Calorie-Burning Interval Workout for the Precor Elliptical

Spending 30 minutes on the elliptical day in and day out can become pretty mundane. Not to mention, repeating the same workout every day will yield diminishing returns in terms of the results you see in your training. Spice up your elliptical workout with an interval workout once a week for a more interesting workout and a jolt to your body.

The Precor Elliptical comes with a few pre-programed workouts for you to choose from, but if you want to follow this workout, select the “manual” setting and adjust the resistance yourself.

Warm Up

It’s important to begin any workout with a warm up to ease your muscles into exercise.

  1. Start by setting the resistance at level 5, and pedal at 130 strides per minute (spm) for 5 minutes.
  2. Next, increase your spm to 150 and the resistance to 7 and warm up your core by going hands-free for 2 minutes.
  3. Now switch gears and pedal backwards for 2 minutes at a reduced resistance of 5 and speed of 130-140 spm.

Interval 1

By now your heart rate should be elevated and it’s time to get down to business.

  1. Increase the resistance to 8 and ramp up your speed to 170 spm for 2 minutes.
  2. Rest for 1 minute*
  3. Increase the resistance back up to 8 and your speed to 180 spm for 90 seconds.
  4. Rest for 90 seconds.
  5. Sprint at a resistance of 8 and speed of 190 spm for 30 seconds.
  6. Rest for 2 minutes.

*Rest at a resistance of 7 and spm of 140

Interval 2

Your second interval will be shorter, but higher in intensity.

  1. Increase the resistance to 8 and your speed to 190 spm for 1 minute.
  2. Rest for 1 minute*
  3. Increase the resistance to 8 and your speed to 200 spm for 30 seconds.
  4. Rest for 90 seconds
  5. Increase the resistance to 8 and your speed to 210 spm for 30 seconds.
  6. Rest for 2 minutes
  7. Increase resistance to 8 and your speed to 190 spm for 1 minute.

*Rest at a resistance of 7 and spm of 130

Cool Down

  1. Decrease the resistance level to 5 and pedal at 140 spm for 2 minutes.
  2. Pedal in reverse at a resistance level of 5 and speed of 130 spm for 2 minutes.
  3. Keeping the resistance level at 5, finish your cool down at 130 spm for 2 minutes.

 

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Product Spotlight: Precor Elliptical Crosstrainer

Finding the perfect exercise machine for your home gym isn’t easy. There are tons of options to choose from with lots to think about: From the type of machine, to the brand, right down to the features. One our favorite brand of elliptical machines is the Precor Elliptical Crosstrainer. Here’s why!

Why Precor?

Precor makes a wide range of models so you have some variety to choose from, depending on what you need in an Elliptical, and of course, your budget. All Precor Elliptical Crosstrainers feature a unique design meant to closely simulate running, for a more safe, effective workout. Also, the low impact workout of the Precor Elliptical reduces your perceived exertion. In other words, you don’t feel as though you’re working as hard as you are, making it easier to spend more time working out.

Benefits and Features

CrossRamp Technology

We all have our trouble spots. For some of us, we want more toned thighs, while others just want stronger calves. Well Precor’s CrossRamp Science allows you to adjust your Elliptical stride to target different areas of the lower body. That way, you can decide which muscle to focus on during any given workout.

Customizable Workouts

Precor’s Elliptical Crosstrainers allow you to customize your workouts based on the intensity and type of workout you want to do. Whether you feel like simulating a hike in the mountains or cross country skiing, Precor’s CrossRamp technology allows you to customize the perfect workout for you.

Preset workouts

If you’re new to the Elliptical or just don’t want to plan a custom workout, Precor Elliptical Crosstrainers come programed with a variety of preset workouts for you to choose from.

Monitoring Devices

Your Precor Elliptical can also help you monitor your body while you work out. The built-in heart rate monitor helps you to stay within your target range for optimal results.

User ID’s

The Precor Elliptical Crosstrainer can store personal information and preferences for multiple users. It’s perfect for households with multiple users!

Workout equipment is an investment. You want to purchase machinery that’s going to stand the test of time and give you the kind of workout you need to get fit. For the best in quality and performance, choose a Precor Elliptical Crosstrainer.

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The Case Against Infomercial Exercise

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It’s so tempting! You’re flipping around the dial, watching late-night TV, and the ad catches your eye. Exercise programs that promise nothing but fun and results, with loads of happy and muscular models touting the benefit. Before and after shots that are nothing short of miraculous. Equipment that stores under the bed or in the closet  but rivals gym quality. Earnest TV stars and fitness celebrities who urge you to trust them and buy!

How many of you have called the toll-free number in an inspired ( or weak) moment? And how many of those promises did your late night purchase deliver?

The truth of it is,  you have very little chance of succeeding with equipment and fitness programs purchased this way.   No matter what you think you’re getting from seeing it on television, there are always a few surprises.  Gliders that don’t glide,  home gyms that turn out to be more difficult to operate than advertised,  equipment that seems a lot more shoddy in the light of day. 

Not only that, but in order to succeed at your fitness goals, your equipment has to fit YOU – your likes and dislikes, your fitness level, your budget, your space, and your schedule.   And the only way that can happen, is to see it, try it, and ask questions about it.  Chances are, if you could try out that home infomercial equipment before you bought it, you might opt for something else entirely. 

 Maybe you’d go for a Precor elliptical or treadmill, the standard in commercial gyms everywhere for it’s quality and durability. Or an Inspire home gym, top rated  for a solid body workout in a small space, or a Landice treadmill, voted #1 in  customer satisfaction by a leading running magazine.  We also have bikes and free weights and kettle bells and fitness balls, and yes, even some of the fitness products that you see advertised in those late-night infomercials!

So do yourself a favor and come on out to see us at MGL Fitness. We’d love to talk to you about the best way to reach your fitness goals, with equipment and products to fit your budget, lifestyle, and fitness personality.   Bring your gym shoes and kick the tires and try stuff out before you buy. We’d love to set you on the road to fitness. Then, rest easy, knowing that MGL Fitness stands behind its products and service – for more than 20 years serving customers in Green Bay and Appleton just like you.

And that’s something you just don’t get with a late night 800 number!