A Guide to Buying a Cross-Trainer – All You Need to Know

The low-impact, full-body workout provided by an elliptical (also known as a cross-trainer) makes them a popular addition to home gyms. If you’ve been thinking about adding an elliptical machine to your home, our preliminary guide will help you to get the best cross trainer for your goals and needs.

What Are Your Fitness Goals?

Are you looking to tone your muscles, improve your cardiovascular health, or simply lose weight? Knowing the goals attached to your fitness routine can help you select the right home cross-trainer. Each model comes with unique workout programs designed with different goals in mind.

Cross Trainer: Machine Durability and Quality

Man is doing workout on cross trainer

A sturdy frame and solid build will ensure your elliptical cross trainer lasts long enough to get your money’s worth. Machine warranties and online reviews are a great way to keep tabs on the longevity of your desired elliptical machine.

Length of Stride

If you’re tall, you will definitely want to take this consideration to heart. A cross-trainer machine is no good if its not being put to use, and if the stride of your elliptical is not adjustable, you may not be able to get the most out of your investment. Opt for a cross trainer with an adjustable stride so all members of your home gym can have an enjoyable workout, whatever their height.

Resistance

Woman is doing training on cross trainer

Whether you are just starting out on your fitness journey or a seasoned exercise junkie, you’ll want a machine capable of packing on resistance. This way, as your fitness level increases, you can give yourself harder workouts to complete.

Space and Storage

Whether your space is large or small, it is always wise to measure the dimensions where you intend to place your new elliptical machine to ensure it will comfortably fit in your home.

If you live in an apartment or shared space, opting for a foldable cross trainer makes sense. 

Comfortability of Use

Man is doing exercise on cross trainer

With so many options available on the market, you can still get a great workout even if you have pre-existing medical conditions. For those among us with bad knees or an aching back, investing in an elliptical bike or Nordictrack cross trainer, as well as some cross-training shoes can make all the difference in taking pressure off of these sensitive areas.

Budget

No one should have to go broke to get fit, yet the right cross-fit machine should be a long-term investment in your health. Prices will vary based on brand and features, but being realistic about your goals and budget is the best way to zero in on the right machine for you. Compare prices and customer reviews when finalizing your decision.

Meet Your Fitness Goals Today With Ninefit

The right elliptical machine and so much more is waiting for you on the other side of your mental blocks. You are reading this because you have decided to invest in your long-term health, and we couldn’t be happier to help you along your journey.

For exercise equipment, supplements, and more, visit our online store.

Are Elliptical Trainers Good for Weight Loss?

Whether at the gym or during a commercial at home, chances are you’ve seen an elliptical trainers and heard it can help with weight loss. You’ve likely wondered if it’s too good to be true and, if not, how good they really are. 

Is it something you should add to your gym rotation (or invest in for your home gym)? In this article, we’ll take a quick look at elliptical weight loss so you can determine if it’s the right workout machine for you.

Benefits of Using an Elliptical Trainers

Man and woman is Using an Elliptical Trainer

There are several benefits to using an elliptical machine, some of which are listed below: 

1. It’s easier on your joints: High-impact cardio can wreak havoc on your joints. If you deal with joint pain but still want to benefit from using a cardio machine, an elliptical will help. It’s also great post-injury as a low-impact cardio workout

2. It burns body fat: Since an elliptical burns more calories than other cardio machines (stationary bikes, for instance), you can lose body fat quickly. It’s an upper and lower body workout, which is part of the reason it’s so effective. 

3. It boosts your stamina: Because cardio machines like ellipticals make your lungs and heart work harder to flood your muscles with blood and oxygen, they strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles – boosting your overall endurance. 

A Basic Elliptical Workout Plan

Woman in gym

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become very popular due to how well it works. Thankfully, you don’t need to push your joints to the max to do it – you can use an elliptical!

