Elliptical trainers are a piece of equipment offered at most gyms and fitness centers that allow you to walk, jog or run with your feet on foot rests that glide or rotate in an elliptical pattern. Some machines offer moving arm handles that integrate an upper body workout into the exercise. Like most pieces of cardiovascular equipment, elliptical trainers can be an effective form of exercise, but that largely depends on whether you use the equipment frequently and with sufficient intensity.
Cardiovascular Exercise
When used regularly and at a moderate to high-intensity level, elliptical trainers provide an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise according to MayoClinic.com. When you use an elliptical for cardio, you want to make sure that you work hard enough to break a sweat and increase your breathing rate. Choosing a machine that has moveable arm handles will help you increase your heart rate and achieve an intensity that will enhance your aerobic capacity.
Muscular Endurance
Most elliptical machines provide you with exercise options that allow you to increase the elliptical's incline or resistance level. When you increase one or both of these options, you'll work harder and challenge your muscles more. If you regularly work at a resistance or incline level that causes your muscles to "feel the burn," you'll know that you're enhancing your muscular endurance.
Joint Protection
One of the greatest benefits of an elliptical trainer is the reduced stress it places on your ankles, knees, hips and back. The American Council on Exercise points out that the elliptical trainer offers an effective alternative to the treadmill for individuals who enjoy walking or jogging, but struggle with pain or weakness in their joints.
You Get What You Pay For
Elliptical trainers are a complex piece of equipment that have a number of moveable parts, making it difficult to build on the cheap. According to the American Council on Exercise, you get what you pay for when purchasing an elliptical trainer. In a study comparing a number of ellipticals designed for home use, the smoother, more comfortable ellipticals were those that cost more. While you may still be able to get a reasonable workout on a less expensive machine, always make sure you try it out before you buy it to make sure you'll feel comfortable using it long-term. If you don't use the machine, it won't be effective.
References
- MayoClinic.com; "Elliptical Machines: Better Than Treadmills?;" Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
- ACE: "What's the Best Piece of Cardio Equipment to Use?;" Jessica Matthews
- ACE: Are all elliptical trainers created equal? American Council on Exercise Puts Latest Fitness Trend to the Test
- American College of Sports Medicine: Selecting and Effectively Using An Elliptical Trainer
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