When you step into a gym, you are most likely going to see several lines of cardiovascular machines. Some of these include treadmills, exercise bikes, spin bikes, rowers and stair climbers. But perhaps one of the most popular pieces of machinery that you will see is the elliptical machine. Not only can these be seen in the gym, but they are also used in homes as well. The way the machine works is, you stand on top of stationary platforms and grab the handles that move in a gliding, back-and-forth motion. Other than their ease of use, these machines come with an array of other benefits.
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic capacity is a very important aspect of fitness. If it is high, then you will be able to perform activities for long periods of time without getting out of breath. One of the benefits of an elliptical is that it helps increase your aerobic capacity. This can be achieved by simply working out on it for 20 to 30 minutes 3 or more days a week. As a side benefit, weight loss can also occur.
Non-impact
There are a lot of people who suffer from conditions that do not allow them full range of motion at their joints or they are not allowed to take a lot of impact. Being that your feet stay still on the gliding platforms, there is no impact, which makes the elliptical a safe option for people who are elderly, rehabbing from knee surgery, have varicose veins or are obese.
Whole Body
When you are running either outside or on a treadmill, you are burning calories and getting a lot of leg muscle recruitment. But when you use the elliptical, you can work the upper and lower body at the same time. This works your legs, chest, shoulders, back and arms at the same time. This can make it possible to get a full-body workout in as little as 20 minutes.
Lower Body
When you are using the elliptical, there are a lot of muscles in the legs that are being utilized. This is often an area that a lot of people are trying to target. To fully benefit from this, you can place your hands on the center handrail and just use your legs to move the pedals. To add a little variation to this, you can reverse the direction which will work your legs more intensely.
Convenient
Home model elliptical trainers do not have all the bells and whistles of the conventional grade models seen in a gym, but they are still effective. These are activated by your body weight and they can be easily set up and stored in minutes. As a matter of fact, they can be stored in a closet or under a bed. You can also put them out on a deck so you can be outside while you train.
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