Is a Recumbent Elliptical a Good Workout?

Recumbent ellipticals provide many of the same benefits as a traditional elliptical, but while you are seated, for a more comfortable workout that can even be used if you are suffering from knee pain, injury, joint discomfort, and more.

Why Do Recumbent Ellipticals Make a Good Workout?

Recumbent ellipticals make a good workout for many reasons, including their front and back movements utilize a greater range of motion for increased calorie burn.

You can also get a good ab workout by sitting upright and tall with your navel pulled inward as you use the machine, which forces you to engage your core to help keep yourself balanced.

It can also be used in between your regular workouts to help keep you from getting bored with your regimen, as well as to also help maximize your results.

 

Is a Recumbent Elliptical Easy to Use?

Recumbent ellipticals are not very tall machines, so they are easy to get onto and off of; hence, you are less likely to fall off, even while using it, which makes it easier to use.

You can also use the machine with just your legs, so your hands are free to do other things while exercising, such as read or watch movies on your tablet and more.

 

How Does a Recumbent Elliptical Differ from a Standing Elliptical Machine?

A recumbent elliptical mimics the same motion as a traditional standing elliptical machine; however, it also includes a seat for a lower impact workout that is gentler on the ligaments, joints, and tendons.

 

Why is a Recumbent Elliptical Good for Strengthening Your Legs and Glutes?

Since these machines are seated, they take the weight off the upper body, which forces you to use your legs, glutes, and harder, thus making them stronger.

The horizontal position of the machine also stretches your legs straight and pushes them outward, which engages more of the muscle groups in the front and back of your legs, as opposed to just the front leg muscles like vertical ellipticals.

 

Why is a Recumbent Elliptical Better for the Knees?

Ellipticals have pedals like a bike; however, they move in a gliding motion instead of up and down, which offers a lower impact form of exercise that is easy on the knees.

Some physical therapists even recommend elliptical exercises to their patients to help rehabilitate certain knee injuries because the gliding motion of the machine does not put direct pressure on the injured tissues.

The seat also further helps reduce discomfort on the joints by reducing upper body weight, and it also adjusts to prevent sharp bends on the knees.

In fact, the farther back you are, the less strain the gliding motion puts on the knees.

 

How Does a Recumbent Elliptical Help Relieve Back Pain?

The padded seat and soft backrest on recumbent ellipticals provide good back support by cushioning your lower back muscles and reducing strain on the entire back, which are common causes of back issues.

It can also help ease discomfort caused by a herniated disc. All of which can be exacerbated by standing machines, which offer no back support.

The padded seat also adjusts to different angles, which enables you to balance your weight more evenly across your rear end and back, so there’s less strain on the muscles.

 

How Many Calories Does a Recumbent Elliptical Burn?

The seated design of a recumbent elliptical means you won’t be able to get your heart rate up very high; therefore, it doesn’t burn as many calories in the same amount of time as upright machines.

For instance, an average person can burn about 500 calories per hour on a seated elliptical as compared to about 600 calories per hour on an upright machine.

However, because recumbent ellipticals are more comfortable, it also encourages you to
exercise longer, so you burn more calories.

 

Are Recumbent Ellipticals Good for HIIT Exercises?

Their relaxed design also makes them more suitable for working out at a more steady pace as opposed to exercising in short spurts of intense activity, also known as HIIT, which is best performed on upright ellipticals.

 

Does a Recumbent Elliptical Help Build Endurance?

The low to moderate intensity training that seated ellipticals provide helps you prolong your workout, which helps strengthen your lungs and cardiovascular system for improved endurance.

This means more stamina for sports activities, frolicking with family and friends, or simply carrying out everyday activities, such as climbing the stairs, and more for sustained quality of life.

 

Do Recumbent Ellipticals Also Have a Display?

Even the most basic machines tend to have some type of display to track your calories burned; however, some models have more extravagant displays and heart monitors that enable you to track your pulse during your workout.

Some recumbent ellipticals even include a big LED screen that enables you to connect your internet and Bluetooth.

What Other Features Do Recumbent Ellipticals Have?

Other recumbent elliptical models also include built-in sound systems for you to enjoy some energetic tunes while you exercise. However, they may be a bit more pricey.

Some machines also include add-on features, such as cup/water bottle holders, mounted mobile phone and tablet holders, and more.

Many sitting ellipticals also come with foot straps, slip-proof pedals, and dual position handlebars for a sturdier ride.

They also feature a variety of resistance levels to suit your training level.

Some also include free workout apps to help you reach your fitness goals.

 

How Stable are Recumbent Ellipticals?

These types of exercise machines include a solid base, and they sit fairly low to the ground, so there is little chance they will topple over while in use.

Its huge frame also makes it capable of bearing heavier loads up to 600 pounds, depending on the machine.

However, because they are so long and wide due to their horizontal leg positioning, they also take up lots of space, so keep this in mind when planning your purchase.

 

Do Recumbent Ellipticals Come Fully Assembled?

