Elliptical Resistance

  There are benefits to any exercise program – weight loss, improved heart health, building endurance, and so forth.  Does elliptical resistance offer improved health benefits over regular exercise?  Yes and no.

You can still get the same benefits of using an elliptical machine by doing various other forms of exercising.  The problem is it might take you a considerable more time!

Consider these positive aspects of elliptical resistance:

• An elliptical trainer is a low-impact workout.  Great for those with bad knees or other leg problems.  The elliptical trainer will lessen the strain and stress on your legs because it mimics a natural path of your leg.  Jogging or running cause an impact to your legs (and your lower back) with each step that you take.

• Elliptical machines are weight-bearing machines.  This is important to reduce the onset of osteoporosis.

• The elliptical machine is called a trainer because you get both an upper body AND lower body work out.  Using the handles benfits your upper body (arms, chest and back) and the foot pedals benefit your legs and back side.

• You can burn more calories in less time because you are optimizing your workout.  You don’t need to work your legs, then your arms, etc.

• Elliptical trainers take up a small amount of space.  If you are investing in a home machine, elliptical machines are meant to fit in a small amount of space.  Some even fold down for easy storage.

How to use your new elliptical trainer – from the fitness professionals at Arizona based Fitness 4 Home Superstore

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Exercise not only keeps you healthy, but helps you feel better about yourself as well. Even if your goal is to shed a few or more pounds, exercising will help you give you a boost before the pounds start to come off. If you want to start an exercise program here are some tips to make it more rewarding:

• Check with your doctor. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise program especially if you have not exercised for a while.
• Start Slow. Don’t overdo it on the first day, you will get discouraged and probably not continue if the exercise is too strenuous.
• Drink plenty of water. You need to hydrate your body while exercising.
• Reward yourself. Make a commitment to exercise for a month at least three times a week. After one month reward yourself with a non food treat. Make a new goal for the next month and continue the process. You will find that you have started a healthy habit!
• Mark it on your calendar. If you keep a calendar, schedule exercise time just as you would any other appointment.
• Don’t just count the pounds. If losing weight is your goal, make sure you also have another measurement of fitness. As fat turns to muscle, you may find your weight remaining constant or even increasing a bit. Mark your progress by recording the number of minutes walked, number of situps completed, etc. If you are using an elliptical machine, make sure you start with the lowest elliptical resistance and work up from there. As you get stronger, you will see an increase in these numbers and that will make you feel great about your exercise program.
• Find a friend. Do you know someone who wants to exercise too? Try exercising and encouraging each other together!