If you’re looking for a way to lose weight then you’ve probably come across the term ‘elliptical trainer’. You may have even seen someone riding one, or maybe even tried one yourself. But what is an elliptical trainer, how does it work, and is it worth trying?
What is an Elliptical Trainer?
An elliptical trainer is a machine that simulates a traditional bike ride on a flat surface. It was originally designed for exercise, but it was soon discovered that the motion of riding an elliptical trainer was better than going for a real ride outdoors. Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of elliptical trainers at your local gym. They come in all sizes, so everyone can find one that suits them perfectly.
How Does It Work?
The basic principle behind an elliptical trainer is that, as you pedal, your legs move in a elliptical motion. This causes your body to rotate in a similar manner to that of a real bike ride. Since your body is in motion while on the trainer, it is therefore constantly working to generate energy, and you feel like you’re getting a workout even when you don’t put in any effort.
The motion of your arms is also involved in this process, as they determine how your body rotates. If you raise your arms in the correct manner while pedaling, your hands will move in a track behind you as your body rotates. When your arms are raised above your head while pedaling, this is known as throwing a ‘bicycle curve’, and it’s how you get that cool, finishing-school cycling move.
Is It Worth Trying?
If you want to know if it’s worth trying out an elliptical trainer, ask yourself this: Does it make you sweat? If the answer is yes, then you’re in for a treat. When you’re working out with a trainer that generates a high level of intensity, the benefits to health are huge. It changes the game, and you’ll see the results in no time.
Elliptical trainers are relatively cheap, so if you’re interested in trying out a new way of working out, they’re perfect for the purpose. Plus, you can always buy a second hand one if you run out of funds. They’re also quite easy to use, which is great for people who are new to exercise. You don’t have to go overboard setting up complicated routines, and you don’t have to be an expert to use one.
Considerations
While the convenience and effectiveness of an elliptical trainer are undeniable, there are a few considerations that you need to make before buying one. For example, make sure that you’re comfortable taking up space in the gym. It’s not nice to block the machines that the regulars use, so find a place in the back or on the side where you won’t be in the way. Also, if you have a treadmill, you’ll need to dismount it and put down the steps before you use the elliptical trainer because it won’t work if they get out of order. This is just a precautionary measure to avoid any accidents. Finally, make sure that you purchase a belt that fits snugly around your waist. The tighter the belt, the more effective the workout. It’s not comfortable, bouncing around while working out, and it’s certainly not good for your health. The last thing you want is to buy a cheaper belt that won’t perform as well as the one you paid for.
When it comes to losing weight, you don’t necessarily need new gadgets or expensive supplements to make it happen. All you need is motivation and the discipline to stick to a routine that works for you. If you’re looking for a way to slim down, it’s worth exploring the options available to you, and one of the best ways to do this is with an elliptical trainer.