question about cardio machines

[onetallpoppy]

i like to do a halfcardio/half weights work out. i would like to use a running machine but i have very weak ankles from years of injuries and basically they hurt from any hard imapct, ie, running. i was wondering are those eliptical machines at gyms any good. ive tried them but i dont seem to get tired, however my heart rate is quite high. also tried some rowing machines but i think i have to get a better technique. i like to go for around 30mins or so on cardio going about 60-70% pace. can anyone recommend a good machine other than running ones they have had success with

[spudy]

elliptical is pretty good for a low impact workout.
have you considered swimming? its the ganjii

[supa]

put the resistance up on the elliptical until you do get tired! :p

when you say 60-70% pace do you mean 60-70% of your max heart rate, or just 60-70% of as hard as you can go?

yeah rowing machine is a nice place to bork your back/neck if you don't know how to use it. is there someone you can ask?

the only other piece of cardio equipment your gym is sure to have is a bike. spin bike is much more fun, maybe try a class?

also...have you had your ankle injuries checked out properly and do you have a decent pair of runners (asics for lyfe).

[onetallpoppy]

put the resistance up on the elliptical until you do get tired! :p

when you say 60-70% pace do you mean 60-70% of your max heart rate, or just 60-70% of as hard as you can go?

yeah rowing machine is a nice place to bork your back/neck if you don't know how to use it. is there someone you can ask?

the only other piece of cardio equipment your gym is sure to have is a bike. spin bike is much more fun, maybe try a class?

also...have you had your ankle injuries checked out properly and do you have a decent pair of runners (asics for lyfe).

i mean 60-70% of as hard as i can go, ie, with 100% being a sprint. i have friends who do rowing so i may ask them about the technique. i think ill try one of those spin classes.
had my ankles looked at by sports doctors. my ligaments are loosey goosey andhave loads of scar tissue around. plus im too impatient to do the proper recovery.

[Cranker]

if your only going to allow half hour for cardio, maybe try working at closer to 80/90 % of your max heart rate, with 2 mins of that for a decent warm up

Get someone to show you how to use the rower, awesome all over body workout. Im not sure what kind of impact a x trainer would have on your ankles? but 20 minutes of that at 80-90% heart rate would be a great

what gym do you go to?

[onetallpoppy]

^^^^^

cheers. i go to ff bondi jct. by 60-70% i mean a pretty solid jogging pace. my heart rate is still pretty high. i should probably check out new shoes but it happens in most shoes.