If you are looking for an uncomplicated – and more importantly, sustainable – way to rid yourself of unwanted pounds, then you have come to the right place. The elliptical machine has been a resounding hit since its invention in the 1980s, and with good reason: It promotes physical activity, while also providing a cardiovascular workout that is both effective and eco-friendly.
You don’t need to be a professional athlete to get the most out of an elliptical machine. In fact, the opposite is true. All you need is a desire to lose weight and get healthier, and you will find the elliptical to be both an efficient and convenient tool toward those goals.
Here is how you can use an elliptical to shed those extra pounds and become healthier.
Choose the Right Gym
An elliptical can be work out at home, so there is no reason to go to a gym to use it. However, not all gyms are created equal, and it pays to do some research before you commit to joining a particular gym. Just like with any other piece of exercise equipment, your local gym’s policies about payments and memberships will affect your experience. Make sure that the gym you choose is a good fit for you.
Pro-Tip: Find Out How Many Miles You Can Travel On Your Card
If you are an average person and not a professional athlete, then the chances are you have a credit card that provides you with some form of loyalty or reward program. The number of miles you can accumulate per year with that particular credit card will come as a great surprise – you will not be able to travel extremely far on those miles, but it will be enough to cover the occasional gym visit or equipment rental.
Understand The Risks
There are always risks involved with trying something new, whether it is trying a new dietary habit or working out with a novel equipment. While most gym-goers are aware of the risks associated with going to the gym, fewer people are aware of the risks that come with using an elliptical machine. Since most gyms have a minimum age requirement of at least 18 years, using an elliptical machine is generally considered to be safe for adults, but it is still not without its risks.
Pro-Tip: Read The Instruction Manual Carefully
If you are planning on using an elliptical machine for the first time, then it is essential that you follow the instructions carefully. The manual will not only guide you through setting up and using your equipment safely, but it will also help you choose the right settings for the most effective workout. If you are not equipped with a manual, then contact the manufacturer to see if they can provide you with one. Failing to do this could mean a decrease in the effectiveness of your workout, and even injury that could be avoided.
Workout Regularly, But Not Too Rigorously
To get the best results from an elliptical machine, you should work out regularly, but not too rigorously. It is important to work at a pace that is comfortable for you, so that you can do your workout without feeling like you are forcing it. Find the right settings for the most comfortable workout and stick with them, but don’t be afraid to change them up now and again.
If you feel like your workout is lacking motivation, then try changing up the music that you listen to while working out. For some, the sounds of nature such as water or wind can help get the heartrate up and make working out more appealing. If that doesn’t do it, then try a playlist of your favorite songs – dancing or otherwise. If that doesn’t work, then try listening to your favorite album or downloading a podcast about fitness, health, or working out.
Pro-Tip: Check Out YouTube For Useful Tutorials
Nowadays, most companies make it easy for consumers to research and learn about the products they sell. Take the case of the elliptical, for example. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can find numerous videos that will walk you through the setup process and give you tips on how to workout effectively. In addition, companies such as CJ Group make it easy for consumers to create personalized workouts and share them with others via social media. With the advent of all this technology, it is no wonder that more and more people are turning to the internet for help with losing weight – especially since it is so easy to do.
Set Realistic Goals
When it comes to weight loss, many people set the bar far too high, only to be discouraged when they cannot meet the impossible standards laid down by society or the mainstream media. Don’t be that person. Setting both oneself and one’s partner moderate goals that are more realistic and achievable is the key to long-term weight loss and sustainability. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds then that might be unrealistic. Instead, set a goal of losing 1 to 2 pounds per week.
Eat Healthy Foods
An elliptical machine is no substitute for a real gym, but it is an ideal way to get a workout at home. While you can lose weight simply through cardio, it is important to eat the right foods to boost your metabolism, provide your body with nutrients, and stay sustained in your effort. Choose foods that are rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods. These foods will help keep you full for longer, preventing unnecessary overeating. Try adding more vegetables to your diet, particularly cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach. These substances are known as “phytonutrients” and have been shown in studies to boost the activity of certain enzymes in the human body, which in turn, enhance the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. So not only will eating a diet rich in vegetables help you lose weight, but it could also help improve your overall health.
Reduce Stress And Anxiety
This one may seem pretty obvious, but too many people will try working out to prove to themselves that they can lose weight regardless of the scale, only to be met with frustrating failure. Whether you are trying to lose weight for a competition or a fashion goal, working out should be fun and motivating, not frustrating and anxiety-inducing. Reducing stress and anxiety will undoubtedly help you lose weight faster.
Pro-Tip: Keep Track Of Your Expenses
Since an elliptical machine is such an essential part of anyone’s workout gear collection, it is only natural that people want to save money wherever they can. One way to do this is to track the money you spend on food, gym memberships, and exercise equipment, as opposed to the money you save on gas, hotel rooms, and childcare. This will help you realize how much you are actually spending on fitness and how much money you are actually saving – not to mention how much more fun life is when you are physically active. It is important to remember though, that not all fitness investments are created equal. While it is great to have a functional and eco-friendly workout machine, you must know how to invest in fitness equipment effectively in order to maximize your experience.
Monitoring Your Progress
Whether you are competing in a sport or just want to lose some weight for health reasons, it is important to keep track of your progress. Setting reasonable goals and tracking your daily activity both verbally and in writing will help you stay motivated and on track toward your weight loss goal.
If you are competing in a sport, then tracking your progress can be easily done through online competitions that connect users with their favorite sports personalities, coaches, and other athletes. The same goes for fitness and weight loss bloggers who want to document their journeys and inspire others.
While the internet makes it easy to stay motivated and connected to other users, it also makes it easier for others to judge and criticize your efforts. This can be especially hurtful when you are already feeling low on confidence from within. The flip side of this is that when you are honest with your self-image and confident in your abilities, it is much easier to keep motivated and determined even when things get tough.
Pro-Tip: Join A Gym
If you are looking for an easy way to lose weight and get fit without having to deal with the monotony of working out at home, then joining a gym is the perfect option for you. While there are many perks to working out at a gym, there are also certain drawbacks that you need to be aware of. The biggest downside is that gyms require a lot of money, especially if you want to buy your own equipment. This could easily add up to hundreds of dollars per month, which might be a lot of money for some, but certainly not for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget then this might not be the best option for you.