Elliptical vs Treadmill

While in my local gym recently I found myself trying to decide whether to use the elliptical trainer, otherwise known as the cross trainer or the treadmill. I set about researching which is best and why. This is the ultimate elliptical vs treadmill comparison and I hope to give you all the required facts about both to help you decide which to use and why.

What is an elliptical trainer?

An elliptical trainer or cross trainer is a stationary exercise machine found in pretty much all gyms and more and more at peoples homes. They are popular as they offer a way to exercise with little to no impact on your joints.

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Elliptical vs Treadmill

Flat Stomach Exercises For Beginners

There are many flat stomach exercises you can perform to get six pack abs but first you need to understand the abdomen. The abdomen contains the muscles that most beginners struggle with because they take a long time to develop and need a low level of body fat to be seen. The abdominal muscle group consists of three main muscles:

1. Rectus abdominis – commonly known as the abs, this is a large flat muscle wall that runs from the lower chest to the pubic bone.

2. Obliquus abdominis – commonly known as the obliques, this muscle runs diagonally along the side of the mid-section from the lower ribcage to the pubic area. The internal obliques lie underneath the external obliques.

3. Transversus abdominis – this is a thin strip of muscle that runs horizontally across the abdomen.

You can target these muscles effectively by performing the following flat stomach exercises:

1. Crunches – 3 sets of 15-20 reps. This exercise will work the upper abs.

2. Pelvic tilts – 3 sets of 15-20 reps.This exercise will target the lower portion of the abdomen below the navel.

3. Side bends – 3 sets of 15-20 reps. This exercise will work the obliques.

As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your abdominal flat stomach exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:

Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs

Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs

Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves

Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs

For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.

Flat Stomach Exercises

Hi guys, I recently came across a new website blowing the myths around flat stomach exercises and nutrition out of the water. Crunches, planks, ball work and more are all covered there. Correct exercise form and technique are shown. Take a look.

The Body Blogger - Elliptical vs Treadmill Post

Head over to The Body Blogger to read an article about the elliptical vs treadmill debate. I have just put the article online and it contains some valuable information comparing both machines and their effect on your fitness and body composition.

Protein For Bodybuilding

Protein For Bodybuilding

I have recently started working on a new site that aims to provide valuable information around the use of protein for bodybuilding results. The site will discuss whole food sources and supplements and I hope it will give you a clearer understanding of the pros and cons of both.

Pop over a take a look.

Water & Weight Loss? The facts

You might have already heard about water and weight loss. The only problem is that you are uncertain if this is really effective. After all, most experts will talk about having a good diet and a regular exercise routine so that you will have a slimmer figure. Actually, water is very essential if you want to cut the extra pounds.

Here are some water and weight loss benefits:

Water is very essential for the normal functioning of the body. By having enough liquids in your body, your rate of metabolism will improve and this is necessary if you want your body to be more efficient in converting the substances that you take into energy. For instance, with enough liquids, your digestive system will work more efficiently and the conversion of fats into usable energy will be faster.

This is also a good way so that you can manage your hunger. By drinking about 6 to 8 glasses a day, your appetite will decrease. You might also want to try drinking a glass of water before you take your meals. This way, your stomach will have the impression that you are already full.

By having enough liquids in your body, you will also be able to release the excess. You will be able to release those that are stored in your thighs, waist, or arms. This is a good way so that you can lose the extra pounds since your body no longer holds onto every drop that you have taken.

How much should you take?

In general, you should take around 6 to 8 glasses a day. However, there are also some instances when you need to drink more especially if you are already obese. There is also a need for you to consider the weather condition. If it is too hot, you will need to drink more because there is a high chance that you are sweating a lot. There are also some studies that claim that it is better if you will drink cold water. They claim that they can burn fats better than the warmer one although there is still no hard evidence to support this claim.

However, you should also remember that water is not a type of medication that can drastically help you lose the extra pounds. It can only make your body systems work more efficiently and speed up the shedding of fats. Nonetheless, water and weight loss go hand in hand.

What Causes Weight Loss?

Do you want to know what causes weight loss? Probably, you are already obese and you are concerned with your health. Probably, you also just want to have a better figure. Losing the extra fat is actually a very simple matter only if you are going to take into account these simple tips.

When trying to learn what causes weight loss, one of the first things that you should check is your diet. After all, anything that you take in will manifest all throughout your body. This is why you need to avoid the foods that are packed with calories such as cakes, sodas, biscuits, and the likes. You should focus more on those that are filling and have more nutritional value. If you are uncertain about the kind of diet that you should have, you may take the advice of a nutritionist or a dietician. You can also look for the recommended daily allowance that is appropriate for your age.


Aside from eating the right kind of food, you should also eat at the right time and with the right interval. Experts believe that it is much better if you will eat 6 small meals a day than have 3 large full meals. This way, your body is always satisfied and you will avoid getting hungry and overeating.


Exercise is also a very important factor. With exercise, you will be able to burn the calories that you have taken in. You will also increase your rate of metabolism and make the digestive processes more efficient. You can try some cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, jogging, cycling, or running. You can also burn fats through weight training. You can try some routines at home but it is better if you will go to the gym.


Being healthy and fit is essential for your well-being. Healthy diet and regular exercise routines are what causes weight loss.