inversion machine and elliptical device

[iceberg]

since I've quit drinking and didn't die in the hospital, I've lost 50+ lbs since late last year. I've got a stationary bike but don't feel it's really that pushing/pressing, so I ignore it a lot.

the Nordic track / elliptical machines out there, are they worth the $$$? brands that are good, brands to avoid like a tampa bay game?

then, inversion machines. I'm 6'4" and weigh a lot less than I used to, but my back still at times gives me fits. are these worth the $200 or so to hang upside down for a bit each day to help relieve back pain?

 

[basstapp]

I know a lot of contractors that swear by inversion tables. I personally have no experience in the Nordic products. I'd advise a heavy bag, 16 Oz gloves and 30 minutes

 

[Keifer]

I know a lot of contractors that swear by inversion tables. I personally have no experience in the Nordic products. I'd advise a heavy bag, 16 Oz gloves and 30 minutes

Good advise on the heavy bag. Its a helluva workout for the whole body plus you get to beat out the days frustrations on the bag. I would also recommend getting some wraps for your hands too. Its pretty easy to jam your wrists if you dont use them.

 

[jimmy40]

I bought an elliptical machine years ago because I was told it was easier on the knees than a treadmill but it had the opposite affect on me, that damn thing killed my knees, I mean it was brutal. I have no idea why. I gave the thing away.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

since I've quit drinking and didn't die in the hospital, I've lost 50+ lbs since late last year. I've got a stationary bike but don't feel it's really that pushing/pressing, so I ignore it a lot.

the Nordic track / elliptical machines out there, are they worth the $$$? brands that are good, brands to avoid like a tampa bay game?

then, inversion machines. I'm 6'4" and weigh a lot less than I used to, but my back still at times gives me fits. are these worth the $200 or so to hang upside down for a bit each day to help relieve back pain?

Ok here's the thing,,. For me.

Certain ellipticals are great.
The smooth ones, nice circular motion work very well for me.
RECOMMEND.

The ones that are NOT smooth, more herky jerky circular motion don't work for me. Bother my hip joints and twist back.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.


NOW, the inversion tables aka teeter tables can do wonders depending on your issue.

I slipped a few years ago, landed on my right buttock, real good hard shot. I have a good amount of muscle there so it was cushioned.

Months later I realized there was something wrong. Slipped discs, bulging discs...2 of them...

Long story short. Going for physical therapy helped.... But it was temporary.
Getting teeter table allowed me to reset my discs in minutes. Whereas waiting for next therapy sessions (2-3 days) the disc would flare up. So therapy was useless. Teeter table was not. I could reset discs and eliminate the flare up.

Hanging upside down decompressed the spine allowing the space between the gel and discs to free up and go back in. ( as oppsed to bulging out when spine is compressed which 99% of the time. For the most part,

That was 2013 and half of 2014.

Since mid 2014.... I only feel occasional "discomfort" 1-2 times a month whereas the pain was sometimes excruciating.

So it worked well for me.

 

[Rack]

I've got arthritis in my knees and facet joints, a herniated disk, multiple bulging disks, and gout. I can tell you that I get a great cardio workout on the elliptical. I also feel no pain while on the elliptical.

 

[RonSpringsdaman20]

swimming and biking.... not pressure on the joints.

 

[Bill Wooten]

swimming and biking.... not pressure on the joints.

We have had a Precor elliptical for 10+ years. Very smooth and still works great. They are not cheap. I have had major knee issues, so low impact is a requirement. I've had no issues with my knees using it.

I've used a Nordic track as well. Was recommended by my ortho after my first blown knee. It is ok, but I prefer the elliptical.

Get a guest pass at some local gyms and see what they use. Find out what you like. Expect to pay if you want gym quality.

If you get an inversion table, please post your thoughts. I've been having a lot of neck pain lately and trying to find ways to relieve that. Years of poor sitting posture and stating at a computer screen is reeking havoc.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

We have had a Precor elliptical for 10+ years. Very smooth and still works great. They are not cheap. I have had major knee issues, so low impact is a requirement. I've had no issues with my knees using it.

I've used a Nordic track as well. Was recommended by my ortho after my first blown knee. It is ok, but I prefer the elliptical.

Get a guest pass at some local gyms and see what they use. Find out what you like. Expect to pay if you want gym quality.

If you get an inversion table, please post your thoughts. I've been having a lot of neck pain lately and trying to find ways to relieve that. Years of poor sitting posture and stating at a computer screen is reeking havoc.

