Elipitical Trainer Workout Ideas

The elliptical trainer provides an impact-free alternative to running that actively incorporates your arms and feet into a fluid, sweeping motion. The machine can be used in forward as well as reverse rotation, and offers several levels of resistance to imitate running hills, flat land and intervals. The impact-free motion of the elliptical trainer allows runners with back and knee ailments the opportunity to run vigorously for prolonged sessions, while avoiding negative running side effects like shin splints common to treadmill and outdoor runners.

  1. Dual Action Motion

    • Select a workout routine from the machine's menu that incorporates both forward and reverse motions. This dynamic workout isolates different muscles during the opposing motions, increasing your workout intensity and burning more calories. Once you complete the routine, walk on the machine slowly for 2 minutes to complete a cool down, slowing your heart beat and returning your muscles to a relaxed state.

    Utilize the Arm Bars

    • The elliptical machine offers a stationary grip bar as well as oscillating bars that move in unison with foot pedals. Grab these moving bars to incorporate your arms into your workout and monitor your heart rate with the metal monitor pads. This is a great way to increase your workout intensity or to maintain a certain level of intensity for a workout more focused on cardio or fat burning.

    Select Specific Routines

    • Your machine is equipped with pre-programmed modes that imitate different running environments. More resistance for hill climbs, fluctuating resistance for interval training and heart-rate focused routines. Select your desired mode based on the level of intensity you want to endure, using the heart monitoring pads on the moving arm bars to ensure you remain within the proper heart rate range. Lower heart beat routines focus on aerobic burning fat. Higher heart beat, anaerobic routines are more intense and focused on cardiovascular improvement.

    Prepare for an Enjoyable Workout

    • Arrive at your machine prepared with a water bottle, towel and music device. Upbeat tunes, a drip-free face and some water to quench the thirst helps you stay on the machine throughout the workout and keeps you relatively comfortable. If you can adjust the room temperature, set it around 75 degrees to avoid a chill or over-heating during your session.