbers were for 30 minutes, ramp level 6, which also works the quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings and calves. I set the level for resistance for either 12 or 13 depending on how much energy I have. I burn 512 calories (which doesn’t really mean too much because that varies with age and weight, and it is just an estimate on these machines anyway, but what else do I have for comparison?), travel a distance of 3.26 miles, heart rate reaches a max of 171.

I attribute any gains to the music I select. I arranged the iPod exercise play list Saturday morning for battle. I rocked out pulling the levers and pushing pedals looking like a crazy maniac as listened to:

Vertigo – U2
Eat the Rich – Aerosmith
Big Ten-Inch Record – Aerosmith
Sweet Hitch-Hiker – John Fogerty
Falling in Love (is hard on the knees) – Aerosmith
Travelin’ Band – John Fogerty
Hey Tonight – John Fogerty
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out – Bruce Springsteen
Baby, Please Don’t Go – Aerosmith
Centerfield – John Fogerty
Pink – Aerosmith
I Bet you Look good on the Dance Floor – Arctic Monkeys

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Them elliptical machines are the worst! I'd do five times as long on the rowing machine, or the treadmill, or anything, rather than use one of them. Sheer torture. But then, I guess that's why they're there.

Anonymous said...

Are you certain there isn't an elliptical trainer competition going on somewhere? The good people of Las Vegas have figured out a way to host "slot tournaments," adding a competitive flair to one of the world's more singular pursuits; surely there's a worthy field of battle looming in your future.

Jack Steiner said...

I very much enjoy the elliptical rider.

The Misanthrope said...

Aurelius, I like the rowing machines too, but the elliptor allows me to be more active.

Teresa, I hate Las Vegas anymore, but if they had something I would be there.

Jack, I have a love hate relationship with it.