Why you should add an elliptical machine to your workout
Home workouts can be challenging as it could be difficult to achieve targeted results due to lack of equipment and/or space. But that’s no reason to not add exercise to your daily routine, even amid the pandemic. While we may not be able to experience the same intensity as a gym or park workout, some equipment can allow us to exercise comprehensively, cut fat, and target all major muscle groups. One such multi-purpose equipment is an elliptical machine.
THIS EXERCISE EQUIPMENT HELPS TO SIMULATE WALKING, RUNNING OR EVEN STAIR CLIMBING. YOU CAN EVEN CONTROL THE INTENSITY OF THE WORKOUT
WHAT IS AN ELLIPTICAL MACHINE?
It is a stationary exercise equipment which helps in doing cardiovascular workouts that simulate walking, running or even stair climbing. It has pedals, which can be moved up, down, forward, and backward.
Most elliptical machines have an adjustable resistance setting, which allows for regulating the intensity of the workout. Another feature in some variants, is adjustable handles or poles, enabling you to exercise the arms as well. This equipment can help boost both physical and mental fitness.
Here are major benefits of integrating an elliptical machine into your workout routine:
REDUCES STRAIN ON JOINTS
Joints, such as knees and hips, take a jolt when you indulge in high-impact cardio exercises like running. When you use an elliptical machine, your feet do not touch the ground because of the pedal, providing a low-impact workout. This takes away the strain from your joints.
BURNS CALORIES
It allows you to simulate calorie burning activities such as running, cycling, and walking. Additionally, the adjustable resistance setting feature, allows you to increase the intensity of the workout, and trigger fat loss.
HELPS RECOVER FROM INJURY
When recovering from an injury, we are often not advised to exercise at all. However, due to the low-impact nature of an elliptical machine, you could use it to maintain a reasonable degree of fitness. The strain on your joints and muscles is far less. It will also help you to recover your full range of motion, and strengthen muscles and joints.
FULL BODY WORKOUT
The adjustable handle bar or pole feature also engages your arm muscles. Hence, you could workout both your lower and upper body using this equipment. Working out on an elliptical machine can help improve bone strength and formation, as well as target specific muscle groups, such as biceps, triceps, chest, thighs, calf, and glutes.
REDUCES MENTAL STRESS
Exercising on this machine will help reduce the body’s stress hormones levels. As per research by Harvard Medical School, working out in general, could stimulate the production of endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.