Treadmills and Ellipticals

How hard you push yourself determines how many calories you burn either on a treadmill or elliptical machine, or any other exercise machine.  And instead of choosing one machine over the other, smart exercisers know that both of these aerobic-building cardio stations play a major role in helping you lost fat, stay slim and work off those last few pounds.

RX: In between days of strength training and yoga, for instance, do 1-2 days of either machine or try mixing and matching in one innovative session, for 15 minutes each. There are many more options!

Treadmills Blast Body Fat

Yet the activity is fairly tough to maintain at quicker paces. Running outside burns even more calories than running flats on your treadmill, say our fitness experts. On the other hand, elliptical machines with arm handles and resistance allow you to work your upper body along with your lower body, which you cannot do on a treadmill.

If you prefer to run, elliptical workouts can be a great way to reduce boredom and prevent injuries, such as back pain, minor sprains and strains.

Proper Technique Decides the Winner

Same form apply though: Do not hold onto the treadmill bar to help support your body weight as you walk on inclines or run. Similarly, if you grab onto any exercise handles – like the Step Mill or the commercial treadmill – you are cheating yourself out of the biggest calorie burn – and proper posture, which helps prevent overuse injuries.

Commercial Elliptical Machines

The lower impact of the elliptical cross-trainer allows you to zero in on your butt and thigh muscles while pedaling and driving through heels with each rotation. On the safe, fun elliptical machine elliptical your feet are connected to the pedals — and similar to bicycling. Standing elliptical movements are easier on the knees and joints of the body, and require less stabilization, so some may consider it a safer form of cardio.

If you are preparing for any kind of competitive running race, you’re already working on speed, distance and stamina with running. If you have slight pains from al the running, it’s a safer bet to hop onto the elliptical machine and blast calories on that to give your feet a break.

However, not running enough leaves you vulnerable to injury on race day. Your heart may be able to sustain a marathon distance run after training on the elliptical, but your ankles, feet, knees, hips, back, quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes (butt muscles) will not be ready for the continuous pounding.

We think there’s a place for every piece of cardio equipment on a weekly regimen! Don’t get stuck on the same-old machine every day though, or you’ll stop seeing real results, Instead, start experimenting with pace, duration and intensity on several different machines.

Get your heart pumping and reduce stress  on both the treadmill and the elliptical machine.

Which one you choose depends on your potential injuries, race goals and overall fitness level. Try cardio cross training – and get the best of both worlds, and shed a few pound just in time for pool season!

Fitness centers are still a must-have in any community, according to the National Apartment Association. They are the most upgraded community-wide amenity since 2014, and J Turner Research found that 46% of tenants are willing to pay a premium for centers with classes. Installation costs can thus be conveyed to residents in the form of higher rents and quickly recouped.The inclusion of well-designed centers can foster tenant interaction and cohesion, making them a property manager’s weapon of choice in today’s amenity wars. The fitness center has transformed dramatically over the decades, and an obsolete space can be a serious detriment to an apartment complex’s appeal. The fitness solution specialists at Opti-Fit shared what they perceive to be the four hallmarks of truly exceptional spaces.

1. Conscientiously designed

Conscientious professional design has become paramount as exercisers’ preferred workout modalities grow increasingly diverse and exotic. Multifamily gym footprints are often compressed to accommodate other amenities, so maximizing versatility and usability is key.

Pros accomplish this with multi-functional, movable equipment tailored to the gym’s layout. Opti-Fit’s approach emphasizes providing for all ages and experience levels to democratize the space and maintain ADA compliance.

Opti-Fit’s team partners with architects, interior designers and contractors for comprehensively delivered spaces. It uses 3D technology to ensure results meet expectations, and its renderings can be used in marketing materials and investor presentations.

2. Reflective of trends

Adapting the fitness center to various workout types has historically entailed designating certain areas for cardio, stretching and weight training, but now necessitates adding yoga, cycling and functional training areas.

Segregating these activities can prevent injuries caused by exerciser free-for-all, and imbue novice exercisers with a greater degree of confidence and comfort. Circuit trainers should be able to make their way through the gym predictably.

3. Customized and branded

The importance of branding visibility cannot be overstated. By using easily recognized, top-of-the-line equipment, multifamily groups can differentiate themselves from competing apartments. Opti-Fit favors Matrix, Star Trac, Nautilus, Stairmaster, Schwinn and TRX.

Similarly, property managers proud of their gyms can plaster their own logo and colors around the space, drawing attention to the people maintaining and providing the gym. This can promote retention and loyalty.

4. Full of light, ambiance and outdoor space

Fitness centers should not be utilitarian, windowless, fluorescently lit and predominantly concrete. Many exercisers want a more lifestyle-oriented, relaxing atmosphere that motivates and makes exercise a pleasure rather than a chore.

Incorporating outdoor space (if climate permits) and natural light by taking advantage of sweeping views on a top floor can help accomplish this.

Opti-Fit stresses and commits to the upkeep of fitness centers, and manages them with routine maintenance, safety checks, equipment forecasting and asset replenishment recommendations.

Courtesy: Bisnow