Who else is familiar with the dreaded mid-section creep? Plenty of us struggle with keeping our abdominal fat in check, which makes knowing which tools to harness in this battle of the bulge a strong position indeed. Whether you already have an elliptical machine at home or are considering adding one to your exercise arsenal, you may wonder, do ellipticals burn fat in this critical area? Today, we’re going to find out.
When we say critical, it is with good reason, because abdominal fat is associated with some pretty unwelcome health risks—even more so than extra weight carried on other parts of our bodies. For those of us who drew the short straw and are more inclined to pack on the pounds in our mid-section, the elliptical trainer can be a fantastic resource. So the question becomes less are ellipticals good for belly fat, but rather how good for belly fat are they? Well, let’s dig into the details!
Why Is It Important To Keep Belly Fat At Bay?
When we talk about abdominal fat or belly fat, it helps to know that this squishy addition to our torsos arrives in two distinct forms. There is subcutaneous fat which sits just underneath the skin and visceral fat which actually establishes a deeper home, building up around our organs. Medical research has revealed that this second kind is the more problematic of the two. Frustratingly, too much visceral fat can contribute to our risk of bodily inflammation, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.
Gaining extra weight is a side effect of a lifestyle involving consuming more calories than are burned. But we are each also subject to something of a genetic lottery in terms of our natural propensity for gaining belly fat in particular. Other factors can amplify this conundrum too, such as chronic stress or consuming alcohol in excess. The good news is that we can turn the tide on these kinds of issues with a healthy diet and exercise. So without further ado, let’s return to answering the question, do ellipticals burn fat where we’d like them to?
Do Ellipticals Help Lose Belly Fat?
Whether you’re aiming for a chiseled six-pack or simply want to slim down for an upcoming event, an elliptical machine truly can be a handy helper. However, it is important to understand how fat loss works so that you can approach the endeavor with realistic expectations about what can—and can’t—be achieved.
It would surely be wonderful if it were possible to work off belly fat alone, but unfortunately,
spot reduction is simply not possible. No matter how many crunches you do, they won’t target abdominal fat with the laser-like focus you might desire. They’ll strengthen your core muscles, certainly, which can contribute to a more svelte silhouette, but they will not impact fat loss locally. Instead, we have to focus on lowering body fat overall until our waistlines reach a healthy and happy circumference.
Using an Elliptical Machine to Lose Fat
Carving out a healthy and comfortable physique requires two critical ingredients. The first is strengthening and shaping our muscles, and the second is dropping any excess pounds so that we can show off all of our hard work! So, are ellipticals good for belly fat and fat reduction overall? The answer is a resounding yes.
In fact, elliptical machines facilitate a highly accessible and low-impact activity that can be used to burn calories, get in great cardio sessions, and work all of the major muscle groups. When using the handles of an elliptical trainer to engage your whole body, you can expect to feel it in your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, core, chest, back, and arms.
While the elliptical trainer is not, generally speaking, quite as calorie-demanding as running on a treadmill, it is definitely kinder to the joints and ideal for long-term weight management. Plus, you can experiment with different styles of elliptical workout to shed belly fat faster. For example, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can really rev up your metabolism, or you can create a more substantial challenge by increasing the incline and resistance of your workouts and regularly changing up your programs.
In conclusion, what’s the Total Fitness Equipment verdict on this common question? Do ellipticals help lose belly fat and are they a smart choice for you? Without a doubt, this versatile machine is a brilliant go-to for just about everyone setting out on a weight loss journey: Better yet, it can be a central tool for maintaining long-term fitness and wellbeing, making this machine a savvy investment indeed. So check out our range of high-quality ellipticals, or feel free to reach out to the TFE team to discuss your training needs in more detail.