Is an elliptical machine a good way to loose weight?!
Question: I am about 70lbs overweight and just bought an elliptical machine. It reallly wears you out! I was on it for like 10 minutes and it felt like my heart was jumping out of my chest. I know that's a natural reaction becuase I have no health problems (I'm 24).
How should I use it? I heard for 20 minutes 2 times a day, 20 minutes after you eat because it raises your metabolism.
What are you suggestions so that I get this weight off?
Answers: I am about 70lbs overweight and just bought an elliptical machine. It reallly wears you out! I was on it for like 10 minutes and it felt like my heart was jumping out of my chest. I know that's a natural reaction becuase I have no health problems (I'm 24).
How should I use it? I heard for 20 minutes 2 times a day, 20 minutes after you eat because it raises your metabolism.
What are you suggestions so that I get this weight off?
An elliptical machine is actually an ideal piece of fitness equipment for someone who is new to exercising, especially as a part of an overall weight loss and conditioning program. The action is low-impact and provides for a full range of motion from your toes through your hips. If you are unused to using any fitness equipment, it is best to talk with a fitness instructor or a regular user of such equipment to get a sense of how best to use this tool to your advantage.
The key thing to remember is that weight loss is a process, oftentimes a long process, one that requires daily dedication. It is easy to become discouraged when we live in a "right now" society: we tend to expect almost instant results. Well, the body rarely works that way! Set reasonable goals for yourself and keep your expectations realistic. Don't worry too much right now about "20 minutes a day 2 times a day" - you'll find what works best for you, your body and metabolism.
Any exercise is going to boost metabolism if you stick with it. This does not mean you have to attack your workouts like a marathon runner. Start with no or minimal incline and keep your heart rate at least 40% but no more than 60% of its maximum. How do you find that out? See the link below. It's pretty simple math. Maintaining the right heart rate is important for burning fat. If you exercise at too high a level, you don't burn fat - instead, your body consumes muscle.
Overall, the key to real, lasting weight loss is to take it slow. I lost 80 pounds between November 2003 and September 2004 by keeping my daily caloric intake between 1500 and 2000 calories and exercising for at least 30 minutes 4 days a week. Sometimes I would bike but mostly I used my elliptical machine. I also do some structured weight lifting to build muscle and improve tone. The more muscle you have working for you, the more calories you burn during the course of the day. I'm 40 and have kept the weight off sucessfully so far. There are times when I fluctuate up or down 7-10 pounds, but overall it's been consistent.
It is very important that you fuel your body with quality calories. That old saw about "you are what you eat" really is true. Do yourself a favor and skip anything labeled "diet" or "fat free", such as "diet" cookies, yogurt and so forth. Those products are highly processed and contain many chemicals to make them seem like a version of the real thing. You would be far better off to save a few calories every day and splurge them on a treat once a week. A friend of mine decided that 2000 calories a day x 7 days a week meant that he had 14,000 calories to "spend" in a given week. Most days, he eats right for himself and his goals, but every two weeks or so he shorts his intake a few days so he can have pizza or an ice cream cone. These things should be regarded as rare items on the menu, not normal, everyday fare. He and I both eat whole foods, meaning that we cook from scratch as much as possible. No processed, instant or frozen foods (other than meats & veggies) and very little canned food. The added salts and, as noted, chemicals, do terrible damage to our insides. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel when you flush that stuff from your system!
Above all, don't give up! You will have hard days, no question about it. Just remember that losing the weight will happen so long as you stick with it. If you stray from your food plan, get back on it with your next meal. Don't let "oops" moments drag on - y'know, "Well, I've already had a slice of Bernice's cake, so I might as well go for the chips, too" - they'll happen. You're human. Strive for progress and you will reach your goals, on your time, on your terms and you will love the results. I wish you all the very best in your efforts to realize your true potential. Good luck!
I normally do about a half hour on it if I can...I'm 24 also, and have about 50 lbs to lose, so I had to build my way to that 1/2 hour...start off 10 minutes, then add another 5 and so on.
Any cardio activity (when your heart rate goes up for a while and you're sweating) is good. The elliptical machine (as long as you're not using an easy setting) is like jogging, so yes, it's a good workout. 20 minutes twice a day is a good plan, but make sure you're working hard enough.
Don't concentrate just on calories; you have to make sure your calories are coming from a good source. This means eating lots of little servings of lean meat, veggies, fruits, whole grains, etc. throughout the day.
Well to lose weight 30-45 is best. Start slow and also dont try to push yourself to hard. It is really important for your heart and the rest of your body to adjust to the movements slowly. Keep your intensity low, and go longer. That is the most important thing right now. I'm a trainer I know. It is better for someone new to working out that you, walk for an hour, rather than run for half an hour. Good luck!