Technically, elliptical refers to something that is in the shape of an ellipse, which is basically an oval. Geometrically, an ellipse is a closed plane curve created by a point moving in a way that the sum of the distance from that point to two other points around that curve is always constant. However, when most of hear "elliptical" we think of the workout machine that allows your feet to glide back and forth while still giving you a good workout.
Features
An elliptical trainer, so called because the pedal-links move back and forth in a roughly elliptical shape, is a stationary exercise machine that provides a similar workout to a treadmill. The biggest difference is than an elliptical trainer has a pedal-link for each foot, so that when you start to run, you don't have to lift your foot up and down on each step. Instead, your feet remain on the pedal-links at all times while you run. The pedal-links move back and forth, responding to your speed and stride. Similarly, most elliptical trainers have upright handgrips that also move back and forth, so you can work your arms while you're running.
Benefits
The most obvious benefit of elliptical trainers, compared with treadmills or simply running and jogging, is the reduction in stress on your hips, back and knees because your feet move with the machine and you don't have the pounding that comes with regular running. Some elliptical trainers are designed to allow you to "pedal" backwards, which works your hamstrings and all your leg muscles in a different way than moving forward. The handgrips can also provide a little resistance training for your arms to get the kind of workout they can't get with running.
Warning
Working out on an elliptical trainer can lead to back troubles because of the way some users move on the machine. A study presented at the 2010 Congress of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association found that some people tend to lean forward more on an elliptical than they do on a treadmill and that their bodies twist more with each stride. Careful attention to posture and form, with some assistance from a trainers, may help relieve some of that stress on the back.
Cross Training
Ellipticals are sometimes referred to as cross trainers because they include an upper- and lower-body workout in one exercise. That means an elliptical workout burns more calories in a shorter amount of time than other types of exercises. They also serve to help mix up your exercise regimen by providing an alternative to the treadmill, stair climber and stationary bike.
History
The first elliptical trainer on the market was manufactured by Precor in 1995. They quickly became popular in health clubs and as home exercise equipment because they were not as loud as treadmills and came in smaller models. The original designer was inspired by watching his daughter run while recovering from a foot injury. He noted the elliptical motion of the feet as they ran and sought to reproduce that motion in the machine. Ellipticals have since been modified to offer incline running.
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