I’ve decided to go and write about this because at the gym where I work out, this is a little underrated. A lot of people would still choose the treadmill.
But, if you are trying to decide between an elliptical trainer and another exercise machine at the gym, you might want to consider the workout advantages an elliptical machine provides.
Why Use Elliptical Trainers / Elliptical Workout?
I’m no treadmill user so maybe I’m a little bit biased. But just to let you know what’s so special about an elliptical workout? Here are 3 unique advantages of using your elliptical trainer to maximize that workout time:
Because Forward & Back Motions Provide Better Workout Results
I’ve seen a lot of people doing this: almost all elliptical trainers offer both forward and back motion (also called dual action motion). This allows you to work different sets of muscle groups in your legs (hamstrings vs quads) which adds up to more calories burned, more muscles toned and an overall better body workout.
You can’t walk backwards on a treadmill (fine… I think it’s actually doable but that might be difficult), and peddling backwards on a bike might not be so helpful. But the elliptical machine’s dual action ability helps you work more muscles. Plus, you have the potential to burn more calories!
Because You Get A Lower Impact Workout
A properly designed elliptical trainer mimics your body’s natural stride – the way your foot moves elliptically when walking, running, or jogging. You stand upright striding in a forward or reverse motion. Your feet never leave the pedals. The ones we have at the gym (Gold’s Gym Twin Oaks) are the prime types!
Because of the stride ability this machine makes, impact is basically eliminated and there is much less overall stress on your knees, hips and back, joints and back.
Finally, Because Upper Body Arm Bars Help You Burn More Calories & Get A Superior Overall Body Workout
Many elliptical trainers offer movable upper body arm bars. By working both legs and arms, your heart rate elevates more quickly which encourages your body to burn calories faster and more efficiently.
It also results in a lower perceived rate of exertion (basically you don’t feel like you worked as hard as you really did). This may mean that you end up burning more calories, even without feeling like you did much of a workout.
By offering upper body arms, an elliptical trainer workout also helps you tone your arms, shoulders and back for better definition.
An elliptical trainer workout has many advantages over other exercise machines. It gives you an overall body workout that burns extra calories and gives you an extra efficient workout. Just make sure you choose one that meets your needs and is properly designed for maximum comfort. So go ahead, and get to the elliptical and start burning! Good luck.
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