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The Unsurpassable Flexibility of Elliptical Exercise Machines

August 23rd, 2011

Elliptical exercise machines are best known for their capacity to burn higher amounts of calories while being friendly on the user’s muscles and joints.

These machines provide a total body workout which no other machine can deliver.  The satisfied users range from professional runners, weightlifters, martial artists, and even neophyte exercise buffs.  elliptical trainers

The reason why practically everyone can make use of elliptical exercise equipment is that it is highly flexible.  With its adjustable controls, even a person with the least technical know-how will be able to operate this machine.

A person who is out to conduct a normal workout can spend about 30 minutes on his elliptical equipment before going through his main exercise regimen.  Beyond the thirty minutes, he can already do his heavy squats and other routines.

For martial artists who need to warm up before they perform any exercise, all they have to do is to increase the speed of the elliptical trainer and they are set to have a 5-minute warm-up.

Sparring sessions can sometimes cause injuries this is why it is important for the martial artist to remain loose.  If injured, the elliptical exercise machines can also help in achieving a speedy recovery by making the muscles loose and flexible during warm-ups.

The standard elliptical trainer is often manufactured to support at least 175 pounds.  If you are a weightlifter who wants to maximize everything, then you should look for a high grade elliptical trainer which can support more than 300 pounds.
These types are, of course, more durable and stable and they also allow you to complete a more intense workout.

When it comes to controllability, elliptical exercise machines can be made to simulate activities that are as simple as walking or as complex as uphill climbing.

Since it works elliptically, then the machines produce less impact on joints.  With a single push on a button, you can shift from simple running to stair climbing in just a matter of seconds.

From a lower body exercise, the routine would then advance to a total body workout.  As opposed to the treadmill which simply exercises the lower part of the body, the elliptical machine achieves more by sculpting the body muscles while burning fat and calories.

As with other exercise equipment in the market, elliptical exercise machines should only be bought when its quality and versatility are both assessed.  Features and accessories make up the right machine so take your time before shelling out your hard-earned money.

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Which Muscles Does an Elliptical Target During a Workout?

May 7th, 2011

While we have all heard how beneficial an elliptical trainer can be to our health, those who have not yet used an elliptical may not know which muscles the trainer focuses on and what other types of benefits that an elliptical workout can give you.

On this page we will highlight a few of the muscle areas and benefits that your workout will give you.

  • An elliptical trainer workout is a low impact cardio workout that is easy on your knees. While you are working out you will feel your heart rate rising and you will also find yourself breathing heavier as your workout progresses but unlike running, you won't have the jarring impact that can strain knee joints and ligaments.
  • During your workout you will feel the muscles in your calves, thighs, glutes, lower abdomen, and ankles. If you use the hand grips you will also be working your upper body and will feel it in your arms, shoulders, across your back and in your chest.
  • If you elliptical has a power ramp that can incline or decline this will give each of the muscles mentioned above a bit of a different workout and you will find that it will give you a more rounded workout as it will work each muscle group in different positions.  Just like walking up or down a hill the incline change will also work your heart & lungs a bit more.
  • When you increase your elliptical's resistance you will be building lean muscle while strengthening and toning your muscle groups.

To find out how an elliptical can benefit you and help you reach your fitness goals watch this short and informative video.

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The Basics of an Elliptical Trainer Workout

April 13th, 2011

Elliptical trainer workout basics is something that you should know before getting on your new elliptical machine.

Often when we use an elliptical trainer for the first time we are not really sure how to start or what to do. While many elliptical trainers do come with a quick guide it is much more effective when you watch someone go through a basic workout.

While you can vary your workouts everyday and try new programs that are on your elliptical for the first few times be sure to start off slowly so that your body gets used to the way the elliptical works and how your body will react to those movements.

When  you are starting out you should keep your speed fairly slow and you may want to hold off on adjusting the resistance until you have used your machine a few times.

