Crank Up Your Elliptical Workout

Posted on Aug 19th 2009 10:00AM by Jacki Donaldson

Filed Under: Fitness

Photo: jupiterimages

If you've ever wondered if an elliptical trainer is a worthy piece of workout equipment, let us tell you: Yes. That's Fit.ca agrees, calling it "a great machine for an all-over body workout."

It's a combination of a stair climber and a cross-country ski machine, with pedals that move in an oval-shaped motion, and it works both the lower and upper body, with its forward and backward leg motions and its movable handlebars. On its own, an elliptical workout will help you torch through 300 to 400 calories (for a moderate to vigorous 30-minute session). With a little extra push, you can really up the burn.

You can increase your intensity and your incline, for starters -- every two minutes for 30 seconds to one minute; then bring it back down. Or grab some hand weights and swing your arms while you motor along, you'll use more muscle this way. You can also change directions -- forward works the quads; backwards gets the hamstrings -- which will help you work out longer. Although, backwards might not be better -- but Liz has more on that.

To figure out how hard you need to work to burn the calories in cookies, sandwiches, nuts and more, check out this AOL Health exercise estimator.

2 Comment

Tags: elliptical, thatsfitca-mini-post

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Barbara 5-05-2010 @ 6:43PM

I lost about 100 lbs using the elliptical and I love that machine. I dont lean on the bars because I know how to use it. With any machine if you dont use it right it absolutely will not do the intended job. I still use the elliptical and still do not lean on it and I do the highest level with 10 to 12 for tension. I believe it really works. The treadmill 3.4 to start level 6 upgrade working up to 3.6 mph you will burn 600 or more calories providing you do not lean. You are basically walking up a mountain at this level and it is great and you sweat and burn and build nice leg and butt muscle. I used to weigh 300 lbs now I weigh in btwn 134-140. I feel great! I dont use the work diet, I eat and control but never deprive which causes binge eating and guilt. I will never stop working out. I had back surgery April 2009 and knee surgery April 2010. Both are healing very slowly, both are very painful, but I feel so good working out knowing I am in great shape for 55 and feel good!! Have a good work out.

Lisa 6-27-2010 @ 1:20AM

I get so frustrated and confused with what "they" say about the elliptical on the internet - that it is a waste of time and too easy. I use mine at level 15-17 for 60 to 90 minutes and stand upright and do not lean. But, now I am told watching tv while doing this is not "a mind body connection" and therefore, a waste of my time. I also, read that just because I got my heart rate up and have sweated buckets - it means nothing for fat loss. UH?? I've lost fifty pounds in the past year and am on my last ten. I must be doing something right. So, which is it? Have I been wasting my time? Did I lose the fifty by just better diet choices or did the elliptical really push me over the edge? Help! Are "they" just naysayers to promote another product/program?
By the way, Ms. Barbara - Good for you and Congratulations on all your hard work!!!! I bet you look fabulous!