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[E192]Elliptical Machine Calories Burned

by Danna Schneider, Dan

What are the visions that come to mind when you think of a person that is "lean"? I think of the body of a dancer. Someone who is lithe, long and lean, with little fat on their body, and who is muscular without being bulky. This body type is very much a desirable object of affection for many women, and women try to achieve this body type by exercising in ways that will make them lean, not bulk them up.

I've noticed that when I do a lot of running, my muscles tend to get bulky, especially my calves and my quadriceps, both of which tend to bulk on me fairly quickly.

While I enjoyed the extra muscle mass due to weight training and running, I wanted to find something that would stretch my muscles out, and instead of really working my quads and calves hard and not letting them get that long, lean look, I wanted something that would get me the same cardio workout without bulking me up.

I finally found that perfect cardivascular workout that will help me "stretch out" in the elliptical machine. I purchased a Horizon elliptical, which I feel is one of the most superior brands in fitness equipment, and let's just say it's getting a lot of use in my house.

I've noticed since regularly doing my cardio fitness routine on the elliptical that my muscles do not seem to bulk up as much, and that I do not get as sore as I did with running, since the elliptical provides the best of both worlds.

What I mean is it offers a great workout for your cardiovascularly, while it also is soft on your joints and will not easily let your muscles bulk up unless you have it on a very high resistance setting that tends to work your bigger leg muscles harder. On my elliptical, I will go forward for about ten minutes, then alternate going backwards to help tone and strengthen my buttocks area.

I find that it gives a great balances and changes up my muscle groups a little more so that it evens out my muscle workout a little more, and helps me build strength in different ways rather than just going forward the whole time. I also feel it firms my butt well.

Finding an elliptical can be tricky. If you want to get an elliptical machine but are not looking to spend a lot of money, beware. The cheaper elliptical machines are cheaper for a reason.

A low end model can feel rickety when you're working out on it, and can often not have the settings you would like so that you can change up your workout without constantly working your muscles at the same intensity every time.

You will want to get an elliptical machine that has a nice flow to it, in other words, it should have a smooth flow of motion. Some of the lower end models almost tend to feel like they are not moving easily, and this can put more pressure on your joints and make you want to get off as fast as possible.

Look at the amount of programs it has, and the display. Do you like the look and feel of the machine? Also, you want one with comfortable enough hand grips, and one with a large enough foot rest so that you don't feel like you're going to fall off of it all the time.

I've been on my fair share of low end models, and they really defeat the purpose, because they're so uncomfortable to operate, that you find yourself wishing for the workout to be over quickly. When I bought the higher end Horizon model, I instantly loved it.

It was easy to move, had a nice display that also offered a heart monitor option, and several resistanced settings as well as fat burning and cardio sessions for you to choose from so you don't get bored and can train your muscles to reshape themselves.

I've noticed that my muscles do seem longer and leaner since I've been regularly using the elliptical, and wouldn't give this great piece of workout machinery up for anything. If you're looking for what I call the yoga and pilates of cardiovascular workouts, then the elliptical is your answer!

Buying an elliptical machine online can be difficult if you haven't spent any time comparing a few reviews and ratings. Picking out the best elliptical machine is more complex than just walking in a sporting goods store, trying one out and buying it on the spot without having done any comparisons. Higher-end elliptical machines, like the SportsArt Fitness, Quantum Fitness, Precor, Life Fitness, and brands found in sporting goods or specialty stores, can handle users up to 180 kg (400 lbs), and usually range in price from $1300 to $5400 (US).

But you can find low cost or cheap elliptical machines doing just a little bit of research online and save a lot of money. When shopping for an elliptical trainer you want to find the best elliptical machine possible of the best quality while saving yourself as much money as you can.

Traditionally Consumer Reports magazine is a very good place to compare features and costs of elliptical machines if they've done a review in the last two to three years. Even if the machines are now older models, there is lots of good information about features and what to look out for. If you don't subscribe, call the reference librarian at your local public library and ask them to look up the information. Most librarians will fax you copies of the review.

When shopping online or at your local fitness, sporting goods or big box stores always ask for a discount no matter where you end up buying a machine. There are business discounts, professional discounts, health professional discounts, nurse's discounts, senior discounts, student discounts, college student discounts, disability discounts and many others for example. Whether or not they give you a discount you can also ask them to throw something in with your purchase. Just make sure to ask. Discounts are given all the time. They want to make the sale.

The elliptical machine is quickly gaining popularity both in the health clubs and at home. So when you go shopping for an elliptical trainer, do you want to buy something expensive or do you want a low cost or discounted unit? The elliptical is an excellent choice for home equipment, especially if you don't want the traditional home treadmill or exercise bike.

The elliptical trainer uses all the muscles in the lower legs. While it gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis. Most machines will come standard with an on-board computer.

With the elliptical machine, all exercises to maintain a healthy bone density can be performed. Most are smaller than a treadmill and can be more easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming. The general estimates of calories burned are about 387 calories for a 150 pound woman who has done thirty minutes of elliptical exercise.

The basic features of ellipticals include the drive system, the resistance system and the length of the stride. They have also been proven to offer a lower 'Perceived Rate of Exertion' whenever you are working out. They are proven to provide workouts that are best for the cardiovascular system.

Elliptical trainers use both the arms and the legs making it a cross trainer, in a real smooth and natural motion. Many people want machines that store well because they want to use them when they need them and hide them in a closet when they're not using them. Another great thing is that you can move at a comfortable speed while allowing for the occasional burst of high intensities.

If you're cramped for space or have a small home gym or small workout area, it can be a great way to save space while getting an overall body workout. According to the machine manufacturers, a general estimate of calories burned by an elliptical can go up to 720 calories an hour.

Ellipticals give you a weight resistant workout. This is important because weight resistant workouts burn calories much faster and more efficiently. They can provide the same benefits people get exercising without using equipment. There are many benefits that can be enjoyed by using an elliptical machine and if you've shopped wisely you can save a lot of money too.

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Both Danna Schneider & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Danna Schneider has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Types of Cancer and Aging Problems. Danna Schneider is the cofounder of , where you can find information on weightloss products, fitness equipm. Danna Schneider's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.

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