Elliptical trainers provide a non-impact method of exercise to increase cardiovascular health and aid in weight loss. By simulating a natural running movement, elliptical machines work large muscle groups, increasing heart rate and burn calories.
Calories burned
According to the Harvard Medical School website, “one hour of regular elliptical exercise burns 540 calories in a 125lb person, and a 185lb person expends 800 calories.” This fact provides evidence that body weight plays an important role in calorie expenditure.
Other factors
In addition to body weight, several other factors influence the rate at which calories are burned. These factors include gender, age, genetics, and the medications you take. Men typically burn calories faster than women, and younger individuals burn calories faster than older individuals.
Calories In vs. Out
Achieving weight goals is a simple equation of calories consumed versus calories burned. If the goal is weight loss, calories burned must be greater than calories consumed. Calories do not need to be drastically reduced, as this can be potentially dangerous and counterproductive to weight loss.