If you have been trying to lose weight or just lose fat, then you probably already realize that dieting alone won't do it. You will need to get off of the couch and get more active. Although going for a walk is an easy thing to do, it is not always the most efficient in terms of your use of time. If you want to burn a lot of calories, then you will need to do something more vigorous than walking and that is why a lot of people are choosing elliptical trainers.
How Many Calories Burned on the Elliptical?
There are a few reasons why you can burn so many calories on an elliptical, and the first reason is because it makes you work most of your body. Although it may look like your legs and hips are doing all the work, your entire body is engaged and that means that you are burning calories.
You will find that half an hour of working out on a cross trainer is worth about an hour or more of walking at a very good pace. For instance, the calories burned on an elliptical for an average weight man is upwards of 800 calories per hour. Next to running, only swimming comes close to this kind of number. If you were walking, you would be lucky to burn 300 calories per hour.
How Do You Know How Many Calories Are Being Burned on an Elliptical?
There is no single number of how many calories you can definitely burn on an elliptical cross trainer because it depends on so many different factors. The calorie counter on an elliptical machine will give you a good estimate, but you should keep in mind that the number is based on a person of average weight. If you weigh more, then you will burn a lot more calories than someone who is slim.
In addition to your weight being important in the calculation, you should also keep in mind your overall state of fitness, your age, your gender, and how fast you are going. If you are really moving at top pace, you can actually burn up to 1,000 calories per hour, but you would have to be in pretty good shape to do that!
Calories Burned: Elliptical vs. Treadmill
Another reason why calories burned on an elliptical trainer is so good is because this machine is so much easier on your joints. Your feet never leave the pedals, so that means that there is no impact on your joints - your hips, knees, and ankles will thank you for it. Also, when you are on an elliptical, your arms and shoulders are moving, and that means that your core muscles (your abdominal muscles, obliques, and rear) are also moving. So, not only are you getting a much better workout on the elliptical than you are on the treadmill, but you are burning more calories.
What Should You Know About the Elliptical Trainer?
Before you get on any elliptical machine at your local gym, you should have someone show you all the features and how to use it. Most of the models that are in gyms these days have a number of programmable features, some of which are specifically designed for weight loss. By simply climbing on board, pressing a button or two, and starting to move your feet, you will be able to start burning calories. It may be a tougher workout than simply walking on the treadmill, but if you are looking to lose weight, lose fat, and burn calories, then getting on an elliptical is definitely worth your time.
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