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What gym equipment springs to mind when you hear the phrase building muscle? For most people, heavy barbells and squat racks may come to mind but does the humble elliptical factor in? Are we overlooking a significant means to build muscle? Let's dig in.
Understanding the full range of what your workout can do for you is vital to all gym-goers, but it holds unique importance for men between 18 and 34 years old looking to enhance their physique and skin health. If that sounds like you, read on.
We're here to unpack the elliptical, its benefits, and how you can utilize it to help improve your muscular physique and your skin health. Lean in if you're ready to explore a new workout addiction with us.
By the end of this article, you'll have a fresh perspective on the elliptical, an arsenal of knowledge on how it can contribute to muscle development and general skin health, and a solid plan to start incorporating it into your workouts.
What muscles are targeted during an elliptical workout?
The elliptical machine is a highly effective, low-impact workout option that primarily targets your lower body muscles such as the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Additionally, if it comes with levers for your arms, it can create a full-body workout, hitting your upper body muscles like your biceps, triceps, and shoulders - all while keeping the calorie burn high and the strain on joints low. Not only does this help build and define muscles, but also it aids overall physical resistance and skin elasticity, indirectly supporting skin health.
How does an elliptical workout contribute to muscular definition?
The elliptical is an excellent tool for cardio activities and burning calories. However, with proper use, it can also function as a muscle-defining, strength-training machine. The key is in the resistance settings. By increasing the resistance on the elliptical, you cause your muscles to work harder to sustain the exercise. As your muscles work through the resistance, they experience tiny microscopic tears. When these tears recover, they become stronger and more defined. This process, coupled with skin products like our Scar and Stretch Mark Cream, can also help improve skin elasticity and minimize stretch marks caused by rapid muscle growth.
How to Harness Elliptical Workouts for Muscle Building
Since you're here looking for the secrets to build muscle with an elliptical, why don't we jump straight into it? With a clear punch of purpose and a good understanding of the muscle groups you'll target, you’re about to transform your casual elliptical warm-ups into targeted muscle-building workouts. Read on for a step-by-step, simple guide.
1. Set Your Resistance
When it comes to muscle definition, resistance is your friend. Before beginning your workout, set the elliptical to a resistance level that will challenge your muscles during the workout. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a level where you can maintain a steady pace, but feel your muscles working to sustain that pace.
2. Get a Solid Grip
While your leg muscles get the brunt of the workout on the elliptical, don't ignore the role of your arm muscles. Get a solid grip on the levers or stationary handles of the elliptical machine to heighten the upper body workout. Now, remember to keep your grip firm and your posture straight – imagine yourself holding onto resistance bands or performing a double-arm press. This engages your arms, chest, and back muscles.
3. Watch Your Form
Lean back slightly and draw your abs in to ensure that your core is engaged throughout the workout. Maintain this form and be conscious of your movements. Think about driving the motion through your hips and glutes, rather than just your legs. And remember – consistency is critical to achieving progress and avoiding injury.
4. Introduce Intervals
Interval training can be highly effective for muscle strengthening. Try mixing up your routine with short bursts of intense effort, followed by slower recovery periods. This addition will not only boost your cardiovascular health but also create a muscle-building and fat-burning exercise effect called EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption).
Can only using an elliptical be enough for muscle building?
While an elliptical workout is an excellent way to get in cardio exercise, target a range of muscles, and assist in muscle definition, relying solely on it for muscle building might not give you the full benefits of a comprehensive strength-training regimens. It would be beneficial to mix up your workouts with weight training, bodyweight exercises, and various resistance training workouts in addition to your elliptical workouts. And remember, always support your workouts with proper nutrition and recovery methods, including healthful personal care products like our Activated Charcoal Face Wash and Recovery Body Wash.
What are other benefits of using an elliptical?
In addition to muscle definition, elliptical exercises are fantastic for cardiovascular health. They help to lower blood pressure, improve lung capacity, support weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The low-impact nature of the workout is also excellent for joint health, making it a good option for those with joint concerns or injuries.
Top Off Your Elliptical Muscles With Tapered
Understanding the potential that elliptical workouts hold for muscle definition is your first step towards sculpting that athletic build you've been eyeing. Mix resistance, form, and interval sessions into your elliptical workouts, and you're well on your way to a toned physique. And don't forget - complement your workout efforts with fitting nutrition and mindful personal care choices.
A Gym-Goer's Key Takeaways
- Elliptical workouts aren't just for cardio; they're also a key to muscle definition.
- Adjust resistance levels, maintain a strong grip, and be mindful of your form to make the most of your machine time.
- Interval training on your elliptical can significantly contribute to muscle strengthening and definition.
- However, the elliptical isn't a standalone solution for muscle growth. Mixing up your workouts is crucial.
- Support your exercises with fitting nutrition, recovery methods, and personal care products like our Scar and Stretch Mark Cream.
Remember, every workout is a step towards your fitness goals, but knowing how to harness each tool at your disposal can make the journey significantly smoother. Happy muscle building!
