Losing
Weight With an Elliptical Machine
Caloric Restriction Still Important
Losing weight with an elliptical machine is possible... but it doesn't happen automatically just because you hop on
the exercise equipment every once in awhile. There is no magic bullet to losing weight. You can run a marathon...
walk every day... perform high impact aerobics... or work out on an elliptical trainer.
But the key to getting rid of those excess pounds is to burn more calories than you consume during the day. It
really doesn't matter how you burn the calories - only the amount that you actually burn.
Oh sure, different body types typically dance to their own tune... but, the basic formula is nothing more than
simply maintaining a negative caloric burn that gets the job done over an extended period of time.
Working out on an elliptical machine is a fantastic way to safely burn calories. It creates limited stress on your
joints and you can perform your exercise routine at any hour of the day or night without worrying about inclement
weather.
When you combine a healthy diet with an appropriate caloric consumption together with well coordinated elliptical
exercise sessions... you have a great combination for health and longevity.
Depending on your individual situation and structural composition, it is probable that you would benefit by adding
some weight bearing exercise to your routine in addition to the cardiovascular benefits of the elliptical unit.
An exercise that uses weight will increase your metabolism and increase your chance of reaching your goal. Consider
adding a 15 minute free weight routine three times each week in addition to your daily elliptical workout.
While counting calories is certainly important, don't obsess over how exact you are in adding up your daily totals.
For example, your elliptical trainer might have a calorie counter and you may believe that it is accurate. But,
this is not necessarily true!
The calorie counters on elliptical machines should be used only as a guideline. For example, the Sole machine
appears to measure 10 calories per minute over and above that measured by the Proform unit. It seems that some
units are programmed to calculate using a bicycle formula, while others use a walking formula.
All of this simply means that you should use the data generated by any elliptical machine with a grain of salt. In
other words, use the data only as a guideline and not as gospel.
Generally speaking, an elliptical will burn about 300 calories per hour for any moderate workout, but you might be
able to increase this to 600 calories per hour if you really go for it intensely.
And remember, use the heart monitor if you have one because that can be your second opinion as to the amount of
calories that you are truly burning.
By the way, don't rely on a specific workout time frame if you are genuinely interested in losing weight. Things
such as parking further away from the door at work... taking the stairs instead of the elevator... short walks
during your lunch break... all of these can help increase your consumption of calories.
There is no getting around it... if you burn more calories than you consume each and every day, you will lose
weight.
The quality of those calories you eat has a direct bearing on how healthy you will be. Crappy calories are for
losers... but not weight losers. Eat fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and a healthy amount of fat
and you will be on your way to a well balanced diet.
Finally, the key to success is exercise, lose weight and feel great for a long and healthy life. It’s simple if you
take a little bit of time to find those areas in your life that could use a little change.
The proper use of an elliptical trainer can be a valuable part of your overall routine. Use it wisely and
consistently.
by Dean Beddoe - February 17, 2011
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