Elliptical Machine Workout Benefits

Ugh. Cardio time. I walk into my gym and the cardio section is always right there in front of me – taunting me to do a dreaded stairmaster, treadmill, or the Elliptical Machine workout. I would much rather workup a great sweat running outdoors, but for those snowy winters, Elliptical Machine it is!

Need some motivation to workout on an Elliptical Machine? How about this – one hour on the Elliptical Machine can get you burning up to 800 calories! Not too shabby, eh?

Check Out This Workout From Nowloss.com

This amazing workout is 3 ten minute sets: each set works is either 45 seconds or 30 seconds of intensity, with the rest period changing from 30, 20 or 10 seconds, before working itself back up again.

• Go All Out for 45 Seconds
• Rest 30 Seconds
• Go All Out for 30 Seconds
• Rest 20 Seconds
• Go All Out for 45 Seconds
• Rest 10 Seconds
• Go All Out for 30 Seconds
• Rest 10 Seconds
• Go All Out for 45 Seconds
• Rest 20 Seconds
• Go All Out for 30 Seconds

…you get the idea.

Watch the video and start burning those calories!

 

Benefits Of Elliptical Machine Workouts

One of the things I really like about the elliptical Machine is it is very easy and simple. You just hop on and start your workout. You will need to key in some information such as the type of workout you want to do but other than that it’s super simple.

Another thing that I really appreciated about Elliptical trainers is that they are extremely low impact. This makes them great for senior citizens or anyone who has joint problems. Unlike running there is no pounding of your joints when you use the elliptical machine. Your feet will never leave the pedals.  In the past I’ve had some knee issues, and instead of not being able to continue my cardio training, I’ve been able to modify it with the help of an Elliptical Machine!

Elliptical Machines are great because not only do they help to tone your lower body, but they also improve your cardiovascular health.

Most Elliptical Machine also has handlebars that you can hold on to, that go with the natural flow your your lower body movements. If you grab onto the handlebars, they will move back and forth as you pedal, and can increase your workout from lower body only to full body! Activate your abs, and as you move the handlebars you will work your chest, shoulders, back and arms! I always find it feels funny when I’m not holding the handlebars anyways. It’s like running without moving your arms!

You know I can’t leave off weight loss as a benefit to using the Elliptical Machine. As stated before, you can burn 800 calories or more for every hour you workout on the Elliptical Machine.

Want to burn even more? Increase the resistance by a level or two, or think about trying out interval training – go hard and fast for 1 minute, and normal pace for 2 minutes and repeat.

How To Use An Elliptical Machine Workout To Your Benefit

To use an Elliptical Machine just jump on and start pedaling. It takes a little leg strength to get the machine moving. Once it’s moving the screen will light up and ask you what type of workout you want to do. Each Elliptical Machine is slightly different and offers a variety of different options. The 3 standard workout options that Elliptical Machines come with are intervals, manual and a fit test.

For a more intense workout choose interval training. Once you have chosen the type of workout you want to do you will need to adjust the intensity. By increasing the intensity on your Elliptical Machine, the machine will automatically increase the level of resistance, so it will be harder for you to pedal. An increase in resistance equals more calories burned!!

If you find it too much, keep in mind that you can always adjust the resistance at any time during your workout.

I like to play around with it a little bit and until I find an intensity level that’s right for me. Sometimes the Elliptical Machines have heart monitors attached that you can use to your benefit. If you select the correct setting, once your heart rate lowers from what your target should be based on age and weight, it will increase or decrease the resistance!

Start off slow and adjust as you get stronger. Try to use the machine for at least 30 minutes. If you find that you can do longer (and have the time) why not challenge yourself to try to go a certain distance in a set amount of time, or set a calorie burning goal?

To avoid boredom select different types of workouts. Each workout will work different parts of your legs and arms. You can also adjust the time so your workout fits in your schedule.