The Top 3 Elliptical Alternatives
1. Bikes
One of the top alternatives to the elliptical is the bike machine, which is exactly what it sounds like. It is a machine that mimics using a bicycle. They come in a range of styles and sizes, but they are all ultimately designed to do the same thing. How Does It Work – The way it works is simple, you get on the machine and start pedaling. There are features such as speed and the type of workout you want to do, which allows you to choose the difficulty of your workout. Some features might include uphill, fat burning workout and things of that nature. Tips – What you can do is start off by pedaling at a slow pace and every single minute you can increase the difficulty by one. When it becomes to hard to continue, then start decreasing the level by one. Keep repeating this for a duration of 60 minutes, and by the end of your workout you will feel the burn. Alternatively, you can pedal as fast as you can for a minute or two before going back to a steady pace and then pedal fast again for a minute or two and keep on repeating this. The Benefits – One of the best things about the bike machine is you’ll burn fat fast, but you should use it at least 3-4 times per week. Another benefit is you’ll increase your lower body strength and your endurance will improve. Generally speaking, your overall cardio levels will improve over time. Cycling tends to be easier on the joints than the elliptical. This is another reason why it is a top alternative to it. If you want to burn fat, have fun doing it and be able to change up your workout often, then the bike machine is a great option.
2. The Treadmill
According to Flex Master General
, another alternative is the treadmill. It is one of the best machines to use if you are not a fan of the elliptical. Generally speaking, the treadmill is one of the best cardio machines out there.
How It Works
The treadmill has a flat surface that you stand on, and then you can walk, jog or run on it. There’s different speeds you can choose from, as well as incline settings. You can choose various workouts too, but different treadmills might have different features. Generally speaking, all treadmills allow you to walk, jog or run, as well as adjust the incline.
Tips
One of the best workouts to do is simply walk on an incline for 30-60 minutes. Try to maintain a moderate pace, otherwise just walk at a comfortable pace. Walking on an incline is one of the most effective ways to burn off a ton of calories. Another good workout you can try is the walk/jog/run workout. Walk for a set period of time before jogging for the same amount of time, and then run for the same amount of time before doing it all over again. Whether it’s for one minute each or five minutes each, this will make you sweat. A third workout you can do is increase the incline gradually through your workout. Every minute or two, increase the incline by a level. Keep doing this for an hour, or for whatever length of time you want.
The Benefits
A good thing about the treadmill is it is fun. With so many workouts you can do, you can always switch things up. It doesn’t matter if you love running, jogging or walking, the treadmill allows you to do it. The treadmill is a good exercise if you want to improve your heart health too. In fact, most treadmills allow you to monitor your heart rate. If you want to improve your cardio, then the treadmill is the way to go. Finally, results can come fast. If you use the treadmill for at least 6-7 days per week, and for at least 2-3 months straight, then you will likely get results. You have to be consistent and not skip workouts. If you do that, then you’ll look a lot different in a few months. Do bear in mind that you need to be consistent with training. You can’t just use the treadmill every now and then and expect to get great results. As long as you use it a few times per week and your workouts are moderate or intense, you should achieve good results.
3. Rowing Machines
Finally, there is the rowing machine. You simply take as seat, grab the pulley and row. You can either focus on your upper-body or you can incorporate your lower body too. There are different ways to use the rowing machine, but no matter which way you choose, you will get a great workout. One of the best things about the rowing machine is it will build upper-body strength, as well as lower-body strength. Also, some people find rowing to be more fun and easier to do than the elliptical. However, if you want to get results, then you should do the rowing machine 3-4 days per week, and perform at least 3-5 sets. Stick with high reps too, preferably you should do as many reps per set as you can, and make sure you are using light weight. Do you want to get into great shape, burn fat and get ripped fast? Do you want to do it all without even stepping foot on an elliptical? If so, then start using the bike machine, the treadmill and/or the rowing machine. If you do those exercises and you keep the above tips and advice in mind, then you’ll be well on your way to improving your fitness.
