Elliptical-The Perfect Machine

Well I've found it! Finally a machine that allows one to get a great, low impact workout for the whole body, while spending less time in the gym, or better yet, in the privacy of your own home. Elliptical machines offer just such a workout. Ellipticals are ideal for people who want a low- impact indoor exercise, what to vary their program, who are bored with their usual routine, who want a cardiovascular and full-body workout simultaneously, and who want to burn lots of calories in the shortest amount of time.

Originally a spin off of the 1980's cross country machine, this machine replaces antiquated treadmills, cross-country ski machines, rowing machines and steppers. Typically these machines claim one can achieve a complete workout in 20 to 30 minutes, while burning an amazing 720 calories per hour. Of course these statistics are dependant on several variables: length of workout duration, interval training, elliptical tension settings, muscle to fat ratio, and state of cardiovascular system, weight, sex, and upper body usage.

There are several advantages to choosing an elliptical machine for your workout needs. They give a total body workout in about 30 minutes a day. They are great for all levels and ages, and many machines allow one to program the workout intensity level, others have a tension control to accomplish the same thing. In the gym, it gives you another piece of equipment to vary your routine with.

Now for the disadvantages, of course you knew there would be some. It may be easy to overdo your workout on an elliptical machine. Like all exercise, it is important to warm-up, stretch and cool down when exercising. Be sure to bring your heart levels up to, but not over, what is recommended by your physician.

Generally speaking, with an average 30 minute workout on an elliptical will burn the following amount of calories

120 pound women - 310 calories

150 pound women- 387 calories

180 pound man - 464 - 550 calories

Impressed? I sure was. I have also found ways to increase the amount of calories burned on the elliptical.

• Build in intervals - most elliptical trainers offer incline and or tension that you can increase or decrease while working out. Try building in 30 second incline intervals every couple of minutes into your workout. This will not only push your body further and burn more calories during your workout, but it can also elevate your calorie burn for up to 24 hours after your workout.
• Use upper body arms - Many ellipticals offer you upper body arm bars that you can use to build your arms muscles into your workout. More muscles worked equals more calories burned.
• Take advantage of the forward and backward directions - Using more muscles (and ones you may have never used before) also ups your calorie burn, even after your workout. So take advantage of the fact that most ellipticals allow you to go forward and backward. Switch up your routine every few minutes to up calorie burn.
• Break up your workout - Experts are now telling us that 2 mini workouts may be even better than 1 long workout as far as calories burned. This is because any exercise will temporarily up your metabolism, so if you can do 15 - 20 minutes in the morning, and 15 - 20 minutes in the afternoon, your metabolism will stay revved up for a longer time. If you can't do this then don't worry, remember that a 30 minute workout is will still burn more calories that a 15 minute workout.
• I have found the best way to work into using an elliptical is to start on the tread mill (or walking in place) for 5 minutes or so to warm up your muscles and stretch. In the gym it is an easy transition from the treadmill. When I'm done on the elliptical I return to the treadmill for a 30-45 minute, fast paced walk.

Still interested? I've found some elliptical machines for as little as $149 and as expensive as $3000. The most important thing to look for is the arm poles to provide a total body workout.

Check out http://www.ellipticaltrainerreview.com, where you will find this information and almost anything else you want to know about elliptical machines.