Exercise machines offer the convenience of being independent of the weather, time of day or traffic, so you can work out whenever you have the time. Exercisers may prefer the elliptical machine to the treadmill and the stationary bike because it offers a low-impact workout for both the upper and lower body, and its orbital glide can make exercise feel easier. While all of this is true, the elliptical machine does have its drawbacks.
Low Impact
The fact that working out on the elliptical involves almost zero impact is a plus for many people, especially those with joint issues, but exercise involving impact is good for your bones themselves. Weight-bearing exercise is vital to maintaining strong bones and lowering your risk of osteoporosis. That's not to say that you should necessarily take up high-impact aerobics, but walking or a light jog can help you reap the benefits.
Rigid Structure
Elliptical machines are built to a particular design, and that's the way they stay -- there is very little you can do to customize the machine to fit your body. For many people this may be fine, but small or large people may find themselves forced into unnatural positions. If the pedals are wider apart than your normal stride, they can put undue pressure on your knees, and if the stride length is too long or short for you, your body compensates by stressing other areas. If you have to lean forward or reach up or down to use the handles, it can put unnecessary strain on your back. You may be better off using a treadmill or just jogging outside.
Ineffective Upper-Body Workout
The movable handles on the elliptical often fool people into thinking they are getting an upper-body workout while they do their cardio, but that's not true. Yes, your arms are moving and yes, it's hard after awhile, but it really doesn't add anything to your workout. It may boost your calorie burn a tiny bit, but the resistance is not enough to actually work your muscles. It's better to get your cardio and add a separate resistance routine that focuses on your upper body. To see any muscle growth, you must lift weights heavy enough that you cannot do more than 12 reps and graduate to heavier weights as you progress.
Expense
Elliptical machines are expensive, and you get what you pay for. You could buy a cheap model for around $100, but you'll end up spending more than that for service and repair within the first year. Top-of-the-line models can cost several thousand dollars, and some even include service plans, but you should be sure that you are going to use the machine faithfully enough to justify the expense. If you use the machine regularly, the cost of ownership can be cheaper than a gym membership in the long run, but using the gym machine until you are sure you absolutely love the elliptical may make better financial sense.
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