Elliptical Exercise Machines .com
Article: Elliptical Machine Info
Tired of the treadmill? Sick of cycling? Need a cardiovascular workout
that gets you in shape without being hard on your knees? Then elliptical
exercise machines may be ideal for you.
Elliptical machines, also called ellipticals, elliptical fitness
machines, elliptical cross trainers, elliptical gliders and elliptical
exercisers, offer people a low-impact exercise. Ellipticals, appropriate
for all fitness levels, maximize the time spent exercising while minimizing
wear and tear on your joints. Using ellipticals is a great way to
add to or improve your cross-training workout. Best of all, ellipticals
add variety and may keep you motivated if you are bored with your
current fitness routine.
What are ellipticals?
Elliptical machines, a fitness exerciser, available for residential
use replacing treadmills, cross-country ski machines, rowing machines
and steppers in many homes. OrbiTrek TM and other manufacturers claim
the machines offer a total body workout in 20 to 30 minutes.
In fact, personal trainer Vicki Pearson reports that studies from
the University of Wisconsin and the University of Mississippi lend
credibility to the effectiveness of the elliptical trainer, saying,
"The machines appear to provide a safe, low-impact, aerobic workout."
Elliptical machines deliver various combinations of workouts. Most
models simulate walking, stepping, cycling and skiing using an elliptical
motion with low or no impact. However, the term "elliptical machine"
is broad and general. Not all machines are cross trainers, and not
all offer a full-body workout. While manufacturers may claim that
ellipticals can replace other machines, fitness experts recommend
ellipticals as an addition to your existing program.
Elliptical machines are ideal for people who want a low-impact indoor
exercise, who want to vary their program, who are getting bored with
their usual routine, who want a cardiovascular and full-body workout
simultaneously, and who want to burn lots of calories in the shortest
amount of time.
How many calories do you burn on ellipticals?
Manufacturers claim that you can burn as much as 720 calories or
more per hour when using their elliptical machines. While the exact
amount depends on many factors, elliptical machines burn calories
at a rate similar to moderate-to-vigorous use of a stationary bicycle,
treadmill or cross-country ski machine.
Advantages
Training on elliptical machines can give a total body workout in
a relatively short amount of time with little or no impact. It's great
for all levels and ages, and you can usually program your workout
level. In a gym, it gives you another piece of equipment to vary your
workout. In the home, one machine can simulate a variety of exercises.
Also, many machines give you a full cardiovascular workout in about
a half an hour - an excellent boost to any weight loss program. What's
more, it's also an excellent option for seniors or anyone else who
wants a good workout without stressing the joints.
Disadvantages
It may be easy to overdo your workout on an elliptical machine. Like
all exercises, it is important to warm-up, stretch and wind down when
exercising. Be sure to bring your heart levels up to, not over, the
recommended levels by your physician.
Although low impact activities (such as ellipticals) are considered
preferable, lack of impact will not optimize caloric expenditure.
It may be confusing to buy one of these machines for home use since
many makes and models are available. Prices range from $300 to $5,000,
and the quality and features vary tremendously. Also, some home models
made by reputable manufacturers have failed because of mechanical
breakdowns and shoddy workmanship. Apparently in their haste to copy
the high-end health club models at low prices, the first year or two
of home machines had problems. Now, there are better home models of
good quality.
Using ellipticals
Elliptical machines are recommended for all fitness levels. A person
should be able to walk comfortably with good balance. When beginning
any fitness program, however, be sure to check first with your physician
or health care professional.
What to look for in an elliptical machine?
While you may not have a choice of the features of an elliptical
trainer at your gym or health club, you can choose from a wide variety
of features and models if you purchase one for home use. Consider
your budget, your exercise needs and the space you have. Next, compare
features of the models.
Before you buy an elliptical machine, evaluate the construction,
review the programming features, examine the warranty and try it out
in proper athletic shoes. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) warns
as with treadmills, you are likely to find a correlation between cost
and quality.
Look for a machine that offers dual directions, programmed courses,
manual options and non-slip foot pedals. Many machines offer programs
ranging from simple "walks in a park" to intense "mountain
climbs." Also, look for models with an easy-to-read/understand
data display that shows calories burned, calories per hour, distance,
speed, time and heart rate. Depending on space concerns, you may also
need a portable machine that rolls or folds up.
Some people prefer the full-body elliptical workouts of "dual-action"
machines. Others think that ellipticals are best as a lower-body workout.
"Dual action machines always link arm motion to the feet, and
the arms tend to get tired long before the legs," says Scott
Logan of SportsArt. Logan also advises to try out the equipment in
the store in your athletic shoes for 20 minutes before you buy it.
"First, see if you like the motion and feel. Next, check that
it is built with quality. Then, look at the electronics package."
Above all, make sure the equipment is well made of sturdy materials
from a reputable manufacturer. Be certain that the elliptical machine
is suitable for all fitness levels and simulates walking or running
with virtually no impact.
Exercise guidelines
All exercise sessions should begin and end with low-level aerobic
exercise and stretching to effectively warm-up and cool down, according
to the ACE. Check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise
program. Also, drink plenty of water before, during and after exercising.
DO
Do follow your physician's recommendations.
Do follow guidelines from your trainer, health club and the manufacturer.
Do use an elliptical machine with forward and backward motion.
Do keep a steady, even stride with smooth movements.
Do incorporate your workout with heart-rate control training.
DO NOT
Do not add weights or supplemental workouts when on an elliptical
because of the damage they might do to your stride, advises Keith
W. Strandberg, vice president of SportsArt.
Do not overexert yourself. Stop if you feel dizzy, tired or faint.
Gear
Your clothing should be the same as you would use for any indoor
cardiovascular workout. It should include comfortable, non-restrictive
clothing. While shoes are not as important as they are for running
because of the reduced impact on ellipticals, it is still important
to have a good, comfortable, cross-training shoe.
Glossary of terms
Cross training - Varying your exercise program to improve overall
fitness and performance. Incorporates aerobics, muscular strength
and flexibility training. Used by athletes since ancient Olympic times.
Elliptical machines - Also called ellipticals, elliptical fitness
machines, elliptical cross trainers, elliptical gliders and/or elliptical
exercisers. A cross-training fitness machine that can simulate walking,
stepping, cycling and skiing with little or no impact to your joints.
Elliptical motion - The low impact motion used in elliptical cross-training,
which allows user to move through an exercise in a smooth, fluid manner
with reduced impact.
Exercise equipment - A variety of fitness machines used for walking,
jogging, running, climbing, rowing, skiing, cycling or body toning.
Includes treadmills, ellipticals, versa climbers, home gyms, cycles,
cross-country ski machines and more.
Footprint - The amount of floor space taken up by an exercise machine.
Elliptical models for home use boast of "smaller footprints."
Perceived exertion - The perception of amount of exercise work being
done. Clinical studies have shown that while the actual workout on
a treadmill (in terms of calories burned, muscles worked, etc.) is
virtually the same as on an elliptical machine, people's perception
is that the elliptical machine is an easier workout. The elliptical
machine has "less perceived exertion".
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