Elliptical machines are commonly found in public gyms and private homes. These indoor exercise machines consist of two foot pedals that rotate forward or backward in an oval pattern. Additionally, there are two pole attachment, similar to ski poles, which you push and pull with your arms during a workout. Consult your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise on an elliptical before starting a new exercise schedule.
Burning Calories
An elliptical machine can help you burn a significant number of calories, because you are working out your upper and lower body simultaneously. The precise number of calories burned during an elliptical workout will vary according to your weight, speed and exercise intensity.
The website All Ellipticals indicates that in half an hour of moderately intense elliptical workout, a man weighing 180 lbs. can burn up to 500 calories; a woman weighing 150 lbs. can burn up to 340 calories. The rate of calorie burn on an elliptical is similar to moderate-intensity jogging. If you burn more calories in a day than you consume, this will lead to weight loss.
Muscles
Elliptical machines can provide good cross-training for many major muscle groups in your lower and upper body. Because the machine can be operated going forward or in reverse -- or alternating directions during the same workout -- different muscles are emphasized in these different modes. Working out on an elliptical can strengthen and tone your muscles, increasing overall flexibility. Ellipticals are designed to offer a low-impact workout, which creates less stress on your joints than comparable muscle-working exercises such as running or cycling.
Goal Tracking
Most elliptical machines provide a general estimate of the calories burned as you exercise, in addition to tracking the time you have been on the machine, and the distance traveled. Having these statistics displayed as you work out may motivate you to complete your workouts and maintain your intensity level. Additionally, this information can help you track and adhere to your long-term exercise goals. However, the calorie counters on ellipticals are typically not very accurate unless they can be customized to account for your weight.
Motivation
Depending on your exercise preferences, access to an elliptical machine may either increase or decrease your motivation. If you find it invigorating to exercise outdoors in the fresh air while looking at scenery, you may find an elliptical boring. However, an elliptical machine provides a safe and warm indoor exercise option for cold months, and keeps you away from outdoor dangers such as vehicular traffic. Additionally, the motion of the elliptical machine makes it possible to read books or magazines while working out, which may motivate you to exercise longer.
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