How to Use the Elliptical for Fat Loss

The elliptical might just be the most used — and misused — piece of equipment at your gym. While the amount of calories you burn in any given elliptical workout depends on ramp height, resistance level and speed stride speed, you can burn usually burn about 270 to 400 calories in 30 minutes. And because your feet never leave the pedals, the elliptical provides a low-impact workout that is friendly to your joints and back, unlike a treadmill. But if your goal is to get your heart rate high, work up a sweat and keep off excess pounds but all you’re doing is a steady 20- or 30-minute workout, you’re missing out on the machine’s potential. “The elliptical is a powerhouse among cardio equipment because it allows you to use a large amount of muscle,” says Evan Johnson, a certified personal trainer in Storrs, CT.

Read more →

Running 101: A 10K Training Plan For Beginners

You know you can run a 5K. Maybe you’ve already finished one. But a 10K? It has a notch-up-from-novice feel that’s appealing, a true distance quality. But you are a new runner, so you wonder—should I?

Read more →

Running 101: A 5K Training Plan For Beginners

You’ve been running. It feels good, maybe a little hard, but it has prompted you to flirt with the idea of entering a 5K.

Read more →

Cardio 101: How To Start Swimming

Let’s say you decide to take a swim. In the early morning light, armed with fresh new goggles and a cap, you hit the pool. Images of Michael Phelps and Dara Torres run through your head. But before you finish the first lap, you can hardly breathe.

Read more →

Cardio 101: How To Start Cycling

Yes, you know how to ride a bike. You learned as a kid, back when your two-wheeler was the only way you could explore the neighborhood on your own. Biking brought freedom, adventure, delight.

Read more →

Cardio 101: How To Start Running

You think running is straightforward. Just put one foot in front of the other, then repeat quickly -- right? Not so fast. As anyone who’s laced up can attest, running is simple only until you actually start doing it. Once you hit the road or hop on a treadmill, questions begin to pop up: How long should I go?

Read more →