If you’re deciding between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment, consider the workout benefits of an elliptical. What makes an elliptical workout so unique? Here are three distinct advantages to working out on your elliptical trainer:
#1) Forward and Back Motions Improve Workout Results
Almost all elliptical trainers allow you to move forward and backwards (also called dual action motion). This allows you to work different muscle groups in your legs (hamstrings vs quads), resulting in more calories burned, more muscles toned, and a better overall body workout.
On a treadmill, you can’t walk backwards (well, you can, but it’ll be difficult). Peddling backwards on a bike, on the other hand, might not be so beneficial. Your elliptical trainer’s dual-action capability allows you to work more muscles. Furthermore, you have the potential to burn more calories.
#2) You Get A Low-Intensity Workout
An elliptical trainer that is properly designed mimics your body’s natural stride – the way your foot moves elliptically when walking, running, or jogging. You stand upright and stride forward or backwards. You never take your feet off the pedals.
As a result, the impact is virtually eliminated, and there is significantly less overall stress on your knees, hips, and back, joints, and back. (Just make sure you get a well-designed elliptical trainer.
Because of the lower impact of an elliptical workout, it is becoming increasingly popular among the elderly and those who are more prone to sports injury.
#3) Upper Body Arm Bars Aid in Calorie Burning and a Better Overall Body Workout
Many elliptical trainers have upper body arm bars that can be moved. Working both legs and arms raises your heart rate more quickly, encouraging your body to burn calories more quickly and efficiently.
It also leads to a lower perceived rate of exertion (in other words, you don’t feel like you worked as hard as you actually did). This could mean that you burn more calories even if you don’t feel like you did much of a workout.
An elliptical trainer workout helps you tone your arms, shoulders, and back for better definition by providing upper-body arms.
An elliptical trainer workout has numerous advantages over other types of exercise equipment. It provides an all-over body workout that burns extra calories and is extremely efficient. Just make sure it meets your requirements and is properly designed for maximum comfort.