FitSugar

Cardio Workout: Elliptical Incline Booty Workout

Susi May — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:33:50 PST

I like to power up my cardio and make it work double time, like this elliptical workout. By playing with the incline on the machine, you can really target your glutes and hamstrings. That's right! You get your heart rate up while toning your backside. Talk about a win-win. Increase your booty work and focus on keeping your heels down while doing this workout.

Ready to go? Take a look at the workout.

Get the Most Out of Your Elliptical Workout

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:27:05 PST

Elliptical trainers are a gym favorite. Not only is this cardio machine joint friendly, it's incredibly versatile - you can go forward and backward, work your arms and legs, or focus on your core while getting your heart rate up. Here are some tips to help you squeeze the most out of your minutes on the machine.

If your focus is cardio: Keep your eye on your strides per minute. SPM is the number of times your legs go around, a stat the elliptical conveniently tracks for you. After warming up, aim to keep your strides per minute between 140 and 160. If you're doing intervals on the elliptical, make sure your "sprints" are above 160. Here's a great elliptical workout with sprint intervals so you can start practicing this technique.
If your focus is toning your thighs: Pay attention to your feet. Pressing more with your heels will work your hamstrings and booty more, while pressing more with your toes will tone your quads on the front of your thighs. Pedaling backward on the machine is great way to tone your backside - hamstrings and glutes. I like to pedal backwards as part of my cooldown.

Interested in a few more tips? Then read more.

Bicycle + Elliptical = Elliptigo

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:05:24 PDT

Fitness trends come and go, but here at FitSugar we're game to try anything new and share the deets with you. We recently checked out the Elliptigo. It's a new hybrid exercise machine that blends the best of cycling with the pedaling action of an elliptical. Learn how it works, what it feels like, and the pros and cons of using the Elliptigo when you watch the video.

Cardio Workout: Elliptical Intervals

Susi May — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:34:18 PDT

I must admit, I am not a true fan of the elliptical. My husband, however, loves the machine, which is why we have one. Mostly, I use the elliptical when I need a cardio fix but want to give my joints a break. The workout is less pounding than running and more convenient than biking. Unfortunately, I find the machine boring. I keep my elliptical workouts fresh by playing with all the elements the machine has to offer: pedaling backwards and alternate between pushing and pulling the handles. Adding intervals also spices up my time on the machine and I even like to work my core and go hands free. Here's a workout that keeps me ellipticizing for 35 minutes. Hopefully it will work for you too. To check out the work out keep on reading.

Do You Suffer From Exercise Equipment Buyer's Remorse?

Heather Dale — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:40:46 PDT

Pop into a Saturday garage sale and you'll surely see one of these exercise machines for sale. Price tag? $50 or best offer.

These high-ticket items used to be all the rage until they started collecting dust in our basements when we decided we'd rather get fit outside or go to the gym. After our Guess the Fad Exercise Quiz, I couldn't help but think of the exercise equipment I no longer use but had to have back in the day. Are there any machines that you wish you had never bought? Or maybe you are one of the few who has a shiny new elliptical or treadmill that gets used every day?

Cardio Workout: Full Body Elliptical

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:32:50 PST

Aside from saving your knees, the low-impact elliptical can be a time-saver too, mixing a little strength training into your cardio. Hopping on a machine with moving handles means you can work your upper body; push the handles to work your chest more, and pull the handles with focus more on your back. Skipping the handles altogether gives you a chance to focus on your core. Just place your hands on your hips and keep the movement as smooth and steady as possible. And pedaling in both directions means you work both the quads and the hamstrings nicely.

Here's a half-hour workout that does all that, while getting your heart rate up too! Want to check it out?

FitSugar Exclusive: 5-Factor Workout by Harley Pasternak

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:50:33 PST

I always thought three was the magic number, but for celeb trainer Harley Pasternak there is magic in the number five. His 5-Factor philosophy of diet and fitness has helped Hollywood darlings from Jessica Simpson and Eva Mendes get fit. Although he currently works with Vanessa Williams and Alicia Keys, Pasternak will be accompanying Lady Gaga on tour. He's bringing snacks as well as workouts to keep the diva in shape while on the road.

We know you're busy too, so we asked Harley to create a holiday time-saver workout for FitSugar readers. His 30-minute workout gets your heart rate up and works your legs and abs - two areas I always want to tone. To check out his workout keep reading.

Do You Always Use the Same Machine at the Gym?

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:47:12 PST

I think it's a no brainer that the treadmill and elliptical are the most popular machines at the gym. They are usually more treadmills and ellipticals than other machines and they're the only ones I ever see people waiting in line for. I'll even admit that I have a tendency to always book it to the treadmill.

Not too long ago I went to the gym and there was a huge line for the treadmill. In an effort to save time I used the rowing machine instead. I was surprised that more people weren't going to other open machines like the stationary bikes or stair climber.

Tell me . . .

Pros and Cons of the Elliptical

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:50:09 PDT

Since running is one of my favorite forms of cardio, I'm a big fan of the treadmill when I can't get outside for a run. I'm also big into the elliptical, and by the looks of my gym, it appears tons of other people are too. While it's a popular piece of gym equipment for so many reasons, there are also some disadvantages to using one. Check out the chart below to see if an elliptical is the right machine for you.

Pros	Cons
The circular motion and the fact that you're not pounding your feet down with each step is easier on your knees than running outside on concrete or on a treadmill. The platforms for your feet are always free of rocks, trash, dog poo, and ice, so you can count on where you're stepping to be safe and clean.	Although using an elliptical is less impact on your joints, it also requires less effort, so people complain that it's too easy. Since your feet need to stay on those little platforms, you feel like you have less control over your movements, and it's less natural for someone who's used to running.

To see the rest of the pros and cons,

Which Do You Prefer: Treadmill or Elliptical?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:47:42 PDT

As the weather changes and the days shorten, I do a bit more cardio inside on a machine. Sometimes I prefer the treadmill if I want to work on my speed, and sometimes I want to use the elliptical to give my knees a break and work my upper body more. What about you?