Also remember that before you start any new exercise program you should get a check up from your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to exercise.  This is especially true is you have been inactive for a while and over the age of 40.

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How Is Your Elliptical Trainer Posture and Form?

April 4th, 2011

How is your form when you use your elliptical trainer?

When using an elliptical trainer your form and posture is extremely important. When you have good form you are able to work your muscles correctly and avoid injury and damage to your muscles, joints, ligaments and you will be able burn more calories and fat then if your form is slouchy and you lean too much on your elliptical trainer.

If at all possible try to do a few workouts in front of a mirror, looking at yourself at the beginning, middle and at the end of your workout. If you can't move your elliptical to where to have a mirror, try unhooking one of of your wall and propping it up safely during your workouts and then replace it when you are done. This is also good to do after you have been doing your workouts for a few months just to be sure that you have not begun to pick up any bad habits.

Do you know how you should look and stand while using your elliptical?
Here is a good video, that talk and shows you how your form and posture should be so that you can have a safe and effective elliptical trainer workout. The video is a short 1 minute 10 seconds, but it will make a huge difference in your workout effectiveness and safety.

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How Many Calories Are Burned on an Elliptical Trainer

February 10th, 2011

So how many calories can you burn while using an elliptical?

The elliptical is getting more and more popular since elliptical calories burned in a 10 minute period of time is close to 100 calories.  You can burn a higher amount of calories in a small amount of time and the workout is fairly easy.  An elliptical is an exercise machine that is a mixture of running and stair climbing which glides with every stride.      how many calories are burned on an elliptical trainer

Burning calories on an elliptical is easier than doing other exercises since it improves your heart and lung function.

The elliptical is an aerobic exercise machine, which focuses on improving your heart and respiratory health.  When you work your heart muscle and your lungs during rigorous exercise, like what the elliptical provides, your heart is better conditioned and your body can handle other exercises easier. When you work out your lungs become stronger and can deliver more oxygen to your body making workouts easier, more effective and more calories are burned.

When you have an easier time exercising, your body can handle higher intensity workouts and longer workouts.  The higher the intensity level the more calories your body will burn.  And the longer you can endure a high intensity workout the calories are burned even faster.
To keep your body working out at such a high intense level it requires a lot of fuel.  So your body will rely on calories to fuel the workout.  To keep going for long duration it requires even more calories and will help aid in losing weigh faster.

If you choose to exercise on an elliptical for 10 minutes, you can easily burn 80 to 100 calories depending on how rigorous the exercise is and if you have a incline ramp on your elliptical. With an incline ramp ( some elliptical trainer companies call these "power ramps" you can burn up to 40% more than if your elliptical workout was not inclined.

Elliptical calories burned in a 15 minutes period for the average person is about 100 to 150 calories.  To maximize how many calories you can burn on an elliptical, you need to try to glide your legs as fast as you can.  The faster and harder you work the higher the rewards.

When you use an elliptical properly the amount of calories burned gets higher.  Many people tend to put their weight on your arms.  Changing your posture so that the majority of your weight is on your legs and using your arms for balance uses more calories and allows the workout to be more effective.

The elliptical will help you to condition your heart and lungs giving you the freedom to workout longer and more rigorously.  The elliptical calories burned will fly off when you work out for at least 15 minutes and to get the most benefit try to workout at least 25 minutes.

Want to burn even more calories while on your elliptical? Try interval training.

With interval training you will work out at your maximum speed for 2-3 minutes, then slow it up for a few minutes, then increase your speed again.  Repeat this cycle during your workout.
These short little bursts of power will help you burn more calories, burn more fat and increase your cardiovascular endurance.
Just remember not to go over your targeted heart rate zone and do this only once you are physically fit to do so.

You can also adjust the intensity (resistance) to vary with your workout to burn more fat.

Like with any exercise program or workout you should always get the ok, from your doctor before using your elliptical trainer.
Once you get the ok, you'll be burning off those excess pounds.

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