Elliptical Workout to Lose Weight

Elliptical workout to lose weight has become very popular these days for a number of reasons. The main reason being, they are very effective and the person is not exerted, while he burns a lot many more number of calories. The other reason is that, they combine the full natural stride of a treadmill with stair climber.

When it comes to weight loss, there is the treadmill vs elliptical trainer debate, which is very prominent. However, the advantage of using elliptical trainer is that, they provide a great cardiovascular workout, without having jarring impact on any of the joints of the legs or on the back. Hence, even people with problems like arthritis, bad knees or ankles, etc., can also use this exercise equipment to their advantage. Unlike, while using a treadmill, the back is in its natural position and there is no strain on the back. The other advantage is that, the person has the option to either work the upper body along with the lower body or simply train the lower body.

The different programs available on the elliptical trainer enables the person to exercise different muscle groups. Hence, it is said that, it gives one of the most comprehensive workouts for the lower body and provide excellent overall toning and sculpting. Read on elliptical workout benefits. We will now see how to lose weight using an elliptical trainer.

Elliptical Workout Plan

The elliptical trainer will essentially give you a cardiovascular workout. However, you may want to include some of the other exercises along with the elliptical workout in order to lose weight. There are a number of exercises to lose weight quickly with elliptical machines. The exercises, that you will have to consider include the abdominal exercises essentially. An important part of the elliptical workout, when you want to lose weight, is that it is necessary to train on the elliptical at least four times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes. This is necessary, as it allows the heart to be elevated consistently for a consistent period of time. Keeping the heart elevated for a consistent period of time will increase the number of calories burned, thus result in weight loss.

If you have an automated elliptical trainer, you can choose from one of the pre-programmed exercise program for your workout. Normally most of the elliptical machines, do come with various programs, that vary the incline of the ramp and also the resistance of the machine. Some of the common programs include endurance workouts, fat burning workouts, rolling hill simulations, etc. When you choose these programs, you can increase either the incline or resistance or even both, depending on your choice.

It is recommended, you incorporate interval training in your elliptical workout, which will accelerate the weight loss process. In case the elliptical machine, you use does have pre-programmed routine for intervals, then you can select the option. In case, the machine does not have interval training workout, then you can create your own interval workout, by varying the incline and resistance through the entire period of the workout. The best is to start with a low incline and least incline for the first couple of minutes. Then gradually change the incline and resistance after every 2 minutes.

For more information, read

• Elliptical: Calories Burned on Elliptical
• Elliptical Machine Benefits

When you are doing the elliptical workout to lose weight, it is important you maintain proper form on the elliptical trainer. It is important, you protect your shoulders relaxed and your knees in line with your ankles. When you hold the bar of the elliptical trainer, it is necessary that you do not put excess tension on your arms, hands, shoulders, neck and back. When you are working out on the elliptical trainer, keep the abdominal muscles up and in. This will support the lower back. It is important, that the core muscles offer stability to the entire body.