Elliptical Technique (Life Fitness)

Bob Wilcher, owner of Killer B Fitness in Santa Barbara, CA, demonstrates Elliptical Technique on the Life Fitness Elliptical.

[@EdCanis]

Out of all the elliptical videos I've seen on KZbin this is the only one that focuses on the technique to maximise the utility of the machine. Thank you

[@killerbfitness]

There is a lot of nonsense out there. I teach efficiency so that there is little effort wasted. I hope it works for you. Thank you.

[@joaquintall5180]

Bob, this is a wonderful video. A guy 4 years ago stated it best: "...this is the only video that focuses on the technique..." My wife suffered a mild stroke in 2019 and has some bone-on-bone pressure on her right knees. Dr's have been after her to exercise more with an elliptical. We're in our mid-70's and have been looking for an elliptical that would be easy on both our joints and our pocketbooks. This Life Fitness model fits the bill. This 2 minute video you made could very well save someone [my wife and I] from a very painful accident, by using the elliptical incorrectly. Thank you Bob for taking the time to think about what's important when using an elliptical and caring about your viewers, of all ages! Joaquin

[@robertw4718]

Awesome! Glad it helped. It's a great way to get a workout without impact.

[@alahatim]

best description video on youtube for elliptical

[@norakaszuba]

Thank you for this. We received our elliptical today and after watching this, I see that I did the workout incorrectly. At least it was my first time, so I can nip it in the bud. I have base of thumb arthritis, and after gripping the moving arms, it aggravated it, so I must have been grabbing it too hard. I will practice this technique and I appreciate this post.

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

I've been using one for years and was never aware this was the recommended technique. I always use the moving handles throughout the workout.

[@killerbfitness]

It's ok to grab the handles, but I'd recommend to minimize the rotation of the upper body. I prefer to not use the handles most of the time so that I can focus on driving with my legs, but you can use the handles if you'd like to incorporate pushing and pulling. You just may not be able to go as fast. Maybe try increasing resistance if you are using the handles. Hope that helps. Thanks for the comment.

[@rogerhu6919]

Nice. Thank you.

[@brittnyevans8035]

Is elliptical good for joints?

[@JoeBudd-D]

Not as good as the Arc Trainer

[@LaurLoVideo]

Oh no...it would appear I’m doing the exact opposite of what you instructed haha. Maybe you can help me with additional advice: I am trying to lose weight yet not gain an excessive amount of muscle in my legs. (I understand that building muscle is necessary for weight loss, I just typically gear for high reps and low weight when weight training). Do you have any adjustments in position on the machine as to avoid bulking up but still have good form?

[@killerbfitness]

Thanks for your message. I get this question a lot and I have to be frank and honest because it's the only way I know that works. If you are looking to lose weight, it's going to be done primarily in the nutrition department. That goes for everyone. Exercising is a very important part of staying healthy, but most people don't workout enough to see any significant reduction in weight. It really takes a serious commitment with changing your diet. In terms of bulking up, I wouldn't worry about that on the elliptical. Try to assume the posture that I recommend in the video if you are on the Life Fitness, but if you are on a different machine, your posture could vary a bit. Focus on higher cadence or RPMs and work on intervals which will boost your metabolism and help you get fitness results faster. If you combine a solid exercise routine with great nutrition, I think you will like the results. Hope this helps.

[@LaurLoVideo]

@@killerbfitness That actually alleviates some concerns, thank you! Luckily I enjoy vegetables, fruits, etc so I don’t think adjusting my diet that way will be an issue. I just need to get a grip on my portion sizes! 😅 I’ll have to give the demonstrated posture a go next time I’m at the gym- thank you for your insight!

[@maitemenai6538]

Thank you so much!

[@notasuperuser]

Question if I may sir: We are contemplating between this machine and the Precor AMT 100i (835 was too expensive). I have hip, knee and ankle issues. I'm looking for the best machine to improve my cardio as well as improve muscle tone and strength and obviously improve my hip motion which has become quite rigid The AMT is 1000$ more and looks way bigger which is a minus. Oh and i'm 6' tall.

