This 30 minute elliptical workout if perfect for when you want to get a cardio workout in but don’t have a lot of time.
How did Wednesday sneak up on me already? I guess it’s been a busy week at school with three assignments due and work in the mornings. Needless to say I’m looking forward to the long weekend! How does having one extra day added onto the weekend always feel so indulgent?
Since today’s workout involves the elliptical, I thought I’d share my bumpy relationship with it. Back when I was doing my bachelor’s degree I belonged to the YWCA. It had a small but well stocked gym, and when I went first thing in the morning it was practically empty. As in there would be one or two other people in the entire gym with me. Yep, I was so spoiled. I doubt I’ll ever find a gym like that again.
Anyways, that gym was the first time that I had ever used the elliptical. I don’t know what it was, but I hated it every time I got on. As a result, I only used it a couple times before deciding to use other cardio equipment instead, like the bike and treadmill.
Fast forward to last year when for one of my assignments for my strength training class we had to create workouts for a classmate and take them through it. My partner had me warm up on the elliptical for a few minutes before going into the weight room. It was my first time using the elliptical in years. Although it was only a few minutes, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had remembered. Maybe the memory had somehow gotten worse over time?
Anyways, that warm up was the first step to getting back on the elliptical. I now actually enjoy it, and it’s no impact with is perfect for when my plantar fasciitis decides to act up (even walking can be painful when that happens, let alone running).
At the gym on Sunday I decided to spend an hour doing cardio. I split the 60 minutes between the elliptical and the bike. This workout is based on my time on the elliptical. I’ve included a 5 minute warm up and cool down. These are both important parts of the workout, so make sure not to skip them. The resistance is increased slowly until it peaks at 12 for 5 minutes about halfway through the workout. It then decreases until you get back to 2 for the cool down.
To find more workouts, check out my workouts page.
Talk to your doctor before beginning to workout. As always, remember to honor your body and modify as needed.
Any equipment that you used to dislike at the gym but now enjoy using?