Are Elliptical Trainers Bad?

Elliptical trainers, also called cross-trainers, are an machine used for cardiovascular exercise in a low-to-no impact manner. The machine is used to simulate walking or running in a gliding motion and can be set to low or high intensity. Elliptical trainers focus on working the lower body, but some variations of this machine also have an upper-body component built in. Among the many positive aspects of elliptical trainers are the multiple exercise features and significant health benefits.

Exercise Features

Most elliptical trainers have many features that add to the individual's fitness experience. Adjustable programs for predesigned workouts, incline and resistance levels to increase difficulty, audio system compatibility to listen to mp3 players, and trackers, which show time, calories burned, distance and resistance level, to monitor an individual's progress.

Cardiovascular Benefits

A study performed by Egana Donne out of Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, shows that the elliptical trainer provides equal cardiovascular benefit as the treadmill and stair-climbing machines. Because the elliptical trainer works many muscle groups, including the large muscles in your legs, your cardiovascular health will benefit because the heart must work harder to provide blood to the muscles. Over time, the heart adapts to higher levels of exertion and grows stronger and more efficient. Also, the machine has a lower-perceived exertion, so you are able to do more work without feeling exhausted. Finally, the adjustable incline, resistance and speed allows you to adjust for a more intense workout, which benefits the heart by making it work harder.

Muscular Benefits

Due to the adjustable resistance and incline settings, the elliptical trainer has the potential to strengthen the lower body. Some machines have an upper-body component, which also tones the arms, shoulders, chest, and back, particularly machines whose upper handle bars move independently. There are machines whose upper handle bars move in a synchronized fashion with the foot pedals. While these machines don't provide as much of an upper body workout as the independent movement, they provide more muscular benefits than machines that have stationary arm rests.

Caution

Consult your doctor before starting out any new fitness program, particularly if you have any health concerns. If you experience dizziness, nausea, or light-headedness, discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance. People new to the machine should read the owner's manual or ask for a demonstration for proper use to avoid injury. There is potential for injury if the user falls off, so people with balance or coordination problems should use the elliptical trainer with caution.