If you want to add variety to your aerobic workouts with limited impact on your joints, an elliptical workout is an effective choice. Elliptical trainers are among the most widely used pieces of exercise equipment. According to clubindustry.com, from 2000 to 2009, elliptical trainers ranked second to Pilates in participation growth rate. Check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program.
Considerations
If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, an elliptical workout effectively burns calories -- much like stationary cycling or treadmill training. However, to derive maximum aerobic benefits from your elliptical workouts, you need to work out frequently. The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, recommends that healthy adults perform aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You also need to monitor your heart rate to ensure that you exercise in your target zone. For that purpose, some ellipticals are equipped with hand-gripped heart rate monitors. Aerobic exercise helps regulate your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthens your heart, improves the quality of your sleep and helps lower bad, LDL, cholesterol.
Types
Elliptical trainers are available in commercial and residential models. The commercial models are generally larger and more costly than models intended for home use. Some home models are non -motorized and offer few features. Determine your available space before selecting an elliptical model.
Features
Elliptical trainers can offer a wide range of features. Some models allow you to pedal forward and backwards, which adds variety to your workouts. Several features are available that increase the intensity of your training. For example, some models have ramps under the foot pedals that can be elevated, and the tension of the pedals can be increased as well. Other ellipticals have handlebars that can be moved in similar fashion to a cross country skiing motion. The additional use of the handlebars while you train provides a full-body workout. Some advanced models are programmed with interval workouts, which vary the intensity of your training automatically.
Benefits
Because your feet are always in contact with the pedals, an elliptical workout has no impact on the joints. Even jogging with a quality pair of running shoes affects the lower back and weight-bearing joints. Walking creates relatively little impact, but walking's intensity has limits. An elliptical machine provides more workout variety than walking, and you can create workouts that are more intense. This is particularly important as your fitness level increases.
Member Comments