Here’s a quick 20-minute beginner workout:

1. Warm up for five minutes
– Keep your heart rate at 50-60%

2. Go as fast as you can for 30 seconds
– Push yourself hard for half a minute

3. Slow it down for 1 minute 30 seconds
– Bring the pace back to your warmup pace
– Take the full 90 seconds before you go again

4. Repeat this pattern 9 more times
– Ten repetitions altogether

5. Cool down
– Spend 5 minutes going slow
– Let your breathing return to normal

6. Of course, you can do more muscle-specific workouts on the elliptical. Muscles worked should include:
– Upper body
– Core
– Quads
– Glutes

What’s the Best Way to Burn Fat?

Man is using Elliptical Trainer

If you want the best workouts for belly fat, you can’t go wrong with interval training. HIIT workouts allow you to see more progress in a shorter time. You can also try interval work with a 2-to-1 ratio (for recovery vs. intense workouts) on an elliptical.

Shape your body according to the workout goals that are most important to you. Your fitness goals are in your hands!

Tracking Calories Burned on Elliptical

Tracking Calories Burned on Elliptical

If you want to track your elliptical weight loss, you may be interested to know that there are handy online elliptical calorie calculators. This takes the guesswork out of knowing whether you can have that piece of peanut butter chocolate cake as your post-workout meal or need to choose something safer!

For more awesome fitness tips, check out our latest blog, “ Yoga Blocks Workout Strengthen”!

A Perfect Workout Plan for Your Beach Body Goals

Summer is just around the corner, and everyone wants to flaunt their beach body. However, achieving a perfect beach body takes more than just wishful thinking, it requires a well-planned workout plan that targets your specific needs and goals.

Luckily, with Beachbody On Demand, you can access a variety of fitness workouts and programs that can help you achieve your desired summer body. Let’s explore the perfect workout plan for your beach body goals.

Set Your Goals 

Before starting any workout plan, you must set clear and achievable goals. Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or tone your body? Knowing your goals will help you choose the best beach body workout that meets your needs. Once you have set your goals, it’s time to create a weekly workout plan.

Create a Weekly Workout Plan

Create a workout plan

A weekly workout plan will help you stay on track with your fitness goals. With Beachbody On Demand, you can access a variety of beach body workouts and programs, including strength training, cardio, yoga, and more.

You can create a weekly workout schedule incorporating different activities depending on your goals. For instance, if you want to lose weight, you can combine cardio and strength training workouts. On the other hand, if you build muscle, you can focus on strength training workouts.

Choose the Best Beach Body Workout 

With so many Beachbody programs available on Beachbody On Demand, choosing the best Beachbody workout for your needs can be challenging. However, you can narrow down your options by considering your fitness goals and preferences.

For instance, if you enjoy high-intensity workouts, you can try the Insanity program. On the other hand, if you prefer low-impact exercises, you can try the PiYo program.

Incorporate Beach Body Yoga 

Beach body yoga

Yoga is an excellent way to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Beachbody On Demand offers a variety of yoga programs that can help you achieve your beach body goals. You can add yoga to your weekly workout schedule to improve your fitness and reduce stress.

Stay Consistent 

The key to achieving your beach body goals is consistency. Once you have created a weekly workout plan, stick to it. Stay motivated and push yourself to complete your workouts when you don’t feel like working out. Remember, achieving a summer body requires dedication and hard work.

With Beachbody On Demand, you can access a variety of fitness workouts and programs that can help you achieve your desired beach body. You can achieve your summer body goals by setting clear goals, creating a weekly workout plan, choosing the best beachbody workout, incorporating yoga, and staying consistent.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for more great advice on how to get started with your Beachbody on Demand workouts, visit NineFit today!

 

5 Cardio Workouts to Try in Your Gym

Doing a gym cardio routine is hugely beneficial for your health, but a lot of people aren’t sure where to start. In this article, you’ll find five of the best cardio workouts to try so you don’t have to feel clueless the next time you head to the gym. 

