Tips to Get Better Results on the Elliptical
The elliptical is usually one of the least used machines in gyms since the treadmill and the stationary bicycle seem to take precedence. However, it is extremely beneficial, and it is worth giving it a try. In this article, we will tell you how to get better results on the elliptical. Do not miss it!
Benefits of the elliptical
As a first step, it is necessary to know what the advantages are of using this machine when you are focusing on cardio in the gym. This way, you will know what it is for and why it is essential to combine it with other machines, such as the treadmill or the bicycle:
1. It lessens the impact on joints
Knees can suffer from certain exercises that we perform in the gym. As for the elliptical, the good news is that the movements are quite smooth and it does not take too much toll on the knees.
2. It works the hamstrings and calves
Not many machines or exercises have the ‘honor’ of strengthening this area of the body, one of the most forgotten. To increase the effort, we recommend that you pedal backward. You will also be strengthening the quadriceps!
3. It is perfect for glutes and hips
Unlike the traditional bicycle, using the elliptical will develop more muscles. The buttocks and hips are not supported on any seat and it works the legs at the same time.
4. Calories are burned with less effort
Because this machine moves almost the entire body, it burns calories and fat better than the other cardio options in the gym.
5. It works in coordination
Since all the muscles must move for the elliptical to work, you will work both the lower, as well as the upper, parts of the body. And even better, you will have to coordinate the movements of your legs and arms.
How to get better results on the elliptical
One of the most holistic machines as far as cardiovascular exercises are concerned. It’s estimated that 30 minutes of elliptical at medium intensity can allow you to burn 300 calories. This means that you can lose weight and tone up! But, to get better results on the elliptical, there are certain ‘tricks’ that you must take into account:
1. Move your arms
While it is true that the legs do most of the work, don’t forget to move your arms to accompany the ‘steps’ you take on the elliptical. In turn, an infallible technique to perform more using this machine is to involve the arms when the legs are too tired. As a result, you will burn more calories!
2. Work the midsection
The good news about the elliptical is that it allows you to perform different exercises at the same time. Everything depends on where you put your hands. If you want to work the midsection (abdominals), we recommend that you place them on your hips. This way, the effort to maintain your balance will be performed by the abdominal area and the torso.
3. Concentrate on your legs
To tone your glutes, exert more pressure with your heels when you make your steps. If your goal is to strengthen your quadriceps, step on the balls of your feet. And of course, you can always move backward to work out your thighs.
4. To complete the workout
Another technique to obtain better results on the elliptical is to use at the end of your workout. Since it involves a lot of muscles, this machine requires lots of energy. This means that if you choose to use it at the beginning of your workout, then you may not have the strength to complete other exercises.
If instead, you use the elliptical after finishing everything else, you can keep burning calories almost without realizing it!
5. Use it to do interval training
Do you enjoy high-intensity interval training (known as HIIT)? Then, try using the elliptical for training. Since you will move your whole body, your pulse will rise immediately. Include it within your interval training for a few minutes but at maximum speed.
You can make the most of the elliptical if you follow these tips and give it the place it deserves.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
David Díaz Gil. (2015). Para quemar más grasa… ¿cardio o pesas? | HSN Blog.
