How to Use an Elliptical Trainer to Work off Baby Weight

If you knew you could have arranged it, you would have probably stopped at nothing to bribe the stork into flying off with the extra baby weight you've gained during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there's only one way to lose baby weight and that's to work it off. Get back in shape by learning how to use an elliptical trainer to work off baby weight.

Things You'll Need

  • Elliptical trainer
  • Heart rate monitor (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your back straight, head facing forward and your abdomen muscles pulled in tight as you use the elliptical trainer. This will help strengthen your abs as well as target excess baby weight from your waist and stomach.

    • 2

      Maintain a constant momentum when using the elliptical trainer. A consistent, steady pace will speed up your metabolism to burn more calories (up to 85 percent from fat) and help you to work off the baby weight quickly.

    • 3

      Keep your heart rate in the fat burning zone to work off baby weight faster. It's best to use a heart monitor to find your target heart rate. However, if you don't have one, you can use the calculated-age formula. To do this, subtract your age from 220 and multiply the result by 65 percent. For example, at age 35, the above formula would yield a (rounded) 120 heart beats per minute.

    • 4

      Know that the handlebars on an elliptical trainer are usually used for maintaining balance and not as part of the workout routine. However, some people enjoy the swinging movement that using the handlebars can provide. It's up to you. But, keep in mind that more resistance and strength training is delivered to the legs and rear if you simply use the handlebars for balance, or not at all. This is significant if you need to target hips, thighs and buttocks to work off excess baby weight.

    • 5

      Plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer 3 to 4 days per week. If you keep your heart rate in the fat burning zone during these times, you can expect to burn around 300 to 400 calories per session. When combined with a low-fat diet, regular use of the elliptical trainer in this manner should help you work off baby weight quickly.