Benefits of working out on an elliptical

Running just isn’t for everybody. Maybe you fall into the Joan Rivers category. The comic has been known to quip: “The first time I see a jogger smiling, I’ll consider it.”

If the thought of sweating it out on a treadmill sends a chill up your spine, maybe the elliptical machine is the cardio answer you’ve been waiting for.

While most elliptical machines overestimate the number of calories you’ve actually burned — sorry if you’re hearing this news for the first time! — they are still fantastic for fat-burning if you use resistance and don’t merely glide along.

Here are some more benefits of working out on an elliptical machine.

• Ellipticals give you the heart-pumping cardio workout of a treadmill without the pounding of running. Your joints will thank you!
• Ellipticals target notoriously weak muscles that are tough to activate with other exercises, especially the backside and hips.
• Increasing the stride length burns more calories, but the workout doesn’t feel more difficult. How great is that?!
• Ellipticals work out your upper body and core. Machines with arm motions tone your shoulders, chest, biceps and triceps. Or go hands-free, stand upright, and work your core and improve your posture.

For more reasons why ellipticals are great fitness machines or to learn how to get started on your road to elliptical-aided fitness success, check out this article.