Precor products designed to provide cardiovascular workouts include treadmills, elliptical machines, adaptive movement trainers and stationary bikes. Specifically, elliptical trainers and adaptive movement trainers, or AMTs, can simulate running without the high-impact pounding you get from a track or a treadmill. When comparing the two options, your fitness and endurance goals should play a significant role in your evaluation.
Race Preparation
If you're training for a 5K, half marathon or marathon, for example, you can use elliptical machines or AMTs for some of your cross-training workouts to give your knees and joints a break, alleviating the effects of high-mileage training. Marathon trainer and author Hal Higdon advises runners to choose low-impact workouts as cross-training options to give your body a break from running. However, to prepare yourself for race day, you need to incorporate road or track running at least two times per week. It's important to train for cardiovascular endurance, which you get from both Precor workouts and running, but you also need to condition your body to run long distances on terrains similar to the race-day experience.
Cost
Running provides a relatively inexpensive option for high-intensity aerobic exercise. Other than weather-appropriate attire, all you need is a pair of running shoes that fits well and matches your foot mechanics. Precor elliptical machines range in price from $2,200 to $6,800, while adaptive movement trainers sell for $8,000 as of January, 2011, according to Precor.com. Membership gyms may feature Precor equipment, which may give you a less expensive option for incorporating elliptical or AMT machines into your exercise regimen.
Considerations
Adding Precor equipment to your home gym will give you easy access to low-impact, high-intensity cardiovascular workouts in any type of weather. On the other hand, extreme heat or cold conditions can impact or interfere with your outdoor runs. Also listen to your body. If you experience injuries or pain resulting from higher-impact activities such as running, you may need to focus on other options. In some cases, your shoes may be the culprit; a trip to a running specialty store can help you determine the amount of cushioning, motion-control and stability you need from a running shoe, based on your foot mechanics. Visit an orthopedic specialist if you have frequent pain associated with exercise.
Variety
Incorporating variety into your workout regimen can give you the best of both worlds. Precor equipment provides the aerobic benefits of running and gives you a viable substitute if your primary concern is cardiovascular health and endurance. However, if running or racing motivates you to stay fit and healthy, you can alternate the activity with low-impact options to give your joints and muscles a break. You get the benefits of weight-bearing exercises, such as maintaining and building bone mass, from elliptical machines, adaptive trainers and running. Mixing up your workouts will help protect your knees and joints, as well as add interest to your routine.
Member Comments