!44: Elliptical Workouts - How to Get the Most Out of Your Cross Trainer | !44: Used Review Elliptical Cross Trainers

!±8± Elliptical Workouts - How to Get the Most Out of Your Cross Trainer

If you want to get the most out of your elliptical workouts, it's important that you add some variety and ensure that the environment is optimal. That way you'll get the most out of these superb machines.

Benefits of Ellipticals

Ellipticals have a number of benefits over other types of cardiovascular exercise equipment. They work the upper body as well as the lower body, which allows more muscle groups to be used. They are also low impact. This means they are suitable for all ages and fitness levels and can be used by those that are recovering from injury.

Adding Variety to Elliptical Workouts

One of the main reasons for people abandoning their exercise program is that they get bored. You can easily add some variety to your workout in a number of ways. First make sure that you use some of the different programs that are within your onboard computer. These can simulate interval-training, hills etc. Many cross trainers have the ability to go backwards (reverse), so do use this facility. Reverse is also a useful way to exercise different muscle groups.

In manual mode you can vary the speed of your workouts rather than just cruising at a uniform speed. Try going fast for one whole minute then slowing right down for the next minute and alternating this for 15-20 minutes. Remember to set yourself some goals. This is the best way to stay on track with your exercise program

Comfort

Don't underestimate the importance of having a comfortable place to work out in. If you have your gear set up in a cold, drafty garage are you really going to want to start using it at 6.30 am in the morning?

Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and that a fan is on hand in case you get particularly hot. Some of the more modern ellipticals have fans built into the console, which is a feature worth getting if you are thinking of buying a new model. You are likely to be sweating if you are working out properly, so bring a water bottle and also a hand towel.

Ellipticals are fun pieces of equipment that are suitable for beginners right through to professional athletes. By adding a little variety and comfort to your elliptical workouts, you can continue to get benefits from using these machines for many years to come.