Hi there /fit/. This may be a dumb question but I couldn't really find a clear answer on Google. I've been working out for awhile, but, I'm just now trying to work some cardio into it. I can't run for an extended period because it starts to hurt my lower back pretty badly after only like a mile, so I've been trying out an elliptical machine at the gym. My question is, what's the difference between going forwards or backwards on these things. I've been going backwards for the most part because I can go much faster this way and consequently it gets my heart rate much higher. Are ellipticals even good for cardio and what would /fit/ recommend for cardio other than running?
>it gets my heart rate much higherThat's your answer, right there. That's what you're trying to do, right? Sounds like the elliptical's working just fine.
Elliptical is great cardio, almost as good as a treadmill. Backwards is harder because you're using different muscles. You should go backwards and forwards to balance it out.
You should run backwards also
>>150902can't run