Thinking about decking out the home gym with a new elliptical machine for weight loss and general fitness, but unsure of how effective it will be in your exercise regimen? Look no further than this handy blog!
Can You Lose Weight on the Elliptical?
In short, yes. To lose weight the entire task is essentially to burn more calories than you consume over a period of time, and this can certainly be achieved on these cardio machines.
What Are the Benefits of Elliptical Machines for Weight Loss and More?
Beyond being a powerful weight loss tool, the elliptical trainer also has a host of other benefits, including:
- Increases stamina
- Boosts cardio health
- Less stressful for joints than other exercises
- Upper body strengthening
- Lower body strengthening
- Burns fat
- Targeted leg training
- Improves balance
- Can be done post injury
- Easy
- Adaptable
Burn Calories and Lose Weight
As we stated above, the elliptical is a very easy and straightforward way to lose weight. For context, you can burn around 270-400 calories in just half an hour on the elliptical. The lower and higher end of these calories applies to a personal weight range of 125-185 pounds.
For more context, within this same range of weight, half an hour of running on a treadmill is more likely to lose you 240-355 calories, which is why many praise the elliptical as the best cardio machine for weight loss. With an elliptical, a 10-, 20-, or 40-pound weight loss might not seem so out of reach!
Minimum Impact on Your Joints
For a lot of people, running is the ultimate exercise. While it is great for you, it can take its toll on your knees, ankles, and feet, along with other joints. With an elliptical, you put a lot less pressure on your joints, meaning you can exercise more consistently, without as much wear and tear.
Burns Body Fat Rapidly
Because of its relatively high-calorie burn when compared to other cardio machines, it can also be deduced that using the elliptical machine is one of the best workouts for burning belly fat. A great way to burn stomach fat on the elliptical is through interval training at a 2:1 ratio. For example, 30 seconds of intensity followed by 15 seconds of recovery, or at the same ratio for longer.
Improves Your Balance
Weight-bearing exercises such as using the elliptical will strengthen your bones, which in turn improves your balance. Along with this, especially if you can balance on the machine without using the handles, it targets your core, which is great for balance.
Portable and Easy to Use
One thing that’s great about the elliptical machine for weight loss, is that it’s not a particularly massive piece of equipment, meaning it can easily be moved if necessary. Along with this, learning how to use elliptical machines for weight loss and fitness is easy, with most people picking up the movement in moments.
What Are the Best Workouts to Lose Belly Fat?
Routines from Healthify Me.
12-Minute Tabata Routine
This is a 12-minute HIIT (high-intensity interval training) routine that follows the same 2:1 ratio rule we described earlier, with 20 seconds of going as hard as possible followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat this cycle for 4 minutes, then work that 4-minute routine into a 35-minute session until you’ve completed it 3 times.
Interval Challenge
This workout uses the same principles as the previous, however, the space between intervals can be a little longer. Rather than hitting your intervals as hard and fast as you can, spread out longer periods of maintained speed over a few minutes at a time, then go a little easier. Be less rigid with the timings and levels of intensity, but ensure to work up a sweat when you can.
What Muscles Does the Elliptical Work?
Along with using the elliptical machine for weight loss and burning calories, it also works the muscles in your upper and lower body.
When used correctly, the machine will work out the:
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Quads
- Pectorals
- Back
- Biceps
- Triceps
- Core muscles
So along with losing fat, you’ll also be toning up!
Where Can We Get the Best Elliptical Machine?
Well what a coincidence that you ask—we just so happen to have one of the best elliptical trainers on the market in our range.
This machine boasts features such as:
- Magnetic Resistance
- Non-Slip Pedal & Bidirectional Movement
- Dual Handle & Heater Detection
- LCD Display
- iPad Holder
- Easily Portable
For more information on different products that could change your life, along with interesting articles on health overall, check out our website today, and take your first steps to the best you possible!