Will an elliptical machine really make a difference in losing weight?

I started going to the gym. I used to get no exercise and now I'm at least doing 40 minutes of cardio 3 times a week. I use an elliptical machine most of the time because it seems like it burns the most calories. Unfortunately, a personal trainer approached me the other day and told me he would give me a few pointers. Now, I'm really confused. He said doing cardio won't fix anything. He said I must lift weights and build muscle so that I'll burn more fat. That makes sense, but right now I feel more comfortable doing cardio and I figured once I lost some weight I could start doing muscle exercises. So am I even doing anything right? Should I give up the elliptical and figure out something else to do?

How to Lose Weight Fast at the Gym

Recommended Answer:

cardio is not the best for weight loss, because once stopped its faster for weight gained back because your not gaining muscle and gaining muscle you burn twice as much calories/fat..muscles can burn calories up to two days after working out, where cardio only burns while your working out, but once the workout is done, the calories stop burning, wouldn't you rather be burnging calories all day even after your workout is done versus only burning the calories during your workout but not for the rest of the day (besides what your body naturally burns) burning calories equals burning fat., this is why building muscle is important (so.the person who said the trainer gave you lies on his post, gave you false information)...of course the two are both needed, so you still should throw in cardio for anyworkout...but if you must stick with cardio at least throw in a little weights afterwards...the best cardio is not constant cardio training, in other words doing the same pace for 45mins, the best cardio for weightloss is cardio interval...15 mins of cardio intervals burns way more calories than 45 mins of the same pace cardio, so if your doing the elliptical dont do the same pace for 45 mins...do something like this...warm up at a steady pace for 5 mins then go as fast as you can for 1 min, then a steady pace for 1 min, then the fastest you can for 3 mins, then steady pace for 3 mins and so on and so on, try adding in resistance as well, this challenges your heart more..try googling elliptical cardio interval excersises...doing the cardio intervals will be your better choice on the elliptical :) I use the elliptical and if def gets you sweatingalso sprints are great cardio intervals as well...I prefer doing this work out of doing burpees then pushups then jumping jacks, then mountain climbers, then.bicyclr crunches, then planks all for about 1 min each X3, not only are you doing cardio but your also working out your body as a whole and gaining muscle so you get two in one, the cardio and the muscle building

Other Answers:

• Yes of course
• Yes it tones you which butns fat
• lies, all those things help but cardio alone will help you burn fat as long as your diet ensures a calorie deficit. strength training improves your metabolism and gives you a boost but it's not as essential as he makes it out to be
• cardio is awesome for weight loss, but it has its limits. Eventually your body will get used to it so that unless you are constantly pushing your limits with more time or harder higher resistance levels, you will hit a plateau. So hes right, building muscle will boost your metabolism. the best workout routine is one that balances both, cardio and some weight training. Its also good to mix it up every few months so you are less likely to plateau.I would stick to the eliptical for you now if that is what you are used to, but when you notice your weight loss slowing or stopping, the add in some weight training or muscle toning workouts to get you back on track.