Ready to walk on air while breaking a great sweat? Just work out with an elliptical trainer, the machine designed for cardio fitness. Your legs will move pedals suspended in air along an elliptical track. The right elliptical trainer creates a low impact routine that combines cardio with muscular work. On the trainer, you stand upright and hold handrails for balance. Your legs move forward in a smooth stride (working those quads) or you may reverse the pedals for backward motion (targeting those glutes). On some models, resistance or inclines may be added to engage the muscles further or to increase exertion. Elliptical models often come with moving handles to work the upper body, though some people consider this motion less fluid.
What to Look for
Your body height and shape make a difference in the brand of elliptical you choose. When in motion, the flow of movement should feel smooth throughout your full range of motion. Braking should feel smooth as well, even when it must be done quickly. Extras like wireless heart rate controls and numerous levels of resistance will up the price, but you can find models with multiple levels of resistance and more than 10 computerized programs at a reasonable cost.
Ellipticals come in rear- and front-wheel drives. Heavier people may feel more secure on the front-wheel models. Pedals should comfortably house your feet. In his article, "How to Purchase an Elliptical Trainer," Exercise Physiologist Douglas Brooks, MS, advises: "...look for pedals that have a textured surface and high, curved ridges at the front. This keeps the feet from moving around or sliding off the pedals."* You may hear the term "length of stride" when shopping. This is the length your feet travel as you move. This length usually ranges from 16 inches and up. You have to find the stride length that is biomechanically best for your body.
As with a treadmill, if you are purchasing a model with electronics, your console can display speed, distance, resistance, incline, calories expended and workout time. Start with manual mode and progress to the programmed workouts. Try making incline and resistance adjustments during your trial run to see if it may be done easily when in motion.
Common Pitfalls
Take some time, at least 10 minutes or so, to try a machine. Once you are in a rhythm there should not be jerking sensations to the upper or lower body. Your knees should not bump the equipment and the foot holders should be secure. If you choose moving handles they have to coordinate with your arm length. Depending on equipment design, there may be some forward lean in the exercise; keep in mind that too much lean is not good for the body. If there is a commercial brand you have enjoyed at a gym, check to see if a home version is available.
*"How to Purchase an Elliptical Trainer" by Douglas Brooks, MS. www.fitnessquest.com/elliptical
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