Ah, the elliptical trainer. For some, the elliptical is boring. For others, it’s downright intimidating. The elliptical trainer is one of the most effective cardio machines if you use it right, not only building strength and muscle endurance in your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves, but working your arms, chest and back at the same time.
Today we will tell you the dos and don’ts of using our good friend, the elliptical exercise machine.
Mistakes to avoid on an elliptical trainer machine
In order to maximise the benefits of an elliptical trainer in your exercise program, don’t set the resistance to zero. It’s better to be slow at a high resistance than fast with a low resistance, starting with a warm up and gradually increasing the tempo of your run.
Second, don’t collapse or slouch. Standing straight will help to lengthen your abs and even involve your core and upper body muscles in the workout.
Third, if you can’t feel your feet after a while, you need to re-evaluate the way you’re using the elliptical trainer. One common mistake is to put too much pressure on your toes, creating numbness in your feet and cutting your workout short. Instead, balance on your heels.
Tips to get more from your elliptical training
To get more out of your elliptical training, follow these tips:
- Intervals: Pace yourself using intervals. Focus on your arms for one minute, then pump your legs for four minutes, and repeat this pattern throughout your workout.
- Ramp incline: Take advantage of the ramp incline to maximise the benefits you want to get out of elliptical training. Find instructions and exercises that stress the part of the body you want to develop.
- Change directions: Switch it up by alternating your exercises backward and forward. Again, this will help you stress the part of your body that you want to develop.
Are you a master on the elliptical trainer? Feel free to comment and share your best elliptical machine workout ideas, as well as any tips to help our readers organise their workout.
