Just joined a gym and want to know how to best workout on the myriad of elliptical machines offered? Or have you made the investment and purchased your own elliptical machine to use in your home gym or another part of your home? If you’ve never worked out on an elliptical trainer before, you may be wondering how to get the best workout and how to avoid injury on these popular cardio machines.
Here is a beginner’s guide to using an elliptical machine to maximize your time on it and ensure you keep your joints safe.
Make Sure You Stand Up Straight
It’s important to maintain good posture when working out on your elliptical machine to reduce the chance of injury and to make sure you are minimizing muscle strain. Standing up straight also helps engage your core, giving you an ab workout as well as working your legs and arms. In addition to standing up straight, keep your shoulders down, back, and relaxed. If you find you are starting to slouch during your workout, it likely means you are fatigued and should take a break or dial down the intensity of your workout.
Hold—Don’t Lean On—The Handles
Most elliptical trainers have handles that help you get an arm workout during your cardio session. Some people make the mistake of leaning on the handles, which actually makes the workout easier as you are supporting your weight rather than working your arms. Use your strength to push and pull the handles while you are pedaling to increase the intensity of your workout and to give your arms a good burn.
Move Your Feet in a Natural Way
Ellipticals are intended to mimic running, so it’s important to move your legs and feet in a natural manner rather than putting weight on the balls of your feet or on your toes. If you put your weight on these areas of your feet, you risk pain and injury as it adds extra stress to your knees. I can also cause tingling or numbness in the legs during your workout.
Gradually Increase Resistance and Incline
As you use your elliptical machine, you will get stronger and your endurance and cardio health will improve. To make sure this continues, gradually increase resistance and/or incline as you continue to challenge yourself and so your workouts do not become too easy. How do you know when it’s time to increase? If you finish your workout and are not out of breath or feel you worked very hard, it’s probably time.
Choosing the Right Elliptical Machine
Purchasing the right machine is an important part of your overall experience and will guarantee you get the best possible workout. The best way to make sure you choose the right machine is to work with a knowledgeable sales rep either online or in person. You can tell the rep about your fitness goals, any injuries or other issues you are dealing with, how much space you have, your budget, and any special features you want on your elliptical. This will help them suggest the perfect machine that will fit your goals for years to come.
Keep an eye for more latest news & updates on Ssense!
