Fun Size Elliptical Trainer

Hey there mini GAINZ-makers, got a question via email today from a devoted reader inquiring about the GAINZ of a certain product:  the Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer.  The devoted reader wrote:

• "its an InMotion elliptical that is super small and only like $100. thinking about adding it to the home gym. having some trouble with my stationary bike because the resistance is too weak. i added weights but its still too easy. suggestions welcome."

Suggestions forthcoming, my friend.

When analyzing the GAINZ of any new product, I like to categorize the type of GAINZ it presumes to manifest, its method of making said GAINZ, and, in situations where I haven't personally tried it out, its perceived effectiveness.

The elliptical trainer discussed herein obviously emphasizes cardio GAINZ.  Getting your heart rate up and maintaining it for long intervals is a great workout for your heart and your other cardio-respiratory thing-a-ma-jigs.  This type of workout is also helpful, but not the end-all-be-all, in keeping a trim, fit figure.  Diet is just as important.

The method of making cardio GAINZ with this elliptical trainer is similar to that of any other elliptical machine.  You hop on, move your legs in a low impact fashion, and, hopefully, sweat.  This particular elliptical trainer, however, is fun-sized and intended for home or office use.  The Amazon product description proclaims:

• "Forget the gym. Now you can enjoy a full cardio workout in the comfort of your home or office with this compact elliptical trainer from Stamina Products. Unlike full-size ellipticals, this trainer doesn't have arms or a front console. Instead, the trainer is essentially foot pedals only, with a chassis that's small enough to store under a desk or in a closet. Despite the small size, the trainer still packs a workout wallop, letting you burn a similar number of calories as jogging but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. Just keep your feet moving on the pedals--which continually oscillate in a low-impact manner--and you're set. Other details include sturdy steel construction, non-slip pedals, and an electronic fitness monitor that tracks the number of strides per minute, total number of strides, exercise time, and calories burned."

Sounds OK, I guess...but I wouldn't "forget the gym" just yet.  Lets look at the pros and cons (perceived effectiveness):

PROS:
- Low impact workout:  good for those with past injuries or those who simply need a break from running
- No arms or front console:  I'm calling this a pro for now because without the arms, it seems like it forces you to balance on the machine.  Balance work is GAINZ and will be a benefit until your body adapts.
- Cheap and portable: speaks for itself

Now the, CONS:
- Size: the elliptical trainer is really small so I question its durability
- Boring: I don't know about you all, but it seems boring as shit to me
- Lack of programmed workouts:  Full sized ellipticals provide varied resistance according to pre-programmed workouts, which this does not
- No arms:  now its a con because the arms can provide upper body resistance

Thus, the pros and cons sort of balance out.  I suppose its like any other piece of workout equipment...it's only as good as the workout one puts into it.  That's kinda like our motto....man.

So to summarize, the elliptical trainer emphasizes cardio GAINZ like any other elliptical, but allows one to make the GAINZ at home or at the tech job, and one must also incorporate balance because there are no arms.  However, the user determines how much GAINZ can be gotten, not the machine.  If your typical workout is something like "I hop on for 30 mins and crank out some killer cardio," your workout is wack.  Try using the elliptical trainer as part of a circuit.  For instance, do alternating intervals of 'sprints' and 'jogging' on the elliptical for 15 seconds each for 1 - 2 minutes, or whatever you can manage to start out.  Then, to make up for the lack of upper body training, hop off and perform explosive push-ups.  Then do some core/ab GAINZ.  Then do the entire circuit two more times!  Keep rest periods to a minimum.  If you're not sweating and breathing hard after that, you're not human.  Tweak the workout to make it more difficult once it becomes easy.

I hope the devoted reader finds this helpful.

Yours in GAINZ,

-Wesay GAINZ