Most recumbent ellipticals come fully assembled and ready to go; however, some models require some assembly, so be sure to ask the sales technician about the machine’s assembly requirements before purchasing it.

Recumbent ellipticals are also quite heavy, so you may need help getting the equipment into the house as well as while also setting it up, depending on the delivery service, so be sure to inquire about this as well.

 

Who Should Use Recumbent Ellipticals?

The low-impact workout that these machines provide makes them a suitable choice for just about anyone; however, they are especially useful for those suffering from knee and hip pain to help prevent jarring of the joints during physical fitness, which can increase discomfort.

They are also good if you suffer from back pain because they help take pressure off the upper body while you exercise for a more comfortable workout.

Those with past joint injuries and post-surgery patients can also use a recumbent elliptical to help speed the healing process, provided their physician says it’s okay.

If you have little or no exercise experience, they also provide a simple and easy way to get started.

Many seniors also find these machines useful to help them stay fit and active during their golden years.

 

Are Recumbent Ellipticals Loud?

Seated ellipticals do not contain a motor like other fitness machines, so they are extremely quiet when in use, even when pedaling fast, which enables you to work out any time of the day as well as also enjoy your favorite shows while exercising.

 

How Much Do Recumbent Ellipticals Cost?

Recumbent ellipticals are considered more of a “specialty” type of product, so they typically cost a bit more than more broad use exercise equipment that ranges in price

They are more versatile than other machines, which also makes them more cost-efficient compared to other workout machines.

Like many other large workout machines, they also include a warranty to help safeguard against faulty parts and malfunctions that can shorten the product’s shelf life as well as your return on investment.

They are also sturdily built to last for at least 10-years or more, with proper maintenance and care, and they also help eliminate the costs of joining a gym, so they more than pay for themselves in just a few years.

 

What Else are Recumbent Ellipticals Good For?

Helps Maintain Muscle Mass While Injured or Immobile

The comfortable seated design and smooth, non-impact motion of the machine make it easy to maintain a fitness regimen while immobile or injured, so you don’t lose muscle mass while healing.

Exercise also improves the mood, which also helps promote healing.

Helps Increase Flexibility

The elliptical’s horizontal positioning also helps lengthen and stretch the leg muscles for greater flexibility and improved range of motion, which is important for combating mobility issues.

It is also important if you are training for a new sport to prevent injuries and tears in the muscle when performing quick and sudden actions during your activity.

Some models also include handles that move back and forth like the handles on standing elliptical machines, which also stretch the muscles of the shoulders, arms, and top of the back for greater upper-body flexibility.

Helps With Arthritis Symptoms

There are circular pedaling motion recumbent ellipticals, and there are linear pedaling motion ellipticals.

However, the linear pedaling motion machines are lower impact, which is especially useful if you suffer from severe arthritis.

In fact, research shows that an exercise regimen that includes strength training, flexibility, and cardio is crucial for treating certain forms of arthritis; however, the exercise must not aggravate the symptoms, which lower pact linear recumbent ellipticals enable you to do.

Helps Improve Balance

One benefit of a seated elliptical is that it helps strengthen the leg muscles, perhaps even more so than a standing machine, which enables you to build stronger, sturdier legs for better standing, which in turn also helps improve your balance and mobility.

Helps Build Cardiovascular Strength

Though recumbent ellipticals provide low-impact exercise, they still increase your heart rate and breathing, which helps strengthen your cardiovascular system.

You can also adjust the speed to gradually increase your stamina, which is also helpful if you are training for a marathon or other sports.

Enables You to Workout in the Comfort of Your Own Home

Many seated ellipticals are designed for gym or office use; however, some models are specifically made for at-home use, which offers greater privacy that can lead to better results.

How Do I Choose a Good Recumbent Elliptical Machine?

Elliptical technology differs from machine to machine, and some machines do not offer the natural, continuous motion of an elliptical. Instead, they produce more of a jerky motion that can irritate the joints.

Therefore, one thing to look for when purchasing a good recumbent elliptical is that it has a smooth pedaling motion, so try it out first to be sure it feels comfortable.

It should also have a sturdy frame or platform, and the pedals should have adequate foot room to ensure a stable ride.

 

What is the Best Way to Use a Recumbent Elliptical?

Proper form and posture while using the elliptical are imperative to experience maximum results with the machine as well as to also help avoid pain and injury.

To use the equipment properly, sit up straight with your head up and your abdominal muscles tightened, which helps engage your core and also helps keep your posture straight.

Your feet should also be positioned where they allow you to comfortably perform the exercise while maintaining the proper posture, and use your hands to gently grip the bars as opposed to leaning on them, which also helps keep your back and head straight.

You should also start slowly with the machine until you feel comfortable about your form.

With correct posture and form, the back can be strengthened while being protected by the seat, and there is no undue stress put on the knee or hip joints for a comfortable workout you look forward to each day.

You can also adjust the resistance on most machines to help make it easier if you are a beginner or for days when your back or knees are sore.