Let’s face it – going to the gym is no easy feat. You have to begin by talking yourself into the idea of physical activity, attempt to come up with appropriate gym attire, and then have to go the extra mile by somehow transporting yourself there. After it is all said and done, the pre-workout process (no, I am not referring to the powders meatheads mix into their blender bottles) is grueling enough to make you reconsider your decision in the first place.
Once you enter the gym with your favorite ‘pump-up’ music blaring in your ears allowing you to become mentally prepared to tackle your workout, you are faced with the question of what ‘fun’ activity you will force yourself to endure this time. You biked a mile two weeks ago, running is not your forte, and lifting weights would be, well... just embarrassing. Knowing that you want to work up a great sweat and experience some quality heart-rate raising cardio, you are only left with one desirable option: the elliptical.
With this versatile machine, the possibilities are endless; you can focus on the tonnage of your legs and glutes while simultaneously scorching away the calories you inhaled late-nighting after downtown. You can push your arms to their breaking points while also sweating out every last toxin or drop of moisture in your entire body – and it’s only been twenty minutes.
In addition to the many benefits of the elliptical associated with exercise, you are also gifted with ‘hands free’ accessibility if needed; with your feet securely placed in the footholds, you are able to check your phone, change the song, take a sip of water (you know you’ll need it), or even read class notes or a book. Whatever the case may be, the time you spend ‘sprinting’ away on the elliptical is able to fly by because, for once in your life, you aren’t completely miserable while performing a fitness related activity.
After stepping off the elliptical, your legs feel a bit like warm jello, leaving you more than satisfied with your athletic performance. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, the elliptical has boundless potential in store for anyone ready to give it a chance; one you start, you won’t be able to view any other form of exercise the same.
So what, if I can’t bike, run, or swim a mile in under 8 minutes, I can elliptical three miles in twenty minutes - a feat only accomplishable with intermittent trips to the gym spent solely with the piece of equipment that may take you up and around, but will never let you down.
