Elliptical Machines Don't Work for Fat Loss
Inside Issue #28 you'll discover the shocking secret that will open your eyes to why most people using elliptical machines are overweight and will stay overweight as long as they use this cardio method.
- Why You Should Avoid the Elliptical Machine
- Turbulence Training for Women
1 - Ellipticals are Useless for Advanced Fat Loss
If you are using an elliptical-type machine for intervals, then I believe that you are not getting the results you deserve. In my opinion, the elliptical machines are one of the least effective methods for losing fat.
Now you might know someone that is uses the elliptical all the time and is lean. But I will be the farm that they can thank their genetics, their strength training, and their nutrition for their results. I have yet to see someone transform their physique with the elliptical trainer. In fact, when someone comes to me with a failing program, I often see them using the elliptical for their interval training. And that's the first things I change.
The elliptical machine is sneaky, and it fools us three ways. First, you can get your heart rate up really high and easily. Second, you can get a big sweat on. And third, the machine tells you that you have burned an awful lot of calories (even though the calorie counter is likely inaccurate, as was shown on a CBS news report).
So why doesn't the elliptical work? Because you just don't do as much mechanical work as you do when you run or cycle. Basically, it's just easier and less effective. Getting your heart rate up is not the key determinant of fat loss.
Your body is a well programmed machine. It's 'wired' to increase heart rate and breathing as soon as it senses motion (that's why you start to breathe heavily after taking a single flight of stairs - it's not just because you are unfit).
The key factor in fat loss is the amount of work done. Until you learn to separate the influence of the two, you won't be using intervals in the best possible manner.
As fat loss expert Alwyn Cosgrove explains, "The problem is not the elliptical itself -- it's just that it tends to allow/promote momentum (as most people have the resistance too low) from bodyweight alone. So unless you crank up the resistance and actually produce some force and/or MOVE your bodyweight - it's nothing but momentum. So if you're not actively using your muscles to produce some sort of force you aren't burning many calories."
But even then, I still don't think using a high resistance level on the ellliptical will get you the results you are looking for. Yet despite their ineffectiveness, elliptical machines and the like remain a popular training method. But that's only due to the human condition - like flowing water, we seek the path of least resistance. We'll will do anything to get around obstacles rather than doing the real work required to overcome the obstacles. Given the choice, humans always go with the easiest option.
Compare the elliptical to the Stairmaster. Stairmasters are more effective but less popular. Why? Because we've found something easier (the elliptical) that still gives us the comfort of a sweat and an elevated heart rate (even if we don't get the results). And now millions of gym goers pat themselves on the back after flailing around on the elliptical for 30 minutes and thinking they've been shedding fat.
Training in your comfort zone is useless. Your metabolic rate will increase when your body is forced to change. The harder and smarter you train, the greater your increase in metabolic rate. That is why you have to do things the right way (the TT way!), to lose fat. As I've always said with Turbulence Training, the key to getting results is making your body change. That means using training techniques that demand your body to change. The elliptical will not cause your body to change. It is a waste of time.
So what works better? If you have Turbulence Training you know I recommend the stationary bike. It's safe, effective, and convenient. You can work at a very high power outage, and that is no illusion. You are doing the work (as long as you are not spinning at a very high RPM - that is another waste of time!).
Of course, you can also use sprinting. But that has a few more risks to it, whether it is done on a treadmill (risk: falling) or outside (risk: muscle pulls - so prepare appropriately).
Some other manly fat loss interval options are sled pulling, Farmer Walks (see photo), pushing heavy objects, wheelbarrow carries, and complexes. I'll talk more about the exciting fat-shedding potential of lifting complexes in my future reports, newsletters and workouts available here and in the TT Membership Pass.
2 - TT for Women: Lose the Belly & Run Faster
Are you sick of the fluff programs in women's magazines? Sick of being given ineffective, machine based workouts that don't improve your physique and performance? Sick of being treated with kid gloves by your trainer?
You won't achieve your dream body by lifting soup cans or by walking up an extra 3 flights of stairs each day. Programs that promise you that are B.S. You can see right through those programs. They might help someone that spends 8 hours watching TV, but they aren’t going to help you do your first chin-up or finally get abs. What you need is a real workout. What you need is Turbulence Training for Women.
You know that it takes a good program to get you lean and ready for the beach. TT for Women is an advanced 16-week fat loss program that will take you from zero to 3 chin-ups (at least) while helping you lose fat and improve your 5k race time. And that is what TT for Women is, an all round program that will allow you to:
· Fit in your smallest bikini
· Exceed your personal bests in your 5k and 10k races
· Impress the boys in the gym with your chin-up strength
· And impress everyone with your lean mid-section - get ready for summer clothing!
The new TT for Women program is for women such as yourself (or your clients) that want to get a great workout and achieve lasting results. The workouts are efficient, effective, and proven.
"In the nearly six months I've been doing TT for Women, I've completely lost
sight of what my upper limits are. A year ago, I figured I was stuck with
the 'wide' hips and belly I 'inherited', was ecstatic with a 25 min 5k, and
didn't expect to be able to do a chin-up. Now I'm looking forward to wearing
a bikini this summer, beating my 23 min 5k, and doing my 4th chin-up! Thanks
to Craig and his TT programs, I'm in better shape than I ever imagined!"
Christine Johnson
Here's how Christine lowered her 5k time since starting TT for Women.
Her 5k time before she started TT:
Oct 20, 2004 = 24:24
Her 5k times after she started TT (started the program on
Dec 5, 2004 = 23:53
Apr 24, 2005 = 23:07
And if you are a personal trainer, you can set yourself apart from all the other copy cat trainers in the gym by using an original approach while at the same time empowering your female clients with strength and improved performance in daily activities. This program respects the physical and mental strength of women.
Here's a sample workout from the TT for Women manual.
Workout 7 (Tuesday)
|
Tues Workout B of TT: |
Here are the contents of Turbulence Training for Women:
Section ________________________________________________
Lifestyle & Nutrition Review
Contract
25 Nutrition Tips for Fat Loss
Nutrition Review
Goal Setting
Everything You Need to Know About Turbulence Training
Workout Guidelines
TT Introductory Workout
TT Beginner Workout
TT for Women Workouts (Weeks 1-16)
Core Training Workouts
TT Exercise Descriptions & Photos
TT for Women has also been added to the TT Membership Pass. With the
"Craig, I am so impressed with how you conduct your business, your professionalism, quality and responsiveness is really unequaled. You are truly the best kept secret in the fitness world. "
Bobby Logan, CT
Get access to all of these manuals today by ordering now.
Click here to get your exclusive TT Membership Pass
P.S. If you've already purchased one of my products, you can get the
The information on TurbulenceTraining.com is for education purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health-care professionals. Consult your physician before beginning or making changes in your diet or exercise program, for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injuries, and for advice regarding medications.
CB Athletic Consulting, Inc.
M6S 5A5
