Everyone knows that working out is a necessity in today’s society. Cardiovascular workouts are crucial for achieving your fitness goals but can often become boring after only a few minutes. One popular and effective piece of equipment in the gym is the elliptical machine, so let’s take a look at how to make the most out of your workout and have fun at the same time.
To start, elliptical machines are simple to use and effective at burning calories and fat. Elliptical exercise is also a low-impact activity which makes it a great choice for those prone to injuries stemming from high-impact exercise. Before beginning, determine the duration of your workout and do not give up early. Also, if music or TV helps energize and focus your efforts, put on some headphones!
Commitment to the activity
Next, make sure you’re completely committed to the activity at hand. Aimlessly going through the motions at the lowest setting will be counterproductive to your goals and a complete waste of time. One way to add some variety to your workout is by interval training where you work at various intensity levels for a set amount of time. Interval training is especially effective if you’re short on time and looking to burn as many calories as you can. An example of this is to work at a medium intensity for one minute and then directly follow that by working at a hard intensity level for a minute. Keep alternating like that for the duration of your workout to get an intense cardiovascular burn. The best way to increase your intensity level on an elliptical machine is by either increasing your pace or the resistance/level on the machine. For an added challenge, increase both of these items.
Arm levers
In addition, be sure to use the arm levers. If your machine doesn’t have any, try adding small hand weights of no more than two or three pounds in order to increase the number of calories burned and work your muscles at the same time. When starting, just hold the weights at waist level and as your fitness level increases, try doing bicep curls or side raises as you continue to pedal on the machine.
Find a workout buddy with similar goals
Another way to make the most out of your workout is to find a workout buddy with similar goals. Neighbors, family members and colleagues make great partners. Not only will a partner help with motivation, but he or she will make sure you’re committed to your goals in addition to helping the time pass more quickly.
The bottom line is that exercise should be fun. If it is not viewed as a burden, you’re more likely to exercise on a regular basis. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a better body and a healthier you.