Elliptical Machine for Weight Loss


Often many people choose to go on drastic diet plans, in order to lose weight. However, it works for sometime, till they come to a plateau and they are not able to lose weight. This is when people wonder, why are they not able to lose weight. It is important to understand at the first place, that this is not the correct method of losing weight. Along with a proper healthy diet, exercises have to become a part of your daily schedule.

Exercises will help in burning more calories and will give more long-lasting results. The other advantage of exercises is that they also tone the muscles and thereby makes the person look slimmer and fitter. One of the better options is to use elliptical machine for weight loss, as it offers an efficient platform for cardiovascular exercises. There are various settings, which allow the person to maximize the exercises and also vary their routine considerably. Having said that, let's see how to lose weight using an elliptical trainer.

How to Lose Weight Using an Elliptical Machine

Elliptical machines is a different type of exercise equipment, which combines the features of both treadmill and stair climber, also known as stair tread machine. When you are using the foot beds of an elliptical trainer, they move in an elliptical motion and give the benefits of both systems, however, without any impact on the joint, which is very common on treadmills. You may want to read on elliptical workout benefits.

When you are using elliptical machine for weight loss, it is important, you exercise on an elliptical machine at least four times a week for a minimum period of 30 to 45 minutes. Anything less, than this will not give you the desired results. When you exercise for 30 to 45 minutes, your heart rate is elevated for a consistent period of time, which results in higher number of calories burned. Often people, who start off with elliptical workouts to lose weight, do not pay attention to the time, they actually work out on the elliptical machine. If it is possible, you can also workout for a longer duration of time as well. Read on elliptical workout plan.

Choosing from the elliptical machine's pre-programmed exercise routine is always the best option. These programs have a number of programs, that have varying incline of ramp as well as machine resistance. You can alter the resistance and incline of the pre-programmed routine as well, so that once you have got used to the programs you can change the resistance and incline and not hit a plateau. The programs are roughly divided into endurance workouts, fat burning workouts or rolling hill simulations. The other option is to combine different programs and divide your exercise time, between them.

You will see how much weight can you lose on an elliptical trainer, if you incorporate interval training into your elliptical workout. Some of the pre-programmed routines do have interval training alternatively you can also design, your own interval training routine. In this routine, you will need to have varying incline and resistance all through the workout. It is recommended, you start off on low incline and resistance for about 2 minutes and then gradually increase the incline and resistance to suit your fitness levels.

When you working out on the elliptical trainer for weight loss, it is important you also work your core. Keep your abdominal muscles sucked in and pulled up, so that your lower back is supported. At the same time, it will also ensure, that the core muscles offer stability to the entire body. The other advantage, is that you will notice a well toned mid-section.

Read more on

  • Elliptical: Calories Burned on Elliptical
  • Elliptical Machine Benefits
We have just seen, how to use elliptical machine for weight loss, however, a piece of advice is to keep note of proper form on an elliptical trainer. Although, it offers a low-impact workout, it is necessary to protect your body. Keep your shoulders relaxed and knees in line with the ankles, so that you do not strain your knees and shoulders. At the same time, when you hold the handle bar, check that you are not exerting excess tension on your arms, hands, shoulders, neck and back. Here's wishing you luck in your weight loss process!

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