It has been just over five years since the introduction of elliptical
crosstrainer exercise machines. The idea of standing in an upright
position and getting a cardiovascular exercise with very little
impact to the joints was, and still is, very popular in health clubs
and homes alike. Initially, the first trainers offered only a lower
body workout, using an adjustable incline ramp to provide a little
more intensity. It does not offer a natural stride, but rather a
bouncy feel. In particular, the high level of plantar flexion causes
a bunny-hop motion in all users over 5'6" tall.
Innovation of Upper-Body Handles for Full-Body Workout
Because of the fact that the user's feet never leave the ground,
these lower-body only units resulted in a reduced intensity caloric
burn and lower heart rate then a treadmill workout. In 1997 a new
innovation was added that resulted in a total body workout. Handles
were connected to the pedals allowing the user to push and pull
with all four limbs. The majority of health clubs began purchasing
the newer full body version of these Ellipticals.
These total body machines had the advantage of providing a training
heart rate that easily got into the 160-175 bpm range (optimum for
burning calories), without the need to feel like you are over exerting
yourself. Another advantage of total body training is that the heart
rate climbs very quickly and the total exercise time needed is shorter
(20-30 minutes). In addition, the foot pattern on these total body
versions is flatter with a more natural feeling.
Smooth Gets it Right from the Start
The manufacturing facility for Smooth
Fitness elliptical was the first to introduce this total body
elliptical machine. The company now has 24 patents pertaining to
the design of these machines. They have the benefit of a 3-1 ratio
of lower body resistance to upper body resistance. This matches
the body's normal ratio of muscle mass of upper to lower body.
The advantage of a 3-1 ratio is that over time the user will fatigue
equally with all four limbs. This is critical for longer fat-burning
workout programs. Most other manufacturers (Precor, Life Fitness,
True, Sports Art) have equal resistance on upper and lower body.
Over a 30-minute workout you will feel that your arms are completely
strained and your legs are just going for the ride.
Make the Right Choice
Our elliptical trainer design is superior to any current models
in the market, and we back up this claim with a no risk 30-day in-home
trial offer. It gives you an opportunity to experience the benefits
of a no-impact, total body workout of an elliptical trainer. We
further recommend that you utilize the heart-rate control feature,
which keeps you in your optimum training zone.
Check out our Smooth
CE and compare the price and features to comparable models.
You won't believe the savings.
Back to Elliptical Exercise Machines .com