So you want to get in shape? Maybe you’re looking to have the body you’ve always dreamed of? Or perhaps you’re just trying to live a bit healthier and feel better?
No matter the reason for working out, it’s a good choice! However, nobody loves it, right?
Most people tend to loathe the idea of rushing to a gym after a hard day at work. While you may never love exercise, there’s actually a low impact way to get in shape and feel better – all within the comfort of your own home: Drum roll, please… Elliptical training!
There’s plenty of benefits of elliptical trainer workouts, and the line for the trainers at your gym down the road should prove it. But what are they? What makes using an elliptical trainer such a great idea?
I’m glad you asked! There are several reasons why you should be using an elliptical trainer, and here are some of them:
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The Benefits of Elliptical Trainer Workouts
So, let’s take a look at how elliptical machines work – and check out some of the amazing benefits elliptical training bring to the table:
Build Endurance and Stamina
Using an elliptical trainer is a great way to get a dose of aerobic exercise, otherwise known as cardio. It’s no secret that aerobic exercise comes with tons of different benefits. By using an elliptical machine, you’ll be working your heart, your lungs, and your muscles – giving you a total body workout.
By providing your body with a total body workout, you will build high levels of both endurance and stamina.
Low Stress on Your Joints
For some people, working out means putting stress on their joints and muscles, which they can’t handle. There’s a reason why the elliptical is so popular among people with joint issues or other injuries – it’s because the elliptical allows you to get a great workout without overloading stress on your body.Â
According to a study published in 2014, you will be able to significantly reduce the amount of weight-bearing that comes with traditional exercise by using an elliptical machine. This allows for a great workout without the joint pain and issues that come with exercises like running or power-walking.Â
Oh, are you suffering from old football injuries?
Physiotherapists recommend elliptical training for people struggling with painful knee joints or bad ankles. The reduced stress will make the workout both painless and effective!
Burn Body Fat
While abs are made in the kitchen first, getting a good workout is never a bad idea. This is especially true if you’re trying to lose weight.
By using the elliptical for even thirty minutes, three times per week, you’ll be allowing your body to burn a significant amount of fat. However, it may be wise to add a form of HIIT to your workout, even if it involves the elliptical as your primary tool.
There are many ways to structure a HIIT workout. To start off, try doing 30 seconds to 2 minutes of high-intensity training, with break periods of around 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the ratio chosen. You will literally feel your body working for hours even after you finish your workout!
Burn Excess Calories
It is a well-known fact that CICO (calories in, calories out) is essential for weight loss. Its pure logic. Your body needs to use more energy than it consumes to lose weight. Agree?
By using an elliptical trainer, you’ll be able to burn up to 400 calories in just 30 minutes or so. That’s a massive number of calories burnt in such a short time – all without over-stressing your body. Of course, the amount of calories you’re able to burn depends on your weight. People with a lower weight will burn less per hour than someone who is more overweight.
Improve Balance
Surprised? Another great benefit of elliptical training is that you’ll be able to improve your balance… You might wonder why elliptical training improves your balance?
Well:
This is because an elliptical trainer will work vital sections of your muscles known to help with balance – such as your core and leg muscles. However, it’s essential to set your machine to the correct incline and resistance, increasing these factors as you continue to improve.
Never try to increase your settings too early! It would help if you always gave your body time to adjust before increasing settings.
Conclusion
There are plenty of amazing benefits to using an elliptical trainer, a few of which were mentioned here. If you’re looking to gain confidence, get in shape, and even lose some weight – all without taxing your body, elliptical training is the exact thing that your workout needs.
However, make sure that your general health level is ready for cardio exercise before beginning a new workout routine – especially if you aim to do HIIT sessions.Â
And of course:
Most of all, try to enjoy it too!
