Do Elliptical Machines Burn Calories?

Using an elliptical machine gives many people the comfort and convenience of an indoor workout. The indoor workout means no battling uncomfortable weather or facing the dangers of running after dark. The smooth delivery of an elliptical machine may give the impression that it does not offer the same calorie-burning benefits as running outside or on a treadmill. But the elliptical machine does burn calories and can give great results and bolster your efforts to get in shape.

  1. Burn lots of calories

    • The elliptical machine actually burns more calories than walking because you are using several parts of your body at one time. You are working the lower half of your body as well as your upper half, which causes you to exert more force.

      Because of this, your heart rate will elevate faster and make your workouts more productive in less time.

    Increase intensity and incline

    • You can increase the number of calories you burn on your elliptical machine by making a few changes to your regiment.

      You can start by raising the intensity level on your machine to make you work harder. The key is to increase your heart rate and sweat to shed pounds and get in shape. Increasing the incline in your machine also adds more of a workout.

    No hands

    • Also, not using the hand rails adds more work to using your elliptical machine. It puts more of your body weight on your legs, which gives them a bigger workout and burns more calories. Depending on the model of your machine, there could be other ways to increase the amount of calories you burn. Check your user's manual for more ideas.

    Average calories burned

    • While there is no fool-proof way of calculating how many calories you have burned, elliptical machine manufacturers claim that a person can burn as many as 750 calories per hour by working out on an elliptical machine.

      Elliptical-machines-info.blogspot.com estimates a woman can burn anywhere from 310 to 387 calories per 30 minutes of working out, while a man can burn as many as 500 calories.

    Factors that determine how many calories you burn

    • There are several determining factors that affect how many calories a person burns, as not everyone is the same.

      Factors that dictate how many calories you burn include:

      Workout Duration

      Interval Training

      Elliptical Tension Settings

      Body Composition

      Whether or not you work out regularly or if you have just started

      Weight

      Gender

      Upper Body Arm Usage