The majority of gyms in the United States have elliptical trainers for their members. According to a 2005 survey from IDEA fitness, 300 IDEA members, 74 percent of them, use elliptical trainers in their facilities, surpassing the usage of stair climbers.
History
The elliptical trainer was developed in the 1990s by Precor found David Smith, who wanted to build an exercise machine that was fluid and more natural to the human body. In 1995, the first elliptical trainer, called the EFX (Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer), came on the market.
Function
The purpose of the elliptical trainer is to mimic the natural, gliding movements of the ankles, feet, and hips, similar to striding and running. Since the feet are in constant contact with the pedals, there is no or little impact upon the ankles, hips and spine. The elliptical pattern in which the pedals move gives the machine its name.
Types
Elliptical trainers are categorized by the type of drive system: rear drive, front drive and center drive.
Features
Standard features in many elliptical trainers include electronic programming, heart rate monitors, adjustable handles and height.
Benefits
Elliptical trainers put little impact on the joints. They are an excellent tool to provide aerobic training for those who are recovering from bone or joint injuries. Otherwise, it provides you with as many benefits in cardiovascular health as the treadmill, stationary bike and other aerobic machines.
Warning
All models contain moving parts which can break over time and can be costly to repair. The same moving parts can cause injury, especially to children and those who are unfamiliar with the equipment.
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