Guest Post : Training Tips – The Elliptical Cross Trainers Edition

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Regardless of whether you choose to start or finish your day with a gruelling fitness session, the feeling of a rewarding and successful workout is unbeatable. And the best thing about your workouts? They can always be upgraded. There are countless pieces of equipment that will aid your fitness progression, though one of the most remarkable pieces of equipment is the ever popular elliptical cross trainer. Many gym-goers shy away from cardio, however incorporating this machine into your workout enables total body training, joint protection and the opportunity to increase the intensity to a level that suits you.

Liking the sound of what an elliptical cross trainer can offer? Follow these training tips to find out how to achieve those desired results…

Tip #1 – Get Comfortable

Granted, this doesn’t sound like a key part to reaching those fitness goals, but it is an absolutely crucial step. Being in pain (for the wrong reasons) and spending the entire session desperate to get to the end of your workout is going to prevent you from ever wanting to use an elliptical again. Instead, suss out a comfortable position, get to know the machine and ensure you have a towel, water and your iPod to hand. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding away – burning calorie after calorie as you go.

Tip #2 – Set Your Initial Goals

You don’t begin baking without knowing the end result, do you? Your workout is no exception. Before you step onto that elliptical cross trainer, know exactly what you want to get out of it. And we’re not just talking about that final body transformation picture, we’re talking about the goals for that individual workout. Know what incline you want to get to, know what speed you want to reach and know the distance you want to achieve in the time limit you give yourself.

Tip #3 – Make Every Workout a Challenging One

It’s easy to hop onto an elliptical cross trainer, set a low intensity and enjoy the easy ride. But is that going to get you into that smaller dress or allow you to hit a new personal best in your next sporting event? Probably not. Instead, know what you want to achieve and be the person in the gym that everyone looks at and thinks “wow, what are they doing that I’m not?”.

No doubt by this point, you’re keen to see what the fuss is all about. But what key elliptical cross trainer features should you be looking out for and taking advantage of? We’ve put together two product reviews to explain what makes a great elliptical cross trainer…

REVIEW: NORDICTRACK AUTO STRIDER 500 ELLIPTICAL CROSS TRAINER

NordicTrack are a company who go above and beyond with the design, technology and performance of their products. Their Auto Strider 500 model is the definition of ultimate comfort and high quality build.[/fusion_text][fusion_images picture_size=”fixed” hover_type=”none” autoplay=”no” columns=”2″ column_spacing=”20″ scroll_items=”” show_nav=”yes” mouse_scroll=”no” border=”yes” lightbox=”yes” class=”” id=””][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”http://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NordicTrack-Auto-Strider-500-Elliptical-Cross-Trainer-1-781×781.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”http://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NordicTrack-Auto-Strider-500-Elliptical-Cross-Trainer-2-781×781.jpg” alt=””/][/fusion_images][fusion_text]

The Key Features

The Auto Strider 500 includes 20 resistance levels, 20 workout programmes covering calorie burn and performance, and iFit Live compatibility – which enables you to gain access to 1000 downloadable interactive workouts as well as run your own routes anywhere in the world with Google Maps™ (sold separately).

The Comfort

The Auto Strider 500 boasts a silent and smooth motion thanks to its Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) and an 18” stride path for fuller strides.

The Tech

The engaging backlit LCD displays all of your key workout stats and also features a Race track style simulation, whilst the one touch buttons allow for fast workout changes. And if you’re a fan of your music – the integrated speakers mean you can use your iPod or mp3 wirelessly, or switch to headphones to avoid distracting others.

Purchase your NordicTrack Auto Strider 500 Elliptical Cross Trainer from www.fitness-superstore.co.uk for only £399.

REVIEW: NORDICTRACK E11.5 POWER INCLINE FOLDING ELLIPTICAL CROSS TRAINER

Introducing yet another winner in the world of elliptical cross trainers. Believe it or not, whilst they have some similar features, these elliptical cross trainers are worlds apart. The feature-rich E11.5 gives you plenty of flexibility to shake up your normal routine, taking your workouts up a notch.[/fusion_text][fusion_images picture_size=”fixed” hover_type=”none” autoplay=”no” columns=”4″ column_spacing=”20″ scroll_items=”” show_nav=”yes” mouse_scroll=”no” border=”yes” lightbox=”yes” class=”” id=””][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”http://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NordicTrack-E11.5-Power-Incline-Folding-Elliptical-Cross-Trainer-1-781×781.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”http://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NordicTrack-E11.5-Power-Incline-Folding-Elliptical-Cross-Trainer-2-781×781.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”http://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NordicTrack-E11.5-Power-Incline-Folding-Elliptical-Cross-Trainer-3-781×781.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”http://www.strawberrysqueeze.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NordicTrack-E11.5-Power-Incline-Folding-Elliptical-Cross-Trainer-4-781×781.jpg” alt=””/][/fusion_images][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]

The Key Features

The power intensity ramp not only allows you to adjust the stride between 20-22in, but you can also target different muscle groups with its 10-30° incline and 20 resistance levels. Choose from 30 motivational built-in workouts, or go interactive with iFit Live compatibility (sold separately) – an online fitness tool, powered by Google Maps, offering event training and personalised workouts. In addition to the above, the E11.5 Elliptical Cross Trainer folds for storage – making it ideal for the home environment.

Comfort

Powered by the innovative SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance, you can enjoy smooth, friction-free resistance with every stride – whilst the oversized, cushioned and adjustable pedals ensure you have a comfortable platform for your workout. For added comfort, a CoolAire™ oversized fan is built right into the console.

The Tech

The 5” backlit screen with the RaceTrack™-style display allows you to easily monitor your workout stats. Plus, with accurate CardioGrip heart rate sensors built right into the handlebars, you can also ensure you stay in the right target zone. The elliptical is also Polar® wireless chest strap compatible (sold separately), iPod/mp3 compatible and also features an Intermix Acoustics 2.0 sound system.

Purchase your NordicTrack Auto Strider 500 Elliptical Cross Trainer from www.fitness-superstore.co.uk for just £699.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]