Does the Elliptical machine really work at burning calories?

Question

I feel as though I get a better work out from running but after a good 30 min workout on the elliptical machine, it shows that I've burned close to 400lbs. Much more than what I would burn on a treadmill. Anyone successfully lose weight while using the elliptical? Help, keep me motivated.

Answer 1

Yes, the elliptical trainer does burn calories (any activity that elevates your heart rate burns calories).

I do agree with you though that running / jogging will provide a better workout.

When I was injured I used the ellipitcal to keep my general fitness up. I found some problems with it:

1) I couldn't bring my heart rate up as high as when I was running. Normally, I'd hit 156 - 170 BPM while running. With the elliptical, I'd be lucky to hit 145. Turning up the tension resulted in a higher BPM, but seemed more of a muscle workout than a cardio workout.

2) If you look at this site: http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc and punch in your weight and time, you'll notice that the elliptical trainer (in terms of calories burned) is almost always less than jogging / running. Naturally, it depends how vigorous you are going, but running tends to be the king of calorie burners.

I'd definitely use both machines if you like them. The elliptical is nice in the fact there is no pounding of your joints and there's less chance of injury. But for best cardio building, running really can't be beat.

Good luck.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does the Elliptical machine really work at burning calories?
I feel as though I get a better work out from running but after a good 30 min workout on the elliptical machine, it shows that I've burned close to 400lbs. Much more than what I would burn on a treadmill. Anyone successfully lose weight while using the elliptical? Help, keep me motivated.

Answer 3

Does The Elliptical Work

Answer 4

yes it is one of the best.

My ideas? Try to do 200 minutes of cardio a week. Remember fat does not turn into muscle, so you need to lose your fat while putting on muscle. Work hard, but don't over 60 minutes at a time. Do planks and other abs exercises on alternate days.

On training days, do 5-10 minutes of cardio to warm up, then do your weight training. Do 30 to 60 minutes more of cardio, then go home.

The best time to eat is just after your workout within an hour when your metabolism is raging. For your muscles, incorporate some isolated soy protein or whey protein. Whey is more potent but the soy tastes better!

Don't look at your scale as the be all and end all, but get a measuring tape to check your progress, and that will show more tangible results.

Read magazines like Shape, Womens Fitness, Fitness, etc to get tips and to stay motivated.

Good luck and stick at it. This plan has lost me 20 lbs in 12 weeks so far, just go for it!

Answer 5

The elliptical machine is more of an all over body workout. It works your arms, thighs, calves, and glutes, etc. I was able to burn a lot more calories because I was able to work out faster and longer. I lost a lot of weight and inches as well.

Answer 6

First of all change you diet eat health and less calories then needed to maintain current body weight , there are many calculators online to figure it out. Lots of cardio to burn the fat and lean you down , also weight lifting do 3 sets of 15 reps it will make you look toned and lean plus muscle burns fat.

Answer 7

There are three main ways to lose weight quickly.

1) Use only water as liquid and eliminate all other liquid drinks from your diet. You must drink as much water as possible every day. You must drink about half of your weight. If you have weight of 200 pounds then you must drink about 100 oz of water.

2) The interval between the eating is very important. If you eat once, then you must eat next after 4 hours. You must take breakfast regularly. In the night eat your food three hours before going to bed.

3) Walking is very good. You must walk as much as you can. Walk everywhere you can. Use of elevators and escalators must be reduced and instead of these you must climb stairs more often.

These are some of the fastest ways to lose weight. By just following the simple steps, you can lose your weight very quickly. You must consult your doctor if want to change your diet or exercise routine.

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Answer 8

I lost 40lbs in 5 months on the elliptical. It's great, and yes, you are bu ring calories. You don't feel it as much, because it's low impact.

Answer 9

80% of weight loss is diet.
You can eat a healthy diet and lose weight.
A good healthy diet high in fiber, lean meats, eggs, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, antioxidant foods, healthy beverages and low in added sugar and salt help people lose weight, lower cholesterol, increase energy have a more positive lifestyle!
You need to eat a lot more food and a lot more fiber! Learn more here:

Answer 10

Music forces you to eat more. According to research by the journal Psychology as well as Marketing, soft, classical tunes encourage that you take time over your food, so you consume more foods. So, switch off – silence could make you more aware of what you’re investing in your mouth.