Expert: Ken Alan - 2/14/2008

Question
I have been working out on an elliptical for several months now, and I think that I am very close to needing a more challenging workout than an elliptical can provide. At the same time, however, I do not feel like I am in shape enough to jog/run very fast or far outside. In order to keep challenging my body, I hope to start jogging outside, but I do not know what I should expect to be able to do. That is, how does one's performance on an elliptical compare to the performance at actually jogging?

Answer
Good question.  You don't know how your performance will be with jogging until you do it.  Your muscles are used to the elliptical movement patterns.  Jogging uses your muscles slightly differently.  Also, jogging is an impact activity, while elliptical training is non-impact.

I'd suggest to start off slowly with jogging, just to give your muscles a chance to adapt to it.  Don't try to maintain the same intensity that you now do while using the elliptical trainer.  Then, each time you jog, you can push yourself a little bit harder until you obtain or surpass the intensity you're now performing.  

If you want to do cardio workouts more than every other day, I'd suggest to stay with the elliptical on alternate days.  It's a good idea so that you can keep jogging for a long time while reducing injury potential from the impact of jogging.

Glad you're exercising.  Keep it up.  Hope this helps.