The fitness industry introduced elliptical trainers in the 1990s. They are the fastest-growing category of aerobic equipment, says specialists at the American Council on Exercise. Elliptical machines provide the same aerobic benefits as running, but with much less stress on the joints. Most aerobic exercise equipment manufacturers now make some sort of elliptical machine.
Types
While all elliptical trainers have similar pedaling actions, some also have upper body handles, which add an upper body workout. The Schwinn Elliptical Trainer is an example. Other elliptical machines, such as the Precor EFX 5.31, lack upper body handles, but have an incline feature that simulates hill training.
Features
Most elliptical trainers have a console that displays your speed, distance and time elapsed, but the high-end elliptical trainers have more bells and whistles. These may include heart rate monitors, calorie calculators and multiple program options. The expensive elliptical trainers use electromagnetic resistance controls, which enable the user to press an up or down button to increase or decrease resistance. The cheaper models use a manual resistance control, which requires the user to turn a knob to adjust the resistance.
Expert Insight
Len Kravitz, an exercise physiology professor at the University of New Mexico, conducted a study that compared the Cyclone Crosstrainer TM by Quantum Television, the Ellipse by NordicTrack, HealthRider Elliptical Crosstrainer by ICON Health and Fitness Inc., and the Power Train TM by Guthy-Renker. The subjects ranked the machines for comfort, smoothness and perceived durability. The Ellipse was the most popular, followed by the HealthRider, Power Train and Cyclone, but five female subjects hit their knees on the Cyclone's control panel.
Effects
A University of Texas dissertation study compared the Precor EFX 576i and the True TS1. Subjects exercised at the same watt level, which is determined by resistance and cadence. Author Daniel Peter Swier reported that the True TS1 ellicited higher oxygen consumption than the Precor.
Considerations
Your workout goals will influence your preference for a particular brand of elliptical trainer. Those who are planning for outdoor hiking activities may prefer elliptical machines with incline control, whereas people engaged in sports like Nordic skiing may prefer elliptical equipment with upper body handles. If you plan to do a heavy upper body workout after your aerobic session, avoid using too much tension on a machine with upper body handles.
References
- American Council on Exercise: Selection and Use of Exercise Equipment
- American College of Sports Medicine: Selecting and Effectively Using an Elliptical Trainer
- Dr. Len Kravitz:ELLIPTICAL PRODUCTS Physiological Testing & Assessment
- University of Texas; Comparison Of Oxygen Consumption On Different Brands Of Elliptical Trainers In The Development Of A Metabolic Prediction Equation
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