Cardio exercises at the gym (and anywhere) increase your heart rate. It jumpstarts your metabolism and allows your body to burn calories at a quicker rate. They’re also great for warming up, and cardio after weight training is a great way to make sure you target every area of your body. 

The Best Cardio Workouts

Here are five cardio workouts to try:

1.Treadmill

Man is doing cardio workouts

The treadmill is definitely the most popular cardio gym workout. When you use it, we recommend building up to a run instead of starting at a fast pace – or, if you’d like, switch between power walking, jogging, and running.

2. Stair Machine

The stair machine, though you might not expect it, is one of the most challenging cardio workouts at the gym. It works your heart and your glutes, hips, and thighs – and if you want to increase the difficulty, try incorporating squats, lunges, and crossover steps as you climb. 

3. Elliptical 

Working out on elliptical

The elliptical offers the benefits of the treadmill without putting so much pressure on your joints. On this machine, you can walk, run, or climb by moving in an elongated circle. Your feet never leave the pedals, which means you don’t experience the repeated pounding that you get on a treadmill. Pushing and pulling the handlebars works your upper body, and you can even pedal backwards to work muscles differently. 

4. Rowing Machine

When you work with a rowing machine, you don’t have to wonder about cardio vs strength training because you get both in one. Grab the handle at the front of the machine and pull your chest towards it to row your body upward and work your heart, arms, core, and legs. 

5. Stationary Bike

Working out on stationary bike

You don’t need to purchase a bicycle to get all the cardio benefits of biking, instead use the stationary bike at your gym. These provide all the same advantages, but more options than a regular bike, as you might choose to use an upright version, recumbent, or dual-action bike. 

Getting the Most From Your Cardio Workout

Cardiovascular health is important. Try out these cardio workouts the next time you hit the gym and get your heart pumping! 

5 Fitness Motivation Tips for Healthy Workouts

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but not everyone knows how to get motivated. Whether it’s men’s or women’s workout motivation, the truth of the matter is that fitness inspiration doesn’t come easily, no matter how great the benefits of staying active may be. We’re here to help, though, and provide the fitness motivation and you need to get moving and stay moving. Here are five fitness motivation tips you can use to get up off the couch and actually enjoy your workout.

1. Set Manageable Goals

Fitness motivation Tips

Setting goals is great workout motivation because there’s almost nothing better than achieving those goals. Just make sure you’re setting reasonable goals, because goals that are too lofty will only discourage you. 

And another thing, make sure your manageable goals have deadlines! Without deadlines, you’re more likely to push them off. 

2. Weave Workouts Into Your Schedule

Instead of forcing yourself into an exercise regimen that doesn’t suit you, incorporate that regimen into your already-existing schedule. Start by doing what’s doable and enjoyable – with just 15 minutes a day – and increase as time goes on. 

3. Emphasize Variety

Man doing exercise

A huge part of fitness motivation is trying out a myriad of different exercises. Not only is this good for your body, it’s good for your brain too – it keeps you on your toes in more than one way.

Plus, switching it up works well as you find out what activity really suits you. Here’s a hint: if you don’t like the workout you’re doing, you’re less likely to stick with it. 

4. Find a Community

Group of people doing exercise together

Whether your gym motivation stems from partnering with a good friend or joining a workout group, having a person (or people) to hold you accountable is a major player in keeping up with your fitness routine. 

5. Start Slow and Be Kind 

You might have all the gym motivation in the world when you start out, but it could die out over time. The key is to avoid going too hard and too fast right out of the gate. 

Instead, start slow and maintain your motivation for fitness over time. And, sometimes, if the motivation isn’t there, you have to go through the motions and wait for it to kick in – because it will. 

Getting Motivated and Staying Motivated

Woman giving fitness motivation tips

Whether you’re a guy looking for inspiration or a lady searching for fitness motivation tips for women, this advice is bound to get you to start moving – and stay moving!