The History Of The Elliptical

Elliptical trainers are cardio training machines working large muscle groups in a continuous movement. Maintaining the movement requires your heart and lungs to supply increased amounts of blood and oxygen to your muscles to meet the demand. Benefits of elliptical training include improved cardiovascular endurance due to increased heart and lung efficiency. Improved circulatory and respiratory function results in a decreased risk of heart problems. Elliptical training workouts burn higher amounts of calories, leading to a decrease in excess body weight and body fat, according to "ACE Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals."

Function

The elliptical training machine mimics the motion of running. In 1995, Precor manufactured the first elliptical trainer after studying the motion of running. It was determined that the feet move in an oval or elliptical motion while running. The elliptical machine has foot pedals that move in an elliptical path. Participants place their feet on foot pedals, preventing them from being airborne while in motion. This reduces the impact of the workout because the lower body does not have to absorb the impact of landing from an airborne position, according to AllEllipticals.com.

Options

Reebok added optional arm pedals to Precor's creation, increasing exercise intensity. Workouts combining upper- and lower-body training using resistance levels add muscular endurance training. Some types of elliptical machines have inclined settings designed to target different muscle groups. Lower-body pedals are designed to move in a forward or a backward motion, working different muscle groups. Digital consoles provide feedback such as distance, time, intensity levels and inclined settings.

Benefits

Elliptical trainer workouts provide the benefits of cardio training including improved heart and lung functioning and decreased risk of heart disease. Resistance training provided by the upper- and lower-body pedals increase muscular endurance and muscle tone. Forward pedaling targets the hamstrings, the back of your thighs and buttocks. Backward pedaling works the quadriceps, the front of your thighs. Arm pedals combine pushing movements working your chest, shoulder and triceps, and pull movements targeting your back and biceps. Higher inclines work your hamstrings and buttocks at higher intensities.

Advantages

Elliptical trainers are not powered by electricity and do not require placement near an outlet. Workouts can be performed at a range of low- to high-intensity levels, benefiting participants at all fitness levels. Workouts provide cardio training benefits without stressing lower-body joints, which is beneficial for those suffering from ankle and knee problems. Prices range from under $1,000 for home trainers to about $3,000 for commercial models.