Six Reasons Why Elliptical Trainers Are The Best Cardio Tool
Even though elliptical trainers are not often given the credit they deserve, they are great for doing aerobic exercise. Their features can give you a complete and intense workout. Take a look at their incredible health and fitness benefits.
In addition to being rated the best aerobic exercise tool, the risk of injury for elliptical trainers is practically non-existent. Ready to take advantage of them?
The benefits of using elliptical trainers for cardio
The following are the benefits that ellipticals have to offer to those looking to up their cardio game:
1. Uses a wide variety of movements
Unlike other cardio machines, elliptical trainers also work your upper body. As such, you will use much more energy and burn more calories.
You will burn about 300 calories in only 30 minutes. If you can make this into an hour, that number can increase to 700 calories.
By using this seemingly magical tool, you can tone your legs, relieve tension in your back, and get your waist moving. Elliptical machines work up to 80 percent of your body’s muscles, including:
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
- Calf muscles
- Hips
- Glutes
- Lower back and abdominals
- Chest and back
- Arms – biceps, triceps, and deltoids
2. Low impact
Using a treadmill, which might be the most popular cardio option, means that every step puts a strain on your joints and tendons. That is not the case with elliptical trainers, making them a great choice for those with injuries in these areas.
3. Ideal for recovering from an injury
It is a great activity for restoring muscle movements after injuring yourself. Its main benefit is that you can adjust the effort and intensity according to your needs and abilities. Furthermore, the movements required are gentle and controlled.
4. Inexpensive and suitable for all ages
Due to the previous reason, ellipticals are ideal for any age. What’s more, they are much cheaper than treadmills and take up less space. Now, that is a winning combination!
5. Multifunctional
You can use elliptical trainers to warm up before a workout or to do cardio to wrap things up. Furthermore, the number of alternatives in terms of intensity, pace, and duration lets you perform many different kinds of routines. This serves to obtain more specific results.
6. Benefits for your body
Finally, ellipticals, as with other cardio exercises, are a wonderful option for improving your cardiovascular health. This is due to all of the previous reasons we have mentioned. You will not only burn fat; you will also become toned, especially your leg muscles.
In addition, it is great for relieving tension, reducing stress, and clearing your mind, especially while listening to your favorite tunes. As a result of this enjoyment, you will give your immune system a boost.
Tips for using elliptical trainers
To make the most out of elliptical trainers, keep in mind the following suggestions:
- Start out slow. Do not expect to do an hour in your first week. Start with 15 or 20 minutes and work your way up in 5 minute intervals.
- Control the intensity. Try to master your form before picking up the pace. When you do, you can combine high-intensity intervals with more moderate ones, much the same as with HIIT training.
- When your legs get tired, use your arms to help.
- Switch up your posture. If you press down with the tip of your feet, you will target your quadriceps. Conversely, if you push down with your heels, you will feel it more in your glutes.
Keeping all of this in mind, now you know: the next time you have to choose a machine at the gym, try out the elliptical. If you have one at home, it is time for it to be more than just a dust collector. Turn up the music and improve your health with a few minutes of effort!
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