Elliptical Fitness

Elliptical Fitness can be achieved on all Elliptical machines.  While achieving this form of fitness the joints are not stressed as the stride is continuous.  Cardiovascular fitness can be the same as achieved on a treadmill.  There all sorts of training that can be taken place on a cross trainer.  You can incorporate your Elliptical machine into the following forms of Elliptical Fitness Training.  First you must be able to work out your maximum heart rate. 

To do this we use this equation.

Max HR = 220 – age
e.g.  220 minus 25 years = 195

Low Intensity Long Duration

With this type of training you must keep your heart rate between 40% - 60% of your maximum heart rate. It must be done for at least 40 minutes.  This type of Elliptical Fitness is great for people starting out and people who have a lot of weight to lose.  This would be considered the least demanding cardiovascular form of exercise and when combined with an elliptical trainer it would be an excellent starting point for people of any age group and fitness level. All these forms of fitness can also be performed on an Spinning Bike.

Medium Intensity Medium Duration

With this type of training you must keep your heart rate up to 70% of your maximum heart rate. As it is more intense you can do between 20 – 40 minutes duration. This is considered the next step up from low intensity training.

High Intensity Short Duration

With this type of training you must keep your heart rate up to 80% - 85% of your maximum heart rate. As this is very intense training you can do between 5 – 20 minutes. If you are fit and do not have any joint problems this type of training can also be done on a Treadmill.