Get inversion table and wear the head weights upside down. Decompress the vertebrae in you neck.

 

[iceberg]

appreciate all the input everyone. I'm going to hold off on the elliptical as I think it could be running before I walk so to speak. I need to get out of the house and just walk about the block a few times and start off that way.

for the inversion table, I've ordered an IronMan IRT 4000, which can hold 6'6", 350, of which I'M LESS THAN!!! YAY!!!!!!! but what I love is the infrared heat that comes off the board while you're stretching out. that just seems like it will help a ton while just letting my back take some stress off it.

 

[CyberB0b]

appreciate all the input everyone. I'm going to hold off on the elliptical as I think it could be running before I walk so to speak. I need to get out of the house and just walk about the block a few times and start off that way.

for the inversion table, I've ordered an IronMan IRT 4000, which can hold 6'6", 350, of which I'M LESS THAN!!! YAY!!!!!!! but what I love is the infrared heat that comes off the board while you're stretching out. that just seems like it will help a ton while just letting my back take some stress off it.

Just work your way up on the elliptical. I could only do 15 minutes at level 1 when I first started. I can do 45 minutes at level 5 now.

I do a routine of hamstring stretches and sciatic stretches I've found on YouTube when I'm done. Fixed my lower back issues. I just need to find something for my upper neck.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

appreciate all the input everyone. I'm going to hold off on the elliptical as I think it could be running before I walk so to speak. I need to get out of the house and just walk about the block a few times and start off that way.

for the inversion table, I've ordered an IronMan IRT 4000, which can hold 6'6", 350, of which I'M LESS THAN!!! YAY!!!!!!! but what I love is the infrared heat that comes off the board while you're stretching out. that just seems like it will help a ton while just letting my back take some stress off it.

be careful with the heat. It actually inflamed my back.
COLD or nothing is probably better. Ask chiro whats best in your case.

Seriously, it worked to a disadvantage for me.

 

[Future]

I guess if you already bought the inversion table, then this point is moot, but I'd highly recommend stretching - static and dynamic - and lower back/core workouts to strengthen the muscles supporting the back before committing to inversion. Generally, I think inversion tends to treat the symptoms, rather than the underlying causes. So while you'll get pain relief, whatever activity or problem that you have leading to back pain isn't going to go away. Improved posture and movement would go a long way towards getting away from needing the inversion table.

Inversion can also mess with blood pressure and cardiovascular actiivty, so you may want to be careful.

 

[iceberg]

I guess if you already bought the inversion table, then this point is moot, but I'd highly recommend stretching - static and dynamic - and lower back/core workouts to strengthen the muscles supporting the back before committing to inversion. Generally, I think inversion tends to treat the symptoms, rather than the underlying causes. So while you'll get pain relief, whatever activity or problem that you have leading to back pain isn't going to go away. Improved posture and movement would go a long way towards getting away from needing the inversion table.

Inversion can also mess with blood pressure and cardiovascular actiivty, so you may want to be careful.

appreciate the heads up on both parts. it could well be this doesn't help where I need it too but I'm not looking at this as long term, but to help reduce pain so I can do other functions to keep on trying to improve health.

 

[Teren_Kanan]

I guess if you already bought the inversion table, then this point is moot, but I'd highly recommend stretching - static and dynamic - and lower back/core workouts to strengthen the muscles supporting the back before committing to inversion. Generally, I think inversion tends to treat the symptoms, rather than the underlying causes. So while you'll get pain relief, whatever activity or problem that you have leading to back pain isn't going to go away. Improved posture and movement would go a long way towards getting away from needing the inversion table.

Inversion can also mess with blood pressure and cardiovascular actiivty, so you may want to be careful.

This is solid information.

Stretching, Static and Dynamic is the way to go, whether you get the inversion table or not.
I have lower back/sciatic problems, and a good stretching routine has nearly completely cured me of it.
I went from bending over stiff legged and not being able to touch my socks, to being able to put my hands completely flat on the ground, and if I stand on something elevated I can go even farther than that. From a sitting position I can lay my head on my knees now with my legs straight out with ease. It's a tremendous difference from where I started and it's SO noticeable with my lower spine/sciatic issues.

This stretch has also helped A LOT. It's a yoga pose called Swan Pose.

I could not even come close to this pose when I started, but I can do it easily now. Amazing stretch on that lowerback/outer hip area.

 

[iceberg]

thank for you for that last line.

I had serious body pain seeing it and hoping it wasn't something I *should* be able to easily do.