Working out can seem monotonous, boring, exhausting, and sometimes even a huge waste of time. Walking the same route day after day, or falling into a biking routine can make it hard to get yourself out of bed to burn calories every day.
However, it doesn't have to be this way. Using your elliptical machine to create an exciting, fun, varied workout can make losing weight exciting, energizing, and even, dare we say, fun?
When you use an elliptical machine you are opening the door to a great deal of variety in your workout. The first feature you should learn to use is the programs that come with your machine.
These programs have a lot of variety, and can be very fun. These programs can include but are not limited to fat burn, cardio, interval training, hill master, and more.
They are expertly designed to keep you motivated, keep you working hard, and keep your heart in the perfect target range to meet your goals. Try each program, and see which ones you like best.
Don't forget, the more you shock your body with variety, the better it will respond. Our bodies have a tendency to work their way into a muscular rut, when the body finds a comfortable area and decides to not work as hard.
If you try using a different program every day, you will not fall prey to your habit-forming body. The next thing to try is different levels of elevation.
Most elliptical machines have the ability to move up and down, according to manual controls. There is usually a small guide posted on your machine which tells you which level of elevation is targeting which muscles groups.
For example, if you set your leg elevation to a level fourteen, you are engaging your calf muscles more, and you will begin to feel them burn. These setting can target many different areas, including calves, thighs, hips, and butt.
Be sure to keep your abdominal muscles nice and tight to maximize your core strengthening. Once you have applied different programs and different elevations, try going backwards!
One of the unique things about these machines is the ability to change pedaling direction. This luxury is not true of stationary bikes.
Moving in a backwards motion will allow you to give certain muscles a rest, while working others. It definitely adds something different to your routine, and can be a welcome change.
Try going forward for fifteen minutes, then backwards for fifteen minutes, then repeat. It keeps your different muscles groups working, while making things a little more interesting for you.
If you are working manually, you will want to alter your resistance level every few minutes. See how high you can go, without causing any pain in your body.
These levels range from one to about twenty, and can greatly change the feel of your workout. Try increasing your resistance level every two to three minutes, and you will find that your endurance will increase each time you use your machine.
The next step to enjoying your workout is to find the right kind of entertainment that will motivate you. Whether you are into watching movies, catching up on TIVO, reading a book, or listening to your favorite music, these machines make each of these things possible.
If you don't have an elliptical with a built-in TV, considering moving it into a room that has one. That way, you can enjoy watching your movies and TV shows, while it forces you to get a cardio workout in at the same time.
Time flies much faster when you are being entertained! If it is a book you want to read, there are special book holders for a low price that you can place over your machine to hold your book steady.
Be sure to find whatever works for you, and implement it into your workout routine. Find songs that motivate you, and make you want to push harder.
Think of your workout time as a special time that is just for you, to take care of yourself while enjoying other things you love at the same time. Make your time uninterrupted, and relaxing.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make your exercise time enjoyable, pleasant, and effective in the process. Hop on your elliptical machine today and see what makes things more fun for you!
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a personal trainer and author of numerous articles relating to physical training and elliptical machine. He has been helping others find a greater fitness level since the 80's.
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