What is the proper use for an elliptical trainer?

I have read that going backwards is hard on the knees. Should I use a lower resistance when reversing motion?

When I take a stride, I have a tendency to raise my heels as the pedal comes up. Should I resist that?

What cadence is appropriate as a beginner (assuming the same resistance level)? 60 RPM, 70 RPM, etc.

Thanks for the advice.

That is very interesting. I have never heard that going backwards on an elliptical machine caused knee problems. Going in reverse on an elliptical machines just changes up the muscle groups you are working and going backwards helps change up the routine and prevents your feet from going numb (for those who have that problem).

You should go as fast or slow, and at as much resistance as you feel comfortable. It is important to make sure you have the correct posture on a machine too. That could be why some people experience knee strain but I love to go backwards on an elliptical machine and have never had a problem. I don't tend to lower the resistance, if that helps, but I usually exercise to random interval programs so it changes often. If you are having problems you can't correct maybe it is best if you do not. Good luck to you.

I have been using an elliptical for about a year now. I use a program that varies the resistance and the speed that I should go. This seems to work pretty good. I think the goal to aim for is to increase my heart rate to a cardio stage based on my age and weight. I have noticed two things about using the elliptical. First, if I lean backwards, I work my glutes more, if I lean forward I work my thighs more. Second, when I increase the resistance I build more strength in the leg muscles even though I am going slower to maintain a cardio heart rate.

Didn't know about going backwards helps with numb feet. I have that problem. does anyone know why it happens.

Because elliptical machines are low impact, you don't actually move your feet very much. Even though you are exercising, your feet stay in one position, and after long periods of time you start to feel some sense of numbness. Articulating foot pedals are supposed to help but I think it still tough to avoid if you don't consciously remember to move your feet around. Wiggling your toes, and changing where you are putting all your pressure (rocking back and forth from heal to toe) and even changing up your movement to go in reverse, can help prevent this. It's best to try to remember to get some movement in your feet before the numbness sets in.

I used to have numb feet on my Octane Fitness elliptical machine after about 12 minutes but I'm pretty good about using these tricks to prevent it and can get through a 60 minute workout without and numbness in my feet.

If that doesn't work, maybe the elliptical machine isn't a good fit for you.

i spend about 60mins on the cross trainer and l find that l need to have my shoe laces very lose otherwise my feet go numb i also change my foot position regularly to stop the numbness. i also get hot pain on bottom on feet whcih can also be stopped if you move your feet

I would like to put my 2 cents in to the question: Rear drive vs. front drive - Dose it matter?

It's all about feel, no matter where the drive is. What does matter is the overall size and the consumer's room space constraints since many rear-drive ellipticals (the ones with the mechanism in the back covered by a large shroud) can be quite demanding of space. Ellipticals with a front drive – the foot platforms seem to just hang out from the shroud under the console – can take less space, but it's also important that customers are aware of the moving platforms can endanger small kids or animals if they get too close when someone is on the elliptical working out. That risk can be minimized simply by telling the consumer to place the elliptical appropriately in the room so a pet or child cannot slip behind a user without his or her knowledge.