What is an elliptical?
An elliptical is a machine that simulates walking or running without causing excessive stress on the joints. Additionally, an elliptical trainer provides a low-impact, calorie-burning workout.
How does an elliptical work?
An elliptical trainer or cross-trainer is a stationary exercise machine that simulates stair climbing, walking, or running without causing excessive joint stress. Generally, ellipticals are low-impact and suitable for people with common problems. They provide a cardiovascular workout by moving the feet in a pedaling motion on top of oversized, flat pedals. The arms are also used in a rowing-type action to tone the upper body muscles.
Most ellipticals have electronic displays that show information such as time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. Many models also offer features such as pre-programmed workout routines and the ability to connect to online fitness-tracking platforms.
What are the benefits of using an elliptical?
An elliptical is a low-impact cardio machine that offers a workout like running or walking without the added stress on your joints. An elliptical can also provide full-body training by simultaneously engaging your arms and legs.
Some of the benefits of using an elliptical include the following:
1. Low-impact cardio – Ellipticals are low-impact machines that offer a workout like running or walking without the added stress on your joints. This makes them ideal for those with joint issues or seeking a gentler cardio workout.
2. Full-body workout – Ellipticals engage your arms and legs simultaneously, making them an excellent option for those seeking a full-body activity.
3. Weight loss – Ellipticals can help you burn calories and lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet.
4. Improved heart health – Regular cardiovascular Exercise like that provided by an elliptical can help improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation throughout the body.
5. Low risk of injury – Since ellipticals are low-impact machines, they carry a lower risk of injury than higher-impact options like running or jogging. This makes them ideal for those new to exercise or with previous injuries that they need to be careful of.
How to use an elliptical
An elliptical is a great way to get a low-impact workout. Here’s how to use one:
First, adjust the stride length to fit your height. Hold on to the handrails and move your feet back and forth until you find a comfortable stride.
Start with a low resistance and gradually increase it as you get used to the motion. Next, adjust the resistance. This will vary depending on the machine, but most ellipticals have a knob or lever that you can use to increase or decrease the resistance.
Finally, start pedaling! Keep your feet parallel to the pedals, and your knees bent at about a 90-degree angle. You can use the arm handles for balance, but make sure not to put all your weight on them – let your legs do most of the work.
If you’re new to ellipticals, start with just a few minutes of use and gradually increase your time as you get more comfortable with the machine.
Tips for getting the most out of your elliptical workout
If you’re looking to get the most out of your elliptical workout, you can do a few things to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
First, be sure to warm up before you start your workout. A good warm-up will help prepare your muscles for the elliptical and prevent injury.
Second, keep your Elliptical workouts interesting by varying your speed and resistance. This will help challenge your muscles and to avoid boredom.
Finally, be sure to cool down after your workout. A cool-down will help your body recover from the training and to prevent soreness.