About
An elliptical is an exercise machine commonly found in most fitness centers and many home gyms today. It is a stationary machine, designed to simulate walking or running without the high-impact stress that can be found on a treadmill. For people with knee or back issues or those looking for variety in their routine, an elliptical can offer a beneficial cardiovascular workout.
How it Works
Unlike a treadmill or stationary bike, an elliptical is designed to work the upper and lower body at the same time. Users stand on the pedals and pull the hand levers back and forth. The pedals move in an elliptical motion while the hand levers move forward and backward. If you want to work on balance, posture and core strength, you have the option of not holding the handles, although they will continue to move as the foot pedals move.
Customize
Most ellipticals have programmable settings that let you customize the workout to your fitness level. You can control the level of difficulty by choosing the resistance, speed and duration. Some machines let you choose preset programs that include a variety of changes throughout the workout. Doing so can help alleviate the boredom often associated with exercise machines.
Use
Before using an elliptical, be sure you know how it works. Maintain straight posture and look forward to help maintain your balance. Your weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, and your knees and toes should face forward. Use smooth, continuous motions and stay in control at all times. As with any exercise machine, you need to challenge your body with the level of difficulty, duration and frequency in order to get the most out of your workout.
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