One of the sweatiest machines at the gym is the elliptical; many times you find that the person before you didn’t wipe it down and it’s covered in sweat. Which only means that they got a killer workout, which is the goal. Most people like this machine because it’s a full body workout, but jumping on and pedaling at one pace isn’t going to make you burn as many calories as you want. The elliptical is a fat-burning machine, but it really makes a difference on how you use it and we have some tips on how to get the most out of it.
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Foot Placement
Elliptical machines come in different sizes, so make sure your feet are comfortably placed in the middle of the pedals. When you push your feet forward against the front edge of the pedals this can cause discomfort and pain, which can prevent you from finishing. The same goes when you stay up on the balls of your feet, which can cause added pressure. Also, make sure you don’t lean forward or upward and you maintain a proper upright position.
Handles
One of the benefits of the elliptical is that it has handles, which give you a total body workout, so make sure you use them. Make sure you push and pull the handles and add a little bounce, which not only helps make your workout more fun, but you can also target your arms and even slim down your waist.
Pick Up The Pace
Some elliptical machines have various settings and even custom or timed workouts. To get the most out of your workout you have to pick up the pace. It may be a good idea to start slow, but then gradually pick it up and make sure you’re getting your heart rate up. You need at least 140 strides per minute to make sure you’re burning the most calories.
Intervals and Resistance
Many elliptical machines have different types of workouts and resistance levels; look for high-intensity interval training, which kicks your metabolism in high gear. You warm up for 5 minutes, then speed up to as fast as you can for 2 to 3 minutes and continue to alternate the intervals for about 30 minutes, where you push your body to work hard and increase your heart rate. This is a great way to slim down the fastest.