Elliptical trainers have become increasingly popular, and are seen in virtually every gym and many homes across the country. People began flocking to them as an alternative to other cardiovascular machines. Essentially, ellipticals are a cross between a treadmill and a stair climber, with the addition of upper-body work.
Use
One of the primary benefits of an elliptical machine is it is nonimpact. Legs, muscles and joints get a workout without the pounding of running on a treadmill. This reduces the potential of pain and injury. Seniors and people with hip, knee or foot injuries can use a treadmill more easily and safely. Ellipticals are also easy to use and require very little training or instruction to use them correctly.
Total Body
The technology of the elliptical makes it a useful machine for all major muscle groups. The central axis moves in a circular or elliptical motion, so the upper handlebars and lower-foot platforms are moving at the same time. This means that unlike a treadmill or stair climber, you get a total body workout in less time. The main lower-body muscle groups worked are the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, hips and calf muscles. Upper-body areas worked include the arms, chest, shoulders and back.
Burn Calories
Elliptical machines are effective at burning fat and calories. The higher your heart rate and the longer you keep it there, the more you burn. Most machines have the option of a pulse monitor so you can see your heart rate. Depending on the workout, an elliptical can maintain the same speed and intensity so your heart rate would stay steady. Or you can vary the intensity so your heart rate will increase and decrease during the workout. Both can be effective means of burning fat and calories.
Adjustable
Elliptical trainers can be adapted to any fitness level, from beginner to advanced. The tension and resistance are adjustable so you can grow with the machine as your fitness improves. Elliptical machines also have a variety of settings with preset programs that vary the "terrain" or hills, intensity and intervals. You can choose the length of the workout, and set it according to your desired heart rate and fitness. By varying the workout, you can alleviate boredom that can result from machines.
Considerations
As with many exercise machines, an elliptical is only as effective as you make it. Because you choose the settings for duration, speed and resistance, you control how much you benefit. The higher the setting, the more difficult the workout will be. If it is too easy, you will not benefit from the exercise. The goal is to choose a setting that will challenge your body, burn more calories, and strengthen your cardiovascular and muscular systems as much as possible.
