If you’re training for a triathlon, you may not have thought your elliptical machine would be a prime option. However, Lance Watson, a four-time Olympic Games coach for several triathletes, provided some stellar tips for using your elliptical to get your body into tip-top triathlon shape. Continue reading “Elliptical training tips from an Olympics coach”
Gym Source is asked this question every day: Which machine is more effective, a treadmill or an elliptical trainer? Here’s our answer: While you can’t go wrong with either one, always let your goals be your guide.
If your primary goal is low-impact aerobic training, then an elliptical trainer might be best. Here’s why:
Overall, elliptical trainers can be optimal for users recovering from injury or seeking to avoid joint stress. Note, however, that while a low-impact elliptical workout can help protect tender joints, elliptical trainers lack the ‘weight-bearing effect’ inherent to treadmills. Because the pedals of an elliptical trainer are suspended off the ground, they can’t-and don’t-go as far as a treadmill does to strengthen bones and muscles (achieved every time your feet pound the belt), which can be important to older users.
If your training goals involve higher impact activity-and perhaps even some road races-consider a treadmill. The benefits are easy to see:
Today’s top-quality treadmills are designed to maximize your comfort, calorie burn, and workout enjoyment. Then again, so are today’s elliptical trainers. The bottom line is this: To truly determine the best machine for you-treadmill or elliptical-get to a specialty fitness retailer like Gym Source and try out a few for yourself. Once you’ve experienced the feel and features that today’s innovative treadmill and elliptical machines have to offer, you’ll know what’s right for you.
Source credits: Kevin Deeth, CPT, and Dr. Edward R. Laskowski
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re constantly looking for ways to cut out calories. Why not burn them instead? Exercising is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and there are many different ways that you can burn more calories while working out: Continue reading “Five ways to burn more calories”
While it’s no secret that elliptical fitness equipment is ideal for an excellent cardio workout free of joint pain, did you know it can also help you strengthen your core? If you’re the type of person who dreads doing sit​ups or crunches of any kind, consider combining your core workout with your weekly cardio fitness routine. Continue reading “Use an elliptical to strengthen your core”
For people who want to get fit but have some sort of aversion to treadmills, elliptical fitness equipment is a great alternative. Because this exercise motion is easier on the joints than running, an elliptical is a fantastic way to get in some cardio training without aggravating old injuries. However, if you want to have an effective workout, there are a few do's and don'ts you'll need to remember.
DO: Use quality cardio fitness equipment
Using an elliptical that's designed for versatility could make all the difference. The award-winning TRUE Fitness M30 is innovatively designed to provide the industry's only upper-body workout, which means you'll get more bang for your buck each time you exercise. It also monitors your heart rate, and can be put on cruise control so you can maintain your target for the entire workout.
DON'T: Do the same routine every day
If you do the same workout over and over again, your body will become too efficient, causing you to burn fewer calories each time you exercise. To make sure you're getting the most out of your fitness routine, use the versatile features of the elliptical to play with the speed, incline and resistance. You can even try pedaling backward!
DO: Use internals
Interval training is a great way to make sure the time you spend on the elliptical is as efficient as possible. Most elliptical fitness equipment comes with pre-set interval programs, so do some experimenting to see what you like. You can also play with the resistance and incline to develop your own routine.
DON'T: Go too fast
Although you may think that moving faster will burn more calories, if you pedal too quickly you'll gain too much momentum and won't be able to fully engage your muscles. Try to find a happy medium.
DO: Work your upper body
Using an elliptical isn't all about working your legs – you can also engage your arms for a full-body workout. Make sure you are actively pushing and pulling on the handles as you move your legs. If you're on the TRUE M30, take advantage of its upper-body only workout once in awhile to reach your maximum fitness potential.
DON'T: Have bad form
When it comes to getting the most out of your workout on an elliptical, having proper form is half the battle. Don't slouch! Keep your body upright with your head over your shoulders and your shoulders over your hips. Be actively aware of your form throughout the workout, and remember not to bend over the handles.
With swimsuit season just around the corner, women are working hard to sculpt the perfect bikini body. That, of course, means combining workouts to effectively tighten and tone their backsides. To target your glutes, try pairing Pilates with your elliptical machine for a butt-busting workout combination.
1. Elliptical
To sculpt your behind, increase the resistance on your elliptical machine to help build more muscle. If you prefer working your glutes at home, the compact TRUE M30 Elliptical is the perfect addition to your home gym. It comes with preset workouts and a patented virtual personal training coach program that will help you tailor your workout to get the best results. As you tackle each exercise, press your heels down into the pedals to activate the back of your thighs and glutes.
2. Squats
One of the simplest ways to tone your backside (along with your hips and thighs) is squatting. To get the most out of each squat, stand with your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart. Then, slowly lower your hips. Make sure your knees don't extend forward past your toes. Of course, there are endless variations to this simple exercise. Experiment to see what works best for you.
3. Bridges
If you ever took gymnastics as a child, you'll remember this one. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet on the floor approximately hip-width apart. Slowly peel your spine off of the floor, and don't forget to clench your glutes and thighs during the process. Once you've formed a diagonal line with your spine, slowly return to the floor, and repeat.
4. Lunges
Another easy exercise to pair with your elliptical routine, lunges can be done almost anywhere. To make sure your lunges target your backside, begin with your feet hip-distance apart and parallel. Take a large step forward and slowly lower your body until your front knee has formed a 90 degree angle. Make sure your knee doesn't extend beyond your ankle. Then, raise your body, switch legs and repeat.
Pregnancy may change your body dramatically, but it doesn’t have to completely alter your fitness routine! Of course, you shouldn’t expect to stay at the level of your pre-pregnancy running routine in your third trimester, but having a bun in the oven is no reason to stop completely. With the right workout tips and TRUE Fitness equipment, you can continue to run safely until the baby arrives:
Know it’s OK
While expectant mothers may be fearful that continuing to run during pregnancy is dangerous, exercise can actually be beneficial for both mother and baby. However, it’s still important to talk to your doctor about your intention to continue running and make sure you’re exercising as safely as possible.
Take it slow
As your pregnancy progresses, you may find you can’t run as quickly or take hills as hard as you used to. Be sure to listen to your body: if you feel any pain or pulling, take a break. Don’t push through discomfort like you may have pre-pregnancy. Now is the time to maintain your fitness level, not push it.
Avoid running in high temperatures
Running inside on a TRUE Fitness treadmill in an air-conditioned room will help prevent you from overheating. The TRUE PS800 treadmill also uses the TRUE Soft Systemâ„¢ and has an orthopedic belt for minimal impact on the joints and knees and maximum safety while running.
Be sure to stretch
Stretching before and after each workout is especially critical while pregnant. It will help prevent sore muscles and back pain, and make it possible for you to continue to run well into your pregnancy.
Stick to flat surfaces
As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts, you become more likely to slip and fall. Running on flat surfaces like a TRUE Fitness treadmill while holding onto the handles will make it less likely that you lose your balance and increase safety for both you and your baby.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before, during and after your run. Although hydration is always important when exercising, it’s especially important during pregnancy: according to BabyCenter, dehydration can decrease blood flow to the uterus and may cause premature contractions.
If all else fails, switch to the elliptical
As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that running is simply too high impact. Switch to the TRUE ES700 Elliptical Trainer to maintain your fitness levels during pregnancy while keeping pressure off of  your joints. The TRUE ES700 is designed for maximum comfort and safety with its Core Drive™ System, TRUE Lock™ footpads and ergonomically designed multi-grip handles.
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