Equipment
The elliptical, or cross-trainer, is low-impact cardio: your feet stay on the pedals, so there is no pounding, and moving handles let your arms join in.
Written by the GymStreak coaching teamUpdated
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The pedals travel in an oval path, somewhere between walking, running and cycling. Most machines let you change resistance and incline, and many have moving handles for a full-body option. It suits beginners, people returning to exercise and anyone who wants cardio that's easy on the joints.
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Stand tall, keep your whole foot on the pedals and push through your heels. Increase resistance rather than just pedalling faster. Health guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, where you can talk but not sing, and the elliptical is an easy way to accumulate it.
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Use steady sessions to build a base, then add intervals with higher resistance once you're comfortable. Use heart rate zones to keep your easy days easy.
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Free GymStreak calculators that go with elliptical training.
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