What are the benefits of using an elliptical trainer? The elliptical is one of the most underutilized cardio machines. According to studies, it is perceived as a boring and ineffective machine to use at the gym. Don’t let this machine fool you though. It may seem like an easy workout or a workout that you can do in your sleep. However, we want to assure you that the elliptical is worth trying out.
The elliptical machine is similar to riding a bike in an upright position. It has pedals that move similar to the motion of a stair climber, running, or walking without straining your joints while you are exercising. You can use the elliptical to get your cardio workout without worrying about worrying about injuries.
The Best Way to Get a Low-Impact Workout
Like we already mentioned, ellipticals provide a great low-impact workout without the added stress on your joints. The motion that is used doesn’t require you to lift your feet off of the peddles so there’s not jolting involved. The smooth motion allows you to get a decent workout without injuring your joints.
Get An Effective Aerobic Workout
Many skeptics have skipped using this machine because they don’t think it can get your heart racing. But if you give it a try, you will quickly see that you can effectively get your heart racing. The machine lets you determine how fast and how much resistance you want to use. From there you can get your heart pumping as little or as much as you want to in order to get the desired workout that you are looking to achieve.
Achieve a Full Body Workout in Less Time
As you are working out, you will notice that you are using both your upper body and lower body as you pedal the elliptical. It is obvious, that you are moving your legs, but most machines allow you to increase the resistance, pedal backwards or even mix up the length of your strides to target different areas on your legs.
Have you noticed that you even use your arms and engage core while working out? It’s true, your arms and core muscles also greatly benefit from this workout too. Focus on holding your core tight while you workout. If the elliptical has arm bars that move, try using your arms to move the machine instead of your legs, or with little help from your legs, to add an upper body workout too.
Strength Train While You Workout
We love this machine because it tones muscles and builds bone strength while you are working out. This is considered a weight-bearing exercise, meaning you carry your weight and work against gravity. Orthopedic doctors recommend that you keep strengthening your bones as you age to prevent osteoporosis. Also, keeping your muscles toned helps prevent injuries too.
Great for Newbies
Whether you are an Olympic athlete or a newbie, you can use an elliptical. If you do have a previous injury, please consult an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist prior to using an elliptical trainer. Most machines don’t require an owners manual or a trainer to explain how to use it. This gives you the ability to hop on it right away and start working out immediately.
Perfect for Quick Workouts Too
If you want to work out for an hour or only have 15 minutes to spare, you can get a full body workout without using multiple machines. If you’re working out for a shorter time period, simply push yourself harder, or try increasing the resistance to get your heart pumping for a quick and efficient workout.
It Offers You a Variety of Workouts
Most ellipticals nowadays have multiple workout programs built into them. Simply click through the workouts to find one that best suits your desires, or switch it up every time you hop on. Don’t forget you can even pedal backwards, change the resistance, speed up or slow down, or change the length of your stride to get the most out of your workout.
Multi-tasking Capabilities
Yes, you can multi-task while working out. So there’s no excuse not to get your workout in! Whether you want to binge a few episodes of FRIENDS or catch up on your reading, you can do it while getting your exercise.
Improve Balance and Mobility
If you’ve been recently injured, an elliptical can provide the physical therapy that you need after having orthopedic surgery. You can use the machine to help improve your mobility and regain your balance when getting back on that injured body part. Be sure to talk to your doctor before self-prescribing any physical therapy to prevent further injury. We even suggest that you seek help from a physical therapist too. A physical therapist can help strengthen your muscles that support your specific area of that needs rehabbing first before using fitness equipment at the gym.
It Takes Up Minimal Space
Ellipticals take a minimal amount of space. Within the minimal amount of space, having one in your home gym can help you get a full body workout in just a few square feet. Keep in mind that you will need a higher ceiling compared to a treadmill, but as far as floor space is concerned, you can fit these machines just about anywhere.
The elliptical is a low-impact workout that is perfect for the newbie to the seasoned fitness guru. Whether you are looking to add new equipment to your home gym or looking for a full body workout at the gym, we recommend that you give the elliptical a try first. It offers more bang for your buck and we know that you will love it once you give it a try. Plus, you can get a full body workout in less time too. We hope that you learned the benefits of using an elliptical trainer.
