Elliptical trainer use has increased over the years with 6.2 million users in 2000, according to American Sports Data, Inc. When using an elliptical machine, exercisers will notice a feel of a mix of a treadmill and stair climber combined. However, elliptical machines provide minimal stress on the joints as compared to a treadmill or stair climber.
Elliptical Trainer Benefits
Research has shown elliptical trainers can burn more calories in overweight individuals over treadmills or bikes, according to advancedfitness.com. The American Council on Exercise found that elliptical trainers burn an average of eight to nine calories per minute. During the low-impact, cardiovascular workout an elliptical provides, dual-action use of arm handles and foot pedals improves muscular endurance in the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, chest, back, biceps and triceps while, at the same time, improving bone density.
Elliptical Trainer Technology
The technology of an Elliptical Trainer involves the use of a crank arm that is attached to a bar at one end of the machine and revolves around an axis at the other end. One end of the bar moves in a linear motion when the crank rotates and the other end of the bar rotates in a circular pattern. This produces the elliptical motion. This elliptical motion produces a low-impact workout while providing less stress the the user's joints.
Elliptical Trainer Variety
Adding variety into your elliptical trainer workout is a simple as adjusting your stride length. By using the lowest incline on the elliptical trainer, the elliptical stride feels similar to using a Nordic Trak cross-country skier. By using a medium incline, the elliptical stride feels similar to using a bicycle. By using a high incline, the elliptical stride feels similar to using a stair-climber. According to Oxygen magazine, faster results can be achieved by changing your cardiovascular sessions on a regular basis.
Elliptical Trainer Brands
The American Council on Exercise conducted a study which compared four brands of ellipticals. The top-selling brands compared included the Ellipse, the Healthrider, the Power Train and the Cyclone. Test subjects included seven males and seven females. All four brands of elliptical produced similar results in oxygen consumption, stride, heart rate, speed, perceived exertion, and calorie expenditure. However, the test subjects rated the Ellipse and the HealthRider as the best for smoothness and comfort-ability over the Power Train and the Cyclone.
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