3 Reasons Elliptical Machines Should Be Avoided

The elliptical machine is a popular piece of equipment, but is it really the best for helping you burn calories and lose fat? I don't think so, here's why.

The latest Men's Health magazine comes down on elliptical machines hard. Now I know elliptical machines are often the only option for people with bad knees, but if your knees are healthy, think twice before using the elliptical machine for these three reasons.

First, on page 52 of the December, 2008 issue, Men's Health warns, "Never trust elliptical machines". That's a harsh statement against a machine you've been using almost every day. But if it did work, wouldn't you be getting amazing results from the machine?

They quote a study that found elliptical machines over-estimated the number of calories burned in a workout by 31%! Ouch.

So if your "elliptical cardio workout" burned 400 calories, the truth is you really burned closer to only 300 calories.

Second, later in the Dec. issue, Men's Health magazine interviewed Biggest Loser contestant Ed Brantley. Ed lost 73 pounds on the show, but had this to say about elliptical machines, "I hated the elliptical. It was too easy, I didn't feel like I was doing anything." Exactly. I couldn't have said it better myself.

But that's EXACTLY why machines are so popular. You see, the third reason elliptical machines are inferior for fat loss is because they fail my "human nature" test.

Put it this way, if you take 100 people and put them in a gym with 100 treadmills and 100 elliptical machines. Tell them they have to exercise for 30 minutes at a hard pace, and they have the choice to use either the treadmill or the elliptical.

Guess where 90% of folks are going? The elliptical! Why? Because it is human nature to take the EASY WAY out. And that is why elliptical machines are so busy at the gym and you rarely see anyone doing intervals on a treadmill or bodyweight circuits in the corner of the gym.

Often I see folks using the machine only to say they "worked out", but without getting any REAL work done. So if you are stuck at a fat loss plateau, and you've been counting on the elliptical machine to help you out, then forget it.

I recommend doing interval training outside, or on a bike or treadmill. Even better options include kettlebell training and bodyweight circuits.

The elliptical machine is a popular piece of equipment, but is it really the best for helping you burn calories and lose fat? I don't think so, here's why.

The latest Men's Health magazine comes down on elliptical machines hard. Now I know elliptical machines are often the only option for people with bad knees, but if your knees are healthy, think twice before using the elliptical machine for these three reasons.

First, on page 52 of the December, 2008 issue, Men's Health warns, "Never trust elliptical machines". That's a harsh statement against a machine you've been using almost every day. But if it did work, wouldn't you be getting amazing results from the machine?

They quote a study that found elliptical machines over-estimated the number of calories burned in a workout by 31%! Ouch.

So if your "elliptical cardio workout" burned 400 calories, the truth is you really burned closer to only 300 calories.

Second, later in the Dec. issue, Men's Health magazine interviewed Biggest Loser contestant Ed Brantley. Ed lost 73 pounds on the show, but had this to say about elliptical machines, "I hated the elliptical. It was too easy, I didn't feel like I was doing anything." Exactly. I couldn't have said it better myself.

But that's EXACTLY why machines are so popular. You see, the third reason elliptical machines are inferior for fat loss is because they fail my "human nature" test.

Put it this way, if you take 100 people and put them in a gym with 100 treadmills and 100 elliptical machines. Tell them they have to exercise for 30 minutes at a hard pace, and they have the choice to use either the treadmill or the elliptical.

Guess where 90% of folks are going? The elliptical! Why? Because it is human nature to take the EASY WAY out. And that is why elliptical machines are so busy at the gym and you rarely see anyone doing intervals on a treadmill or bodyweight circuits in the corner of the gym.

Often I see folks using the machine only to say they "worked out", but without getting any REAL work done. So if you are stuck at a fat loss plateau, and you've been counting on the elliptical machine to help you out, then forget it.

I recommend doing interval training outside, or on a bike or treadmill. Even better options include kettlebell training and bodyweight circuits.

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10 Reasons to Buy a GPS System This Christmas

So why is GPS so cool? Why should you be begging to get one this Christmas? That is what we are about to find out.

Global positioning systems have the ability to determine location, speed, direction, and time. Basically, you should never be lost or late ever again.



GPS is more accurate than ever. Since selective availability was disabled, consumers have been able to enjoy the accuracy the military had for years. Now it keeps time better than a clock, gives your position within a few feet, and has thousands and thousands of points of interest stored. Want to know where the closest Best Buy is located, how to get there, and how long it will take? No problem.



You can get a GPS system in a variety of formats, from devices integrated into cars, phones, and watches, to dedicated devices that you can carry with you anywhere. Whatever your needs are, there is probably a GPS system available for you.



You can save any location as a favorite and then easily call it up as a destination in the future. This saves you time and allows you to just jump in the car and head out. You can worry about directions on the way.



GPS allows you to keep your eyes on the road instead of on a map. So, basically it is a lot safer.



GPS can help you avoid traffic. Interstate is blocked by a wreck? No problem. GPS will take you routes that you never knew existed.



You can adjust your route while driving. There are always unexpected things during a trip like construction or a new road. With GPS you can adjust even if say the new road isn't in the system yet. You can still navigate using position back to a road that it knows. I had to do this once with a brand new toll road and it worked perfectly.



You can find anything you need including gas stations, restaurants, or a hotel. That gives you more peace of mind than you know.



You can give your exact location to an emergency service. Say you have a flat tire and you call up AAA. Guess what? You can give your exact position and they will use their GPS to find you!



It is more affordable than ever. Like all technology, things get cheaper. Once an item out of reach for most except the rich, GPS is now cheap enough anyone can buy one. You can easily find a unit for $200 or less.

Did I mention that it happens to be one of the hottest items on everyone's wish list anyways? Don't get left behind and take the plunge into the realm of GPS.

So why is GPS so cool? Why should you be begging to get one this Christmas? That is what we are about to find out.

Global positioning systems have the ability to determine location, speed, direction, and time. Basically, you should never be lost or late ever again.



GPS is more accurate than ever. Since selective availability was disabled, consumers have been able to enjoy the accuracy the military had for years. Now it keeps time better than a clock, gives your position within a few feet, and has thousands and thousands of points of interest stored. Want to know where the closest Best Buy is located, how to get there, and how long it will take? No problem.



You can get a GPS system in a variety of formats, from devices integrated into cars, phones, and watches, to dedicated devices that you can carry with you anywhere. Whatever your needs are, there is probably a GPS system available for you.



You can save any location as a favorite and then easily call it up as a destination in the future. This saves you time and allows you to just jump in the car and head out. You can worry about directions on the way.



GPS allows you to keep your eyes on the road instead of on a map. So, basically it is a lot safer.



GPS can help you avoid traffic. Interstate is blocked by a wreck? No problem. GPS will take you routes that you never knew existed.



You can adjust your route while driving. There are always unexpected things during a trip like construction or a new road. With GPS you can adjust even if say the new road isn't in the system yet. You can still navigate using position back to a road that it knows. I had to do this once with a brand new toll road and it worked perfectly.



You can find anything you need including gas stations, restaurants, or a hotel. That gives you more peace of mind than you know.



You can give your exact location to an emergency service. Say you have a flat tire and you call up AAA. Guess what? You can give your exact position and they will use their GPS to find you!



It is more affordable than ever. Like all technology, things get cheaper. Once an item out of reach for most except the rich, GPS is now cheap enough anyone can buy one. You can easily find a unit for $200 or less.

Did I mention that it happens to be one of the hottest items on everyone's wish list anyways? Don't get left behind and take the plunge into the realm of GPS.

Read more