7 Amazing Benefits of Elliptical Machines

The first thing that usually comes to mind when we decide we want to lose weight is, “How am I going to achieve my goal?” For most of us, it’s going to be accomplished via dieting and one of several lines of cardiovascular machines.

Undoubtedly, Elliptical or Cross Trainers are going to be a go-to favorite for many, and for good reason. An elliptical machine is quite popular because they are effective, easy to use, and available at just about any gym. They can also be purchased and used in your home.

To use a cross trainer, you simply stand on the top of the pedals, grab the handles and move back and forth by gliding your legs. These machines burn a ton of calories because of their dual-action nature; they work the lower and upper body simultaneously.

Apart from their ease of use, these machines offer an array of additional benefits. But before moving further, let’s briefly explore what an elliptical or a cross trainer is and how one will benefit you…

What is an Elliptical Machine and How Will One Benefit Me?

An elliptical machine, also commonly known as a cross trainer, is a type of stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking, stair climbing, and running motions without adding any excessive pressure on your joints.

One of the best advantages of utilizing an elliptical workout is that it reduces your risk of impact injuries and because of its dual-action nature, burns a ton of calories by working your upper and lower body at the same time.

Those who decide to work out on an elliptical to stay fit and healthy will see awesome results with regular use. Just be sure to change up your program to avoid a workout plateau.

The total amount of calories burned in a given elliptical workout depends on the resistance level, stride speed, as well as ramp height. Gradually, increase your interval, and you can usually burn between 270 and 400 calories in half an hour.

Disclaimer: For anyone overweight or obese and/or completely new to exercise, please consult with your doctor before you start working out on a Cross Trainer. While these machines are generally very safe, they can be pretty intense. For example, you can put quite a bit of strain on your heart, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or go all in without a gradual progression. Better safe than sorry so consulting with your doctor is always recommended.

Top 7 Benefits of Elliptical Machines

Here are 7 benefits of using an elliptical or cross trainer machine, whether you’re at home or in the gym…

#1. Easy for Beginners

The majority of people will find a cross trainer no more difficult to use than any other average rower or treadmill. An elliptical trainer

If you’re a beginner and have some difficulties with balance, using an Elliptical Machine is great. They come with stationary handlebars which you can use until you get used to the motion of your legs.

Tip: Give an elliptical machine a single workout, and you’ll know firsthand just how effective these machines are!

#2. Easy on the Joints

An elliptical or cross trainer is far better than running or using a treadmill for people who have joint problems. And even if you don’t, it’s better to use the cross trainer than running on concrete, for example. These machines are great for both people who have an injury, prior to either joint issues or who have other problems with mobility.

Further, a cross trainer can help you get rid of some back problems as some backaches are caused by the fact that we always crouch in front of a computer or on our desks, and we therefore don’t exercise our back muscles or core. Well, an elliptical trainer can help you make your back muscles stronger and strengthen your core, thanks to the rotation movements of the upper body.

#3. Safe to Use

Some of the machines at the gym are difficult to use, and while working on them, you might injure yourself. However, a cross trainer is something which you can quickly adapt and can learn how to use it for reducing weight quite fast.

Moreover, you’re eliminating the risk of falling off a treadmill or hurting yourself on the weights stand. Your risk of getting injuries while working out on an elliptical machine is almost zero.

#4. Lowers Diabetes Risk

Your pancreas secretes insulin to get rid of sugar in your blood, by transforming it into fat. Using a cross trainer means you’re burning body fat and using up the glucose reserves in your body. Therefore, your insulin can do its job by saving you from type 2 diabetes.

#5. Increases Aerobic Capacity

Using the elliptical machine 25 to 30 minute a day for 4 to 5 minutes a week can help you improve your cardiovascular capacity and physical endurance. A cross trainer can help you to be active and alert throughout the day thanks to the metabolism boost and increased oxygenation to the brain received from using one.

#6. Strengthens Major Muscle Groups

One of the key benefits of using an elliptical machine is that they train the whole body from lower to upper. The dual-action nature of these machines works all muscles of the body at the same time.

Moreover, a cross trainer burns more calories in a shorter training interval and thus offers more comfort to the user while helping them achieve results.

#7. Strengthens the Core

Because of the way you stand on an elliptical trainer machine, it requires specific core muscles to keep your balance between moving the pedals. It also helps your whole body from the amount of muscles involved in the motion of the exercise. You can even get better results by doing workouts on the elliptical machine rather than sit-ups or crunches. Significantly, it is a great way to get some extra work on your core muscles as you’re working out your heart, lungs, and brain!

The Bottom Line

These are just some of the many benefits of Elliptical Machines. Now, if you still haven’t been convinced that a cross trainer is going to help you lose weight, try using one regularly before you pass it up. Working out on the elliptical machine daily can give you quicker weight loss results and I guarantee you will feel great after each workout.

You won’t know how good you’ll feel until you personally start using one. These machines activate many muscles of your body at a time and this makes your cardiovascular system work harder. The result is that you burn a larger number of calories when compared to many other forms of exercise.

The verdict? Elliptical machines are great!

Tell us about your experience working out on an elliptical /cross trainer in the comments below…

About Shannon Clark

Shannon holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer with over 10 years of industry experience.