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Elliptical trainers have footpads that allow you to stand up while you exercise.
They have handgrips for you to hold onto and help maintain balance.
Some even have handles to use in working your upper body.
Because you are standing, the exercise is similar to walking or running,
but the arm bars and elliptical motion create similarities with biking or skiing.
The main difference with elliptical exercise machines is that although you are
standing and bearing weight, which is important for building bone density,
your feet never leave the footpads. So unlike treadmills or jogging,
there is little impact on your joints and muscles.
This provides a low impact, total body workout.
Most elliptical exercise machines built for home use provide resistance
through a band around the flywheel.
Some high end and commercial elliptical
cross trainers use magnetic resistance.
Like a bicycle, this elliptical motion
is smooth and continuous. With a stair stepper or other similar equipment,
there is a pattern of motion and reverse motion, an up & down or back & forth.
At the point where the forward motion ends and the reverse motion begins,
there is an impact from the force of the machine, which is still in motion.
Your bones and muscles have to stop the motion and reverse it each time.
With an elliptical trainer, there is no halting of motion and reversal of direction.
Your legs keep moving in the same manner continually, even though
there is an overall range of motion. Many elliptical cross trainers allow you to
reverse the direction of motion by changing a setting.
Thus you are able to work the opposing muscles, while still maintaining
the smooth, non-jarring motion.
For more info, download Elliptical Trainers, a free ebook.
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The advantages and benefits of an elliptical trainer
as compared to other fitness equipment are:
• Weight bearing form of exercise that helps maintain bone density
• Continuous elliptical motion creates a low impact workout
• The motion is similar to walking and is thus easy to learn and sustain
• Handles encourage users to work upper body muscles
providing a total body workout
• Offers one of the best forms of cardiovascular training – onboard
computers help plan and monitor cardio workouts.
• Equipment is relatively simple, so there are fewer parts to replace
or mechanical things that can go wrong.
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