How To Get The Best Results From Your Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical trainers have become a popular choice for many fitness enthusiasts. Not only do they provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, but they also offer the benefits of full-body resistance training with minimal impact on the joints. Commonly referred to as "ellipticals," they are one piece of fitness equipment that can offer multiple benefits, making them a top choice for many seeking an effective workout. Here are just a few additional reasons to consider an elliptical trainer:

• Adjustable intensity with variable resistance levels and inclines.
• Excellent way to efficiently burn off calories.
• Safety – your feet never leave the pedals so less risk of falling.
• Space efficiency – you can always find a machine that will work well in your environment without needing an entire room.
• Cross-training – for runners and athletes in other disciplines, the elliptical provides a different type of workout challenge, giving overused muscles and joints a relative break and reducing the risk of injuries.

However, as with any piece of fitness equipment, the benefits you reap from an elliptical trainer are directly related to how effectively you use it. The effectiveness of an elliptical depends on the user's commitment and consistency. It's always a good idea to mix up workouts to challenge the body in various ways and to seek advice from fitness professionals or physical therapists if unsure about exercise appropriateness or technique. In this post, we'll explore tips and strategies to help you get the best results from your elliptical trainer workouts.

Start With The Basics

1. Set Clear Goals – Before hopping onto the elliptical, set clear, actionable goals. Whether you aim to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, or build endurance, having specific objectives can keep you motivated and focused on your training.
2. Use Proper Form – Maintaining proper form is crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring you're engaging the right muscle groups.
• Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and abdominal muscles engaged. Avoid leaning heavily on the handles; instead, use them for balance.
• Foot placement: Your feet should be flat on the pedals. Push down with your heels for maximum muscle engagement.
• Grip: Hold the handles lightly. If your elliptical has both stationary and moving handles, switch between them to vary your workout and engage different muscle groups.



3. Vary Your Workouts – Doing the same routine can lead to a plateau. Here's how you can mix it up:
• Intensity intervals: Intersperse short bursts of high intensity with periods of moderate or low intensity.
• Use resistance and incline settings: Increasing resistance will engage more muscle groups, while adjusting the incline can target different areas of your legs.
• Change direction: Most ellipticals allow you to pedal backward, which can activate different muscles than pedaling forward.
4. Use the Built-in Programs – Modern elliptical machines come with pre-set workout programs designed for weight loss, interval training, and more. These programs adjust resistance and incline automatically, providing a structured workout that can help you achieve specific fitness goals.
5. Incorporate Upper Body Movements – Elliptical trainers with moving handles enable you to work both your upper and lower body simultaneously. Pushing and pulling the handles activates the arms, chest, back, and shoulders, giving you a more holistic workout.
6. Track Your Progress – Invest in a fitness tracker or use the elliptical's built-in metrics to monitor your progress. Tracking metrics like distance, calories burned, and heart rate can motivate you and provide insights into your fitness journey's evolution.
7. Stay Consistent – Consistency is key in any fitness regimen. Establish a routine, whether it's every day or a few times a week, and stick to it. Over time, as your stamina and strength increase, adjust the intensity and duration of your workouts.
8. Complement with Strength Training – While ellipticals offer resistance training benefits, it's beneficial to complement your elliptical workouts with strength training exercises. This approach ensures you're working all muscle groups and can help improve muscle tone and bone density.
9. Focus on Nutrition – Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand. To maximize the benefits of your elliptical workouts, maintain a balanced diet. Stay hydrated, consume lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and consider consulting a nutritionist for personalized advice.
10. Prioritize Recovery – Rest is as essential as the workout itself. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress. Incorporate rest days into your routine, engage in stretching or yoga to improve flexibility, and consider massages or foam rolling to aid muscle recovery.
11. Stay Educated and Motivated – Join fitness groups, read articles, or watch videos to learn new techniques and stay updated on the latest fitness trends. Staying educated can introduce you to new workout strategies, and sharing experiences with a community can keep motivation levels high.

Join fitness groups, read articles, or watch videos to learn new techniques and stay updated on the latest fitness trends. Staying educated can introduce you to new workout strategies, and sharing experiences with a community can keep motivation levels high.

An Elliptical Trainer Is Versatile But It's Not Magic

Elliptical trainers are versatile and effective machines that cater to various fitness levels. By employing the strategies outlined above, you can make the most of your elliptical workouts, ensuring you remain engaged, challenged, and on track to achieve your fitness goals. Remember, as with any fitness journey, patience and persistence are essential. Celebrate small victories, stay consistent, and you'll witness transformative results over time. It's a little like the lottery: if you don't buy a ticket, you can't win.

RX Fitness Is Always A Phone Call Away

If you think you'd like to explore adding an elliptical to your fitness routine, RX Fitness Equipment in Thousand Oaks, Anaheim Hills, and Mission Viejo works with hundreds of personal trainers, coaches, and nutritionists. If you would like to discuss your personal plan with a professional, we're happy to connect you with someone who can help. RX Fitness Equipment offers the best equipment from the top manufacturers to fit every fitness goal and budget. Stop by today for expert advice and friendly help in finding the equipment that is perfect for you. And don't forget to check out Tim's best-selling book, Fitness Equipment – A Shopper's Guide, available at Amazon and other online book sellers as well as in our store.