Do Ellipticals Help Lose Belly Fat?

One can lose belly fat by adhering to a strict diet plan and exercise regimen and by making a few lifestyle modifications. Elliptical trainers can help burn calories, reduce belly fat and tone the body.

One can lose belly fat by adhering to a strict diet plan and exercise regimen and by making a few lifestyle modifications. An elliptical trainer, or cross-trainer, is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate climbing stairs, walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries. Elliptical trainers can help burn calories, reduce belly fat and tone the body. When used properly, an elliptical trainer works the entire body and can engage the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, chest, back, triceps and biceps.

Using an elliptical trainer has a lower impact compared to other forms of cardio exercises, such as running and jogging. However, it is an effective low impact cardio workout. Thirty minutes on an elliptical trainer can burn about 300 calories. Running burns more calories, but there is also the risk of wear and tear on the joints. Hence, elliptical trainers are ideal for older individuals who are not used to running, have arthritis and injuries or want to do low impact exercises. It is safe to do 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer five to six days a week. However, one may start with 10- to 15-minute long sessions a day. Though the elliptical trainer is an effective cardio workout, a combination of other forms of exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications are required to effectively get rid of belly fat.

Other exercises that can help burn belly fat

1. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): This is probably one of the fastest and most efficient ways to lose belly fat and reduce the overall body fat percentage. HIIT combines periods of high-intensity short exercise sessions followed by brief 30- to 60-second recovery periods. This exercise usually doesn't exceed 30 minutes. Based on the individual’s fitness level, a typical HIIT session can vary between 15 and 30 minutes. It is a difficult type of workout, so it requires a high level of motivation to maintain a consistent program.
2. Strength training: Lifting weights boosts metabolism and ensures the prolonged maintenance of an efficient fat-burning rate, which means fat continues to burn even after the workout. Weight exercises burn fat and build muscles, reducing the percentage of body fat and toning up the body. Strength training should ideally be combined with HIIT and cardio exercises, such as running, swimming, elliptical training and cycling.
3. Running or brisk walking: Because there is no way to specifically target abdominal fat, exercises such as running can help burn calories and reduce the overall percentage of body fat, thereby reducing belly fat and fat around other parts of the body.
4. Bicycling: Bicycling is an effective low impact cardio exercise. One can cycle outdoors or do a workout on a stationary bike. With high speed and intensity on a bicycle, one can burn 500 calories during a 30-minute workout.
5. Russian twists: For this exercise, one needs to sit down on the floor, keep the legs straight or bend the knees and lean back slightly forming a V shape. This posture should be held while twisting the upper body from side to side without moving the legs. The hands can be joined together in front of the chest. Russian twists can also be increased in intensity by holding a dumbbell in front of the chest and gradually increasing the weight of the dumbbell. This increases resistance which strengthens muscles and burns more calories. Performing about five sets with 30 repetitions can be helpful.
6. Bicycle crunches: Bicycle crunches help burn belly fat and strengthen abdominal muscles. For this exercise, one has to lie on their back with their hands behind their head. Then, raise the knees to the chest while lifting the head and shoulders off the ground. While pedaling with the legs, alternate touching the right elbow to the left knee and then the left elbow to the right knee. Performing one to three sets with 12 to 16 repetitions each is recommended.
7. Reverse crunches: These exercises help burn lower belly fat. One has to lie down on their back on a yoga mat with the knees together, legs bent in a 90-degree angle with their feet firmly planted on the floor. The palms should be placed down on the floor for support. Tighten the abs to lift the hips and legs off the floor and simultaneously draw the knees inward toward the chest. Hold this position for a second at the top of the movement. Lift the legs in the air before doing the crunch, keeping the chin off the chest.