How to Work Out With an Elliptical Trainer

!±8± How to Work Out With an Elliptical Trainer

If you're ready to start working out with an elliptical trainer, it's very easy to get started. Whether you're using your own new trainer at home or using a gym machine for the first time, there are just a few steps to take.

First, choose appropriate footwear and clothing for an elliptical workout. You don't need specialized shoes or gear for this machine. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes made of an absorbent material and a pair of sneakers. Avoid sneakers that fit too tightly, as pinched toes can make your feet start to feel numb on an elliptical machine.

Although most elliptical machines have programmable workouts, when starting out it's easiest to just use the manual setting. Focus on learning the basic movements involved in training and pay attention to your target heart rate. Later on as you become more experienced, you can try varying your workouts with different inclines and reverse as well as forward motions.

Most people are amazed at how natural the movement involved in elliptical training feels. When you first start using one, remember to take it slow nonetheless. Focus on keeping your posture upright. Maintain a light grip on the handlebars and move slowly to allow yourself to get used to taking easy, full strides.

Whether you regularly work out on other fitness equipment or elliptical training is your first type of regular exercise, it's important to avoid overdoing it at first. Elliptical training tends to feel a lot easier and less strenuous than other types of workouts. This is great news, but it also makes it easy to unintentionally overwork muscles. Limit your first workout to no more than 15 minutes.

As soon as you finish working out on an elliptical machine, be sure to stretch your muscles. This can help prevent muscle soreness and it's also a great way to unwind after working out.

As you build up skills and develop the muscles involved in elliptical training, gradually increase how long you work out to 30 to 45 minutes. The more days a week you work out on an elliptical machine, the better your results will be.

Elliptical training burns a lot of calories, so even if you can only train for 20 minutes 4 times a week, you can see and feel results in a matter of weeks. The important thing is to maintain some consistency with how often you work out. It's better to work out for shorter intervals more days of the week than to try to do one or two "long" sessions weekly on an elliptical machine.