03 Jan 12 Cardio Exercise – Elliptical Machine Benefits

Cardio Exercise – Elliptical Machine Benefits

There are many benefits to using an elliptical trainers. Some of the elliptical machine benefits include weight loss, cardiovascular health improvements, muscle toning, and mental health and wellness. An elliptical machine is a great tool for improving health and puts less stress on the body than other types of workout equipment.

Elliptical Machine Benefits – Weight Loss

Elliptical trainer machines are great for weight loss. Elliptical machines can give you a great workout that can burn about 200+ calories in about 30 minutes at a moderate intensity level. It is also much easier on your feet, knees, and hips than a treadmill or running outdoors. As long as you are maintaining a healthy diet an elliptical machine can yield great results for your weight loss efforts.

Elliptical Machine Benefits – Cardiovascular Health

Another of the important elliptical machine benefits is the great cardiovascular exercise you can get from the machine. The cardiovascular system is composed primarily of your heart and blood vessels, the purpose of which is to deliver oxygen to the various parts of your body through the blood.

Understandably, the health of this system is very important to your overall health. Heart disease or clogged arteries can lead to serious problems. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in many countries.

One of the things you can do to improve your cardiovascular health is to get about 30 minutes of exercise 5 times per week. This exercise should be vigorous enough to raise your heart rate to what is known as the “Cardio Zone.” To figure out what heart rate you should be targeting, first find your maximum heart rate by multiplying your age by 0.67, then subtract this number from 206.9. Here’s the formula:

Maximum Heart Rate = 206.9 – (0.67 * Age)

So, if you are 30:

206.9 – 20.1 = 186.8

70-85% of this number is your cardio heart rate zone. So, going with the example of 30 years of age, the cardio zone would be between 130 and 159 beats per minute. An elliptical machine can easily help you reach this target. It may be a good idea to find an elliptical machine that has a chest strap with a very accurate heart rate monitor to help you stay in the zone.

In addition to this, if you want to improve your cardiovascular health you should eat healthy. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Smoking is another contributor to cardiovascular disease, so it may be a good idea to quit if you are a smoker.

Elliptical Machine Benefits – Muscle Toning

Toned muscles can also help you to lose or maintain weight. This is because your body exerts energy just to maintain muscle tissue, which raises your metabolism. Basically, you are burning more calories even when your aren’t doing anything.

To tone muscle with an elliptical trainer you should spend part of your workout using your arms to pump the ski pole like hand bars rather than pedaling with your feet. This can help build muscle tone in your arms. Also, pedaling in reverse and changing incline and resistance levels can help you target different muscle groups.

Elliptical Machine Benefits – Mental Health

As with any exercise routine, working out on an elliptical trainer machine has mental health benefits. Exercise is a great way to get rid of stress. In addition, you can generally let you mind wander freely while doing your exercise. I find this to be a great time to reflect on my day, to think of my plans for the future, and just to work though any unresolved thoughts going on in my head. In fact, I think best when I am in motion.

I often find that when I am in a mental funk that a moderate exercise is just the thing I need to pull me out and get me going again.

Tags: Benefits, Cardio, Cardio Exercise, Elliptical, Elliptical Machine, Exercise, Machine