Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

How to Get the Most From an Elliptical Workout

By Sara Butler

Ellipticals are standard in many gyms across the country and because of that, a lot of people use them as a part of their workout routines. Elliptical machines do provide you with a great workout. They're low impact and a great tool to help when you're trying to recover from an injury. But as with any piece of gym equipment, there are things you need to do during your elliptical workout to ensure you're getting the most from the machine. Here are a few elliptical workout tips to help you get started.

Your Feet Must Be Flat

Proper form is essential to any exercise, even with an elliptical. When you climb up onto the machine, you must ensure that your feet are flat on the pedals. Your hands should go on the bars at the base of the monitor or at the sides of the machine and your knees and elbows should remain slightly bent. As you begin to pedal, engage your core muscles in the workout too, keeping your back straight as well. If you can follow these guidelines, then you can help to reduce energy and have a more efficient workout.

Vary the Incline

One of the best things about ellipticals is the muscles you can target with them. Building up the muscles in your buttocks can help to support your lower back as you move through your day. But in order to target these muscles, you need to make sure you add different inclines to your workout. Many ellipticals have pre-programmed workouts you can do to help vary the incline or you can do it manually. It doesn't matter how you do it, just make sure you do!

Know When to Use the Handles

The elliptical can be used to work out the muscles in the lower half of your body or the muscle on both the lower and upper parts of your body. If you want to put emphasis on the bottom half, then don't use the handles. This will work your hamstrings and glutes as well as your core. If you want to make it a full-body workout, then simply grab the handles and go to town. You can customize it to suit what you want to do that day -- another great reason to use an elliptical!

The elliptical is great, but just as with any other workout, you want to get all you can from it!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Louis, Mo.

Story Link

Download your offer today and save!

$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.