By Greg Hexum
Are you an injured or aging runner, a person who secretly kind of likes the elliptical machine at the gym, or just a fitness enthusiast looking for a new cross training alternative to cycling? Well, then you’re the target market for the amazing ElliptiGO.
If you haven’t been in the proximity of an ElliptiGO or seen somebody operating one, you might think it must be awkward or unnatural. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While marketed as a “stand up bike,” that terminology is insufficient to describe this unique piece of equipment. I am not saying I have a better way to describe the ElliptiGO. I just feel that this descriptor doesn’t do this piece of equipment justice. In short, being on an ElliptiGO is the closest I’ve ever come to being able to replicate the running motion while cross training in a low impact manner.
This summer, my daughter who was recovering from ACL surgery, picked up an ElliptiGO 3c (retail price $2199) from Duluth’s Tortoise and Hare Footwear for a trial run. We quickly disassembled our bright green 3 speed ElliptiGO inside the store when it was set up for inside riding, striding, pedaling, running or whatever it is that you do on this amazing piece of equipment. The ElliptiGO can be easily set up on an indoor bicycle fluid trainer (sold separately) for year-round use. One easy release allowed us to store it in our Subaru and off we went to the paved bike path for a day of testing.
After a quick game of rock, paper, scissors to see who got first crack, I strapped on a bike helmet and stared at the ElliptiGO, waiting for some idea about how to start. Although these have been around since 2010, the experience initially seemed like it might be a foreign one. Any apprehension I had disappeared as soon as I placed my first foot on the platform/pedal. I realized as soon as I removed my weight from the ground that this was going to be easy to learn.
In fact, there was essentially no learning curve. After one moment of doubt, I was simply striding down the trail. I’d say that if you can ride a bicycle, you can ride an ElliptiGO, but it is actually easier than that. The machine is low to the ground, solid, steers easily, tracks straight, and thanks to three gears, allows one to adjust effort for inclines and declines. Within seconds I was striding smoothly and smiling, covering ground and enjoying the breeze.
Next up, it was Ingrid’s turn. At 5’3” and 110 pounds, I wasn’t sure she’d fit on this ElliptiGO. One 10 second adjustment of the steering column proved me wrong. Just as I had, she stepped up onto the pedal/platform and was away. As an athlete recovering from an injury, Ingrid was able to get a great workout and activate all of her running muscles without excess pounding.
Our testimonial is one of many. Check out this link on the ElliptiGO website for numerous versions of experiences with this “stand up bike.” https://www.elliptigo.com/about-us/press-page/
Of note to many readers of this site, now retired U.S. Olympic marathoner, Boston and New York marathon champion, Meb Keflezighi used an ElliptiGO to supplement his training “nearly every day” during the latter part of his competitive career. He felt that this device perfectly replicated running and allowed him to add a second workout each day during his build up to big races without increased injury risk. If it is good enough for Meb, it is good enough for The Duluth Runner!
Stop by Tortoise & Hare Footwear at 4002 Grand Avenue in Duluth to try an ElliptiGO for yourself.