[@killerbfitness]

I'm not a big fan of the Precor machines. I like the way the Life Fitness moves much better. It's more fluid. Some people love the Precor, so it's most likely a personal preference. If you work hard you can get a good workout on either. Good luck.

[@notasuperuser]

@@killerbfitness you are fast! you mean biomechanically as well? How is this machine as far as reliability and durability go?

[@killerbfitness]

The Life Fitness is well built. I'd recommend it.

[@notasuperuser]

@@killerbfitness Have you tried the Octane Ellipticals? Narrowed it to the 9500HR and the Octane Pro 3700 Classic. I'm looking for the best biomechanical one.

[@killerbfitness]

@@notasuperuser I have not tried the Octane Ellipticals, so I can't comment. Sorry.

[@Miraklum]

Same posture if you use arm handles?

[@killerbfitness]

I wouldn't recommend using the handles, but if you do try to stay still and keep your core tight and controlled. You will be able to go faster without using the handles, but it could be a good therapy exercise for your shoulders with the handles. When you rotate is when things start getting out of control. Hope that helps.

[@MeelisMatt]

so overall is better to burn calories without hands in your opinion?

[@MrAadit5you]

I have a lumbar moderate disc extrusion. I heard ellepticals are bad for back. Is using elliptical machine in this mini squat position good for me? Pease suggest

[@killerbfitness]

Thanks for your message. Saying Ellipticals are bad for your back is like saying running is bad for you. It depends on how you do it and how often you do it. You may need to focus on some back and posture exercises in order to condition your back to be able to hold the correct position on the Elliptical to get the benefits. The technique that I explain here is gong to maximize your performance and minimize abnormal stresses on your body, but if you nursing a bad back, you may have to build up to this position by doing physical therapy and more simple exercises until you are ready. If you have a condition that doesn't allow you to be in this position, then maybe try the bike or walking up hills. You could try this position on the Elliptical for 5 or 10 seconds at a time with enough rest in between so you are ready to try again. Good luck. I'd say get an opinion from a doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor about what is appropriate for your situation. I wish you the best!

[@sophia8105.]

what type of Crosstrainer is that?

[@killerbfitness]

It's the Life Fitness 9500 HR

[@kevinhill1851]

What’s disappointing about this video is that there is no description as to why you would use the elliptical in this way, especially as it is clearly not the way the manufacturers of cross trainers are intending/expecting you to use it. Could you please provide information on why, so that we are better educated?

[@killerbfitness]

Thanks for your message, Kevin. Not all cross trainers are designed the same way. The Precore machines, for example, don't allow you to use this same technique. What I really like about the Life Fitness Elliptical is that it allows you to get into a mini squat and hold it without overextending the knee and hip joint. Proper mechanics is when the joints are functioning in a safe range. This machine allows you to do that. The arm handles can be used, but it's much more challenging to hold a mini squat. Instead, the arms could very easily dominate the motion and the legs should always be the majority of effort. When the arms are used incorrectly, then the legs tend to overextend and straighten and this is a big no no on the elliptical. This technique for people who are not used to it will seem way harder, but in time it will prove to provide so much more value. Hope that helps and you are a little less disappointed. If you have specific questions, please ask. Thanks.

[@TomKaszuba]

Excellent information. Would this technique work with the Keiser M5i elliptical machine?

[@rubayed1218]

How to wait loss

[@juschill1]

Yup... I'm 1 of those side 2 side elliptical users. 😔😔😔

[@FailToilet]

Hi idk if you’re still active, I tried this technique today and while I feel it’s indeed the proper technique it makes my lower back hurt a lot during and after the training. Any suggestions?

[@killerbfitness]

Thanks for your question. I have a couple things to say. Number one is I'd like to see what your technique looks like. You may think you are doing it this way, but I wouldn't know unless I saw a video of you. That's the 1st thing to know. If you are doing it this way, then you are in fact using your low back muscles as stabilizers to hold your position. It will take time to build up these muscles so that that have the endurance to last an entire workout. I would suggest doing short intervals of 30 seconds each with really great technique and then rest for 30 seconds. Do this multiple times (10-20) at lower resistance and really dial in your form. It will take work to be able to hold this position, and it will definitely pay off for you, but it can be frustrating during the building process. Nice work on giving it a try. Let me know how it goes.