An elliptical machine provides an aerobic workout that is less stressful on your joints than running. Your feet stay in contact with the foot pedals at all times, which eliminates the constant impact of your foot landing on a hard surface. An elliptical crosstrainer has upper and lower body components, but a standard elliptical trainer has only a lower body component.
Identification
An elliptical trainer consists of a flywheel mechanism, pedals and upper body arms. The upper body arms are either stationary, moving or both. The pedals move in an elliptical, or oval shape, hence the name of the machine. This decreases the amount of impact on your joints compared to running, stair climbing or other aerobic activities. Standard elliptical trainers have stationary handles you use for balance. Elliptical crosstrainer machines have swing arms that you move in sync with the pedals -- similar to a cross-country skier machine.
Function
An elliptical machine provides a low-impact aerobic alternative to the treadmill. The elliptical crosstrainer with upper body swing arms converts a standard elliptical machine into a total body workout. The American Council on Exercise recommends choosing an elliptical with the upper body swing arms to increase the number of calories you burn. The elliptical crosstrainer is more versatile than a standard elliptical because you can choose not to use the upper body arms if you want just a lower body workout. However, with a standard elliptical trainer, you only have the lower body option.
Features
Standard elliptical machines and crosstrainers have similar features. They have several levels of pedal resistance, adjustable either manually or digitally. Most include an electronic console that displays data about your workout, such as time elapsed, distance traveled and approximate calories burned. Many elliptical machines have preset workout programs that automatically adjust your workout intensity. Some trainers have an adjustable stride length and an incline ramp, similar to a treadmill.
Considerations
Manufacturers use several names for elliptical machines, including trainer, crosstrainer, arc trainer and total body trainer. These terms are used interchangeably. At the time of publication, most elliptical trainers include upper body swing arms. It is more challenging to find an elliptical machine without moving arms than with moving arms. Elliptical machines that do not have upper body swing arms are still often referred to as crosstrainers.
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