The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. If you are new to exercise or returning to exercise after a long break or injury, the elliptical machine may be one option to help ease you into a routine while burning calories and helping you stay healthy.
Reduces Joint Stress
One of the leading benefits of an elliptical trainer is that it reduces the stress on the joints of your ankles and knees. Traditional running or jogging involves a straight up-and-down impact with the floor, jerking the joints each time your feet strike the ground. Ellipticals use a circular motion, which takes away the impact on your joints. In fact, your feet never hit the ground; they just do circular motions repeatedly, directing the motion forward or backward--depending on which way you're pedaling.
Works Out the Upper and Lower Body
You have the option to work both your upper and lower body. Ellipticals employ hand bars that you can push and pull back and forth with the motion of the elliptical. This allows you to work your upper body while your lower body is worked by the circular motion of the pedals.
Provides Cardiovascular Benefits
Elliptical trainers provide a cardiovascular workout that works the heart and lungs while acting as a load-bearing exercise to increase bone strength. Ellipticals provide a similar motion to cross-country skiing. This exercise movement quickly elevates your heart rate as you work out, which burns calories for weight loss and strengthens your heart and lungs to lower blood pressure and increase lung capacity.
Easy Customization
Ellipticals are also customizable to your fitness level. Most every elliptical has the option to increase resistance as you work out, as well as some provide the ability to increase or lower the incline of the machine. As you increase resistance you get a more intense workout, which burns more calories. Increasing or lowering your incline also helps by working different muscle groups.
Availability
Ellipticals are accessible to most every age, and are available in almost any gym in your area. Varying models of ellipticals can also be purchased for your own home, with some models starting as low as $100 and going up in cost depending on the features and brand of the equipment. Many ellipticals are also small enough that they take up little space in your home.
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