If you are starting a new fitness routine and want to incorporate more cardio, keep walking past the treadmill. Despite the treadmill’s assumed popularity, the best cardio machine you can step onto is the elliptical trainer. These machines simulate the sensation of hiking or climbing for an intense whole-body workout that burns calories and builds muscle.

To help you get started on the elliptical and make the most of your training, Gym Tech—a fitness store in Florence, KY—lists some do’s and don’ts of elliptical training.

Do Alternate Your Pace

Walking at a steady pace for an hour will keep your cardiovascular health in line, but it won’t give you the results you desire. For your next elliptical workout, try high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. In this style of training, you will alternate long bursts of intense exercise with short periods of rest. For example, do two minutes at a moderate speed and high resistance, ease up for one minute, then return to the higher intensity. Alternating your pace in this way allows you to spend less time on each workout while burning more fat.

Do Hold the Handles

Unlike a treadmill, holding the handles on an elliptical will aid your fitness goals. In fact, the handles offer additional resistance—so you can tone your arms and legs at the same time.

Don’t Repeat Your Workouts

Your body is highly skilled at adapting to stress and stimuli. In terms of exercise, this means the calorie-torching workout you finished last week won’t yield the same results if you continue to reuse it. To keep your body guessing, change your routine every time.

Do Maintain Good Posture

While walking on your elliptical, your back should be straight and your shoulders in line with your neck. Tighten your abs to keep from slouching and lean forward slightly to engage your core.

Don’t Zone Out

It’s not uncommon to see people reading or watching videos on a tablet while they use cardio equipment. But treating your workout like a leisurely activity keeps you from turning up the intensity and making the most of your time at the gym. Stay away from the screen and focus on finishing your workout!

To purchase an elliptical for your home gym, call Gym Tech at (859) 866-5415 and ask about their inventory. To learn more about the fitness equipment they carry, or to view their selection, visit them online.