The elliptical machine has been around since the 1990s and is the fastest-growing category of cardiovascular fitness machines, according to the American Council on Exercise. The elliptical machine is ideal for individuals who have joint or bone-to-bone muscle-related health conditions.
Benefits
The elliptical can burn just as many, or more, calories per hour than the treadmill. Elliptical machines provide the same cardiovascular benefit as walking or running, but are less stressful on the knees, lower back and hips, according to the American Council on Exercise. These machines are found in most fitness centers and gyms, or you can purchase one to use in your home.
Types
An elliptical with an upper body component to challenge the arms, and a ramp component to raise and lower the pedals to challenge the lower body, will increase the overall number of calories burned, according to the American Council on Exercise. You can burn more than 700 calories per hour on an elliptical, depending on your weight, according to HealthStatus.
Features
Most elliptical machines come equipped with computerized settings, such as interval training, weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, hill climbing and reverse, that can help burn more calories. These settings monitor your heart rate, change the intensity or give directions as to what direction you should pedal through the duration of your workout. Some machines allow you to enter your age and weight to give a more accurate count of calories burned.
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