Elliptical Machines Homepage

Question: How effective are elliptical machines?

(Posted by: x on 2009-06-08 20:50:23)

So I have been working out on one but it doesn& #039;t really get me sweaty or my heart pumping... so it doesn& #039;t really feel like I& #039;m working out. Is it still effective?

Posted by: Vyky on 2009-06-08, 20:54:13

I would recommend running. But i think it is just ur body got used to working on the elliptical machines u need to make a change or speed up ur pace

Posted by: Mo on 2009-06-08, 20:58:59

Ellipticals work on the largest muscles in your body----legs and glutes. The reasoning is that, the largest muscles in your body require the most energy (fat/ sugars) to work. In terms of efficacy...yes, the elliptical is the most effective machine at the gym (although the treadmill is arguably equal/ superior). The thing to be watching is your heartrate. In all reality, you could be walking in a park, but as long as your heartrate was in the appropriate range, then your workout would be appropriate. This heart rate is called your "Target HR ", which is 70%-75% of your theoretical maximum heart rate. Your maximum heart rate will vary with age. Refer to the hyperlinked table for your age 's maximum HR, then take 70% of that. If the elliptical is failing at this, try increasing the incline or your stride speed. As long as your activity gets you in this "sweet spot ", then your workout will work out (ha).

Posted by: Emily V on 2009-06-08, 21:02:42

I was working out on a tread climber and i saw a girl in front of my working out on an elliptical machine and she burned 24 calories in the same time it took for me to burn 200 and she didnt seem very tired but then again it all depends on how fast you 're going and how much effort you put into it..i 'd say you should try something else.