| If you are using an elliptical-type machine for | | | | method. But that's only due to the human condition - |
| intervals, then I believe that you are not getting the | | | | like flowing water, we seek the path of least |
| results you deserve. In my opinion, the elliptical | | | | resistance. We'll will do anything to get around |
| machines are one of the least effective methods for | | | | obstacles rather than doing the real work required to |
| losing fat - just as bad as spinning classes (which I'll | | | | overcome the obstacles. Given the choice, humans |
| cover in a future newsletter).Now you might know | | | | always go with the easiest option.Compare the |
| someone that is uses the elliptical all the time and is | | | | elliptical to the Stairmaster. Stairmasters are more |
| lean. But I will be the farm that they can thank their | | | | effective but less popular. Why? Because we've |
| genetics, their strength training, and their nutrition for | | | | found something easier (the elliptical) that still gives us |
| their results. I have yet to see someone transform | | | | the comfort of a sweat and an elevated heart rate |
| their physique with the elliptical trainer. In fact, when | | | | (even if we don't get the results). And now millions |
| someone comes to me with a failing program, I | | | | of gym goers pat themselves on the back after |
| often see them using the elliptical for their interval | | | | flailing around on the elliptical for 30 minutes and |
| training. And that's the first things I change.The | | | | thinking they've been shedding fat.Training in your |
| elliptical machine is sneaky, and it fools us three ways. | | | | comfort zone is useless. Your metabolic rate will |
| First, you can get your heart rate up really high and | | | | increase when your body is forced to change. The |
| easily. Second, you can get a big sweat on. And third, | | | | harder and smarter you train, the greater your |
| the machine tells you that you have burned an awful | | | | increase in metabolic rate. That is why you have to |
| lot of calories (even though the calorie counter is | | | | do things the right way (the TT way!), to lose fat. |
| likely inaccurate, as was shown on a CBS news | | | | As I've always said with Turbulence Training, the key |
| report).So why doesn't the elliptical work? Because | | | | to getting results is making your body change. That |
| you just don't do as much mechanical work as you | | | | means using training techniques that demand your |
| do when you run or cycle. Basically, it's just easier | | | | body to change. The elliptical will not cause your body |
| and less effective. Getting your heart rate up is not | | | | to change. It is a waste of time.So what works |
| the key determinant of fat loss.Your body is a well | | | | better? If you have my TT Reports, you know I |
| programmed machine. It's 'wired' to increase heart | | | | recommend the stationary bike. It's safe, effective, |
| rate and breathing as soon as it senses motion | | | | and convenient. You can work at a very high power |
| (that's why you start to breathe heavily after taking | | | | outage, and that is no illusion. You are doing the work |
| a single flight of stairs - it's not just because you are | | | | (as long as you are not spinning at a very high RPM - |
| unfit).The key factor in fat loss is the amount of | | | | that is another waste of time!).Of course, you can |
| work done. Until you learn to separate the influence | | | | also use sprinting. But that has a few more risks to it, |
| of the two, you won't be using intervals in the best | | | | whether it is done on a treadmill (risk: falling) or |
| possible manner.As fat loss expert Alwyn Cosgrove | | | | outside (risk: muscle pulls - so prepare |
| explains, "The problem is not the elliptical itself -- it's | | | | appropriately).Some other manly fat loss interval |
| just that it tends to allow/promote momentum (as | | | | options are sled pulling, Farmer Walks (see photo), |
| most people have the resistance too low) from | | | | pushing heavy objects, wheelbarrow carries, and |
| bodyweight alone. So unless you crank up the | | | | complexes. I'll talk more about the exciting |
| resistance and actually produce some force and/or | | | | fat-shedding potential of lifting complexes in my |
| MOVE your bodyweight - it's nothing but momentum. | | | | future reports.Craig Ballantyne trains athletes and |
| So if you're not actively using your muscles to | | | | executives in Toronto, and writes for Men's Fitness |
| produce some sort of force you aren't burning many | | | | magazine. His trademarked Turbulence Training |
| calories."But even then, I still don't think using a high | | | | workouts and his comprehensive workout manuals |
| resistance level on the ellliptical will get you the results | | | | (including "The Ultimate Bodyweight Workout") are |
| you are looking for. Yet despite their ineffectiveness, | | | | featured on his website Turbulence Training. |
| elliptical machines and the like remain a popular training | | | | |