Elliptical Training Routines

Elliptical trainers are alternatives to treadmills. They differ from treadmills as they have pedals that your feet stay on rather than a moving belt on which you run. They offer as the advantage of not being as jarring and are therefore better for people with leg joint pain. With the appropriate workout regimes, you can get every bit as good a workout on an elliptical trainer as can be achieved on a treadmill.

  1. Intervals

    • Going from a slower pace to a faster pace will raise your heart rate and allow it to decrease again. This is called interval training, and is a great cardiovascular workout.

    Upper Body

    • Grasping the handles of the elliptical trainer and concentrating on using your arms can give you an upper body workout.

    Resitance

    • Increasing the resistance will make it more difficult to move the pedals, and is a good routine for strengthening your thighs and glutes. Alternate high and low resistance during the course of your workout.

    Backpedaling

    • Pedaling backwards on an elliptical trainer is a routine that works the muscles in your legs that do not get used as much when you are going forward. Alternate going backwards and forwards to get a more thorough leg workout.

    Squatting

    • Squatting low while pedaling will intensify your workout on the elliptical trainer. Alternate squatting low and standing tall while you are pedaling both backwards and forwards.