Elliptical Trainer?

[Justin]

Hey Everyone,

I am contemplating using the elliptical trainer at the gym. However, I'm nervous that it might be too soon (time-wise) and too much on my spine / sacroiliac joints. I definitely don't want to go in reverse, as I am doing so well.

Are there any Members incorporating elliptical training in their post-op routines? Just curious.

I guess I'll give it a try later this week and report back how things go.

[dalhousie]

Hi Justin,

I've been using an elliptical trainer from 3 months post ADR without any ill effects. For my build (tall & slim) my specialist recommends the static bike, elliptical trainer or a stepper machine. He dislikes treadmills due to the impact. He doesn't like rowers which he says are not suitable for my build but more suited for someone stocky. He pointed out that most of the British Olympic rowing team have had to undergo major spine surgeries.

I noticed a post on SPS where someone (can't remember who) had been warned off elliptical trainers by their surgeon saying it contributed to DDD. I think it might have been the shearing action but not sure. I checked with my surgeon when I saw him 2 weeks ago & he disagreed with this so I'm still using it.

Have you any plans to got back to college? I'm hoping to return in September as that is when the new academic year starts & my fitness should be a lot better by then .

Take it easy in the gym & test the waters out first.

[ajj1001]

I used it 10 - 12 months post 2 level adr as part of my rehab (was the second aerobic activity after starting swimming first). It went really well. Started off using mainly my arms to power it gently on the easiest setting. I used the really good ones at the gym that "flowed" and did not jar anything. It really helped rebuild my fitness.

My new physio has mentioned it as maybe be the long term goal in my fusion rehab but I'm not holding my breath! I am mainly targetting swimming as my goal.

[Justin]

Thanks for the feedback!

[Terry Newton]

I have used an elliptical trainer for several years both before the surgery and after. I do not think there has been any adverse effects from using the machine and think that it aids in the overall fitness.

[wendyayers]

Hi Justin, I'm 7 weeks out (3 level disc replacement) ad I used it last week-n problems...hooray