How Effective Is the Elliptical Trainer for Losing Weight?

Benefits of the Elliptical Trainer

When it comes to embarking on a fitness journey, everyone’s story (and end goal) is different. Some choose this path on their own, seeking a personal fitness goal. Others are encouraged by their doctors to strengthen muscles, extend stamina, or lose weight. Still more begin as a method of support for a loved one, walking alongside them on their journey.

Whatever the reason, many who begin exercising in an attempt to lose weight often wonder which machines are most effective. Today, we’ll discuss elliptical machines for sale in Shreveport or also known as the cross trainer.

Ellipticals are one of the most popular workout options in gyms (and homes) around the globe. It offers a versatile range of workout options and is easy to use for both beginners and advanced users.

As a low-impact machine, ellipticals offer powerful results without sacrificing joint health. If your elliptical machine of choice has moving handles, then this machine can provide a full-body workout in a variety of pre-programmed routines, adjustable intensity, or incline variance.

Maximizing Your Calorie Burn

An average elliptical user can burn 270-400 calories in 30 minutes according to the Harvard Medical School, but this number can vary based on several factors:

•  Your current weight
• Your level of cardiovascular fitness
• The intensity level/resistance selected on the machine
• Whether or not you use the arm handles
• The amount of time for your workout

One way to monitor your intensity level when using cardio equipment is to clip on a heart monitor. Most offer estimated calorie burns, and some can warn you when you start to drop below a certain rate.

To maximize your burn, change up your workout often. Falling into a routine allows your body to adapt, lowering results as your body becomes efficient in the same movements and burns fewer calories.  The CDC suggests 75 minutes a week of high intensity or 150 minutes for low to moderate intensity for health and weight-loss benefits. This doesn’t need to be completed all at once; instead, split your exercise into a few times a week.

Ready to browse Precor elliptical trainers and other top quality brands? Check out the Precor EF835 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer for a smooth high-performance machine, or the Life Fitness Flexstride Variable Stride Trainer with built-in adjustable stride settings.

Comparing Home Cardio Fitness Equipment

Two other styles of cardio equipment are also effective for weight loss: the treadmill and the bike. We are often asked which is more effective, but the answer varies based on the style of who is asking.

The treadmill can certainly help you burn more calories. It sets the pace and forces you to keep up, not allowing you to slack in intensity once the workout has been programmed in. However, it is not as low-impact as an elliptical, and its unforgiving nature can lead to some purposefully choosing lower-intensity workouts, thus slashing its effectiveness. For best results with a treadmill, try to maintain an incline of at least 1 or 2% and mix up which programmed workouts you use.

The bike is another low-impact cardiovascular option, but it holds the same drawback as the elliptical: the user sets the pace. That means it’s up to you to maintain cadence and intensity despite your workout settings. That said, you can maximize your burn by keeping a pace of 90-100 revolutions at low resistance and 60 at high resistance. Push yourself, keeping your heart rate elevated throughout the workout.

So, which is better? They’re about the same.

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness published the results of a 12-week study that spotlighted burn for treadmills, ellipticals, and stair climbers. They found that each machine had a similar effect, and they all helped participants burn fat with almost identical cardiovascular results.

Before you make the plunge, check out elliptical trainer reviews from individuals who have had firsthand experience with losing weight using elliptical machines.

Cardio Gym Fitness Equipment

No one size fits all when it comes to the best choice for weight loss. Most trainers and physiologists will recommend making use of each machine to vary your workouts and keep your body guessing rather than falling into a routine.

If you’re looking to purchase an elliptical trainer or other pieces of cardio equipment, then your friendly neighborhood Fitness Expo consultants can help. Our team knows these machines backward and forward, and they’re happy to help you choose the best equipment for your space, style, and budget.

You can reach out to us through our website, over the phone, 318-596-0148, or swing by our showroom at 6319 Sand Beach at Youree Drive. We’re open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm.