A popular alternative to treadmills or running on a track, elliptical fitness machines provide an effective cardiovascular workout with very little stress on the body. With a wide variety of models in various price ranges, most people can find an elliptical trainer to meet their fitness and budget needs. Since not all ellipticals are identical, it is important to carefully review the machine's capabilities and options before use or purchase. Though not necessarily all ellipticals allow you to pedal backward, most do.
Identification
The elliptical trainer is a piece of fitness equipment used for cardiovascular exercise. To use the machine, simply position your feet on the two pedals and grasp the handlebars. As you push your feet forward, they will continue moving around in a continuous oval/elliptical motion. The motion used on the elliptical trainer is an innovative combination of the motions seen during running, cycling and cross-country skiing. Additionally, holding on to the moving handlebars provides an effective upper body workout.
Pedaling Directions
One of the major benefits of an elliptical trainer is it often allows you to move the pedals both forward and backward. Since the machine does not require you to stand on a moving belt, as with a treadmill, you can very easily change your pedaling direction. In fact, most elliptical machines allow you to reverse directions in just a matter of seconds. You should not need to press any buttons or make any changes to the program you chose at the beginning of your workout.
Benefits of Backward Motion
Pedaling backward on an elliptical trainer allows you to work an entirely different group of muscles. As explained on the Ellipticals Direct website, pedaling in a forward direction focuses on hamstrings and the muscles in the buttocks. However, pedaling in a backward direction focuses on the quadriceps and calves. Switching directions also helps to keep your body and mind challenged during your workout. Over time, your body's muscles become used to doing the same exercises, and the benefits of those exercises begin to decrease. Changing your pedaling direction regularly, however, keeps the workout fresh and allows for optimal fitness results.
Safety Tips
Since the elliptical machine's pedals do not have any resistance to weight, you will likely find that the pedals begin to move backward as soon as you step on the machine. Avoid injury by grasping the handlebars and carefully stepping onto the pedals from the side of the machine. As soon as your feet are in position, push forward to gain momentum. When pedaling in reverse, hold on to the handlebars for safety. If the backward motion is unfamiliar to you, you may temporarily lose your balance.
Considerations
Each year, manufacturers continue to make new models of elliptical trainers. While some of the more expensive models feature elaborate options, the budget-friendly machines often have fewer options and capabilities. For this reason, it is difficult to say whether all elliptical machines have the ability to go backward. Although most ellipticals have this capability, certain models may only pedal forward.
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