Does the Elliptical Work Your Abs?
Elliptical machines combine low-impact cardiovascular exercise with weighted resistance. You can use an elliptical machine to strengthen many major muscle groups. Does the elliptical work your abs? The short answer is yes, as long as you maintain good posture.
Take a look with ZOZOFIT to learn more about how to work your abs and core muscles on the elliptical.
How Does the Elliptical Work Your Abs?
Elliptical machines have adjustable resistance you can use to build several muscle groups. Your abs are among the core muscles that you can strengthen on the elliptical, along with your obliques and spinal supporting muscles.
To work your abs, keep your spine straight and your shoulders back while pumping the elliptical pedals. Your center of gravity should stay balanced over your feet. It can be easy for your posture to slip as your muscles become fatigued.
You should try to keep your core muscles engaged while using the elliptical. You do not need to bend forward to get the benefits of doing static crunches on this machine. Take 3D body scans with the ZOZOFIT app to quantify the results of your workouts.
Is the Elliptical Good for Working the Abs?
The elliptical machine is a good choice for strengthening abs and other muscle groups. This machine provides resistance to intensify your cardio workout while engaging muscles in your core, upper and lower body. How exactly does the elliptical work your abs and other core muscles? The specific answer depends on the settings you select and the way you move.
You can use the elliptical on low resistance at high speed to twist your abs and tone your obliques. On high resistance and lower speed settings, the elliptical engages your rectus abdominis muscles or "six pack."
Once you are familiar with using the elliptical, you can try releasing the handlebars for a more intense ab workout. You will need to engage supporting muscles to maintain your balance, which further strengthens your core.
How Often Should You Use the Elliptical?
You can use an elliptical up to five times a week for up to 60 minutes per session to create a calorie deficit for losing weight. If you only want to tone your abs, you may not need to work out as often or for as long.
It is also worth noting that elliptical machines are very convenient for high-intensity interval training or HIIT workouts. All you need to do is pedal faster or slower to vary intensity between intervals.
For the best results, try combining elliptical workouts with core strengthening exercises. Some of the most effective targeted ab exercises include crunches, heel taps, planks and rollouts.
Does the Elliptical Work Your Abs?
An elliptical machine can give you a full-body workout and target specific muscle groups, including your core. The answer to the question, "does the elliptical work your abs?" is yes, as long as you maintain good posture and engage your core. Install the ZOZOFIT app to take accurate body measurements and track the results of your exercise routine.