When you step foot into a gym, you probably will see many different cardiovascular machines lined up in a row. Elliptical trainers are one of those machines, and they have become quite popular. They range in grade and features, and they all give you an adequate workout.
Features
Elliptical machines have platforms that you place your feet on and poles that you grab with your hands. On most machines, both the poles and the platforms move back and forth in a gliding motion similar to cross-country skiing. The resistance can be adjusted and the direction of your motion can be reversed to give you variations when you exercise.
Prevention/Solution
People who have joint conditions or are rehabbing from an injury need to exercise to get back in shape and lose excess weight that might have accumulated. Elliptical trainers are non-impact, so they make it possible for these people to get a good workout without risking further injury.
Whole Body
Working out on the elliptical trainer gives you an added advantage that a lot of other machines don't. You can work your upper and lower body at the same time by grabbing the handles while your feet are on the platforms. You then just go back and forth at your desired intensity and resistance.
Lower Body
The lower body can be the primary area being worked by simply taking your hands off the movable poles and placing them on the hand grips at the bottom of the console. You can also take your hands off completely and use your leg strength to move the platforms.
Integration
Elliptical trainers can be used by themselves or they can be integrated into other workouts to break up the monotony. A circuit workout is an example of this where you glide on the elliptical for a set amount of time, then do three or four other aerobic activities for the same amount of time. They can also be used to warm up or cool down before and after weight training sessions.
Identification
Elliptical trainers can also come in home models. These are made out of durable tubing and they have the bare minimum of features. You activate these with the weight of your body, and when you are done exercising, you can fold them up and conveniently store them in a closet or under your bed.
Benefits
The benefits of elliptical exercises are weight loss, improved cardiovascular strength, better balance, ease of use for beginners, and they can prevent your joints form taking too much abuse. Being that the upper and lower body can be worked simultaneously, this enables you to get a sufficient workout in a short amount of time.
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