What Are Ellipticals?

Ellipticals are exercise machines on a ramp that provide a low-stress cardiovascular workout. They debuted in the 1990s, and their sales increased steadily from $140 million in 2003 to $913 million in 2010, according to the U.S. Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.

Identification

Elliptical machines are a cross between a stair climber and cross-country ski machine, with your feet placed on pedals that move in an elliptical pattern. A flywheel provides the resistance as you move your feet backward and forward. Elliptical machines that also include handles for upper-body movement are sometimes called cross-trainers.

Features

Almost all elliptical machines have a method to increase the resistance so that you work your muscles harder, as well as a reverse setting to work different muscles and increase balance. A few machines include an electronic incline adjustment mechanism for additional strength and aerobic challenges. There's usually a console with various readouts such as speed, resistance level, time and distance, heart rate and calories burned. More expensive models may include a CD player, MP3 docks, television, video games, USB workout trackers or virtual trainers.

Benefits

Ellipticals provide similar cardiovascular benefits to walking or running, with less stress on your ankles, knees and hips. This is helpful if you have a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis, low-back pain or knee pain, according to the American Council on Exercise. Ellipticals are still considered a weight-bearing exercise, however, so they provide the same protections against osteoporosis as running or walking. According to the ACE, elliptical trainers average a burn of eight to nine calories per minute, equivalent to caloric expenditures used in aerobic dancing or running at an 11.5 mph pace.

Considerations

Consumer Reports recommends you try any machine before using or buying. Several models they tested had users hitting the center control panel with their knees. To get the maximum fitness benefit from any elliptical trainer, you should use proper technique, which the Mayo Clinic defines as maintaining a good posture with your shoulders back, head up and abdominal muscles tight, allowing your lower body to support your weight. To avoid numbness in your feet, roll through the whole foot instead of staying on the balls of your feet during the workout.