3 Reasons Why Elliptical Machines Should Be Avoided

The elliptical 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 takes a heavy hit on elliptical machines. Now I know that ellipticals are often the only option for people with knee problems, but if your knees are healthy, think twice before using the elliptical 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 cited a study that found that elliptical machines overestimated the number of calories burned in a workout by 31%! Oh.

So if your “elliptical cardio workout” burned 400 calories, the truth is that you actually burned close to only 300 calories.

Second, later in the December issue, Men’s Health magazine interviewed the Biggest Loser challenging Ed Brantley. Ed lost 73 pounds on the program, but had this to say about the elliptical machines: “He 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 is EXACTLY why the 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 that they have to exercise for 30 minutes at a brisk pace and that they have the option of using the treadmill or the elliptical.

Guess where 90% of the people go? The elliptical! Because? Because it is human nature to take the EASY ROAD. And that’s why the elliptical machines are so busy in the gym and you rarely see someone doing intervals on a treadmill or bodyweight circuits in the corner of the gym.

I often see people using the machine just to say they “worked out” but not doing any REAL work. So if he’s stuck on a fat-loss plateau and you’ve been counting on the elliptical to help you, forget it.

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