Routines to Start Using a Walking Machine

Walking is one of the lowest impact forms of aerobic exercise there is, and is a great way to stay in shape. You can step up your walking, however, by using a walking machine, which is more commonly known as an elliptical machine. These machines provide a smoother, and less jarring workout experience, and have a variety of settings to fine-tune your walking workout so that you can get just the right amount of walking exercise.

  1. Hill Climbing

    • One of the advantages of walking on an elliptical over walking outside is that you can vary the simulated terrain with an elliptical machine. Walking up a hill, for instance, can provide an excellent workout for your legs, and while you may not have a hill handy, you do have an elliptical. Try changing the incline of the pedals to get a vertical walking experience. Many elliptical machines also come preprogrammed with workout routines that will simulate some hill climbing before leveling back out.

    Intervals

    • Another good workout routine that an elliptical trainer allows you to do is interval training. Interval training is where you push the pace for a set amount of time before either resting or just coming back down to a slower pace. Try doubling your pace for a set amount of time, such as two or three minutes, and then dropping your pace back down. Repeat this several times for an amount of time that feels comfortable.

    Walking Backwards

    • One workout routine that you can do on an elliptical that most people would not want to do out on the sidewalk is walking backwards. Walking backwards is a great workout routine to try because it uses all kinds of muscles in your legs that you would not normally use. Combining walking forward and backward can give your legs a more thorough workout.

    Arms

    • Of course one of the best advantages that elliptical machines have over normal walking is that you can get your arms, and by extension your whole upper body, involved in the workout. Just about all elliptical trainers come with bars for your hands that move in conjunction with the pedals. And while you don't have to use these bars, integrating them into your workout routine takes the focus off your legs and gives you a whole body workout.