Gliders and elliptical machines are low-impact workout alternatives to other cardio equipment, such as treadmills and stair climbers. Although gliders and ellipticals offer a low-impact, aerobic workout, they each have different designs and features. A glider is a more basic piece of equipment than an elliptical, as it doesn't have a flywheel.
Design
The pedals on a glider move back and forth in a straight line. The pedals on an elliptical machine move in an elliptical, or oval, motion. Your feet move up and around on an elliptical machine, not just back and forth. Both machines have upper-body swing arms that you can use to work out your upper body in conjunction with your lower body. An elliptical is a more complex machine than a glider. It has a large flywheel mechanism that sits in front of or behind the pedals. A glider has two pedals suspended from a metal frame.
Features
Elliptical machines and gliders are self-powered; neither has a motor. Most elliptical machines offer digital pedal resistance. Press a button on the console to increase or decrease the pedal tension. Some elliptical machines have an incline ramp that you can adjust up or down, similar to the incline on a treadmill.
Not all gliders offer pedal resistance, but those that do have hydraulic resistance. Turn a knob on the hydraulic cylinders to adjust the tension. Gliders do not have incline ramps, but you can adjust the angle of your glide by adjusting your body position.
Function
Ellipticals and gliders provide a low-impact, aerobic workout. With a glider, you adjust the intensity and feel of the movement by changing your body position. Adjust your stride length at any time by changing the length of your glide. A glider is a basic cardio machine with few extras. Gliders are designed for in-home use, not for use in commercial gyms.
An elliptical machine offers more features than a glider. Most ellipticals have built-in programs that automatically adjust the pedal tension at set intervals. You cannot adjust the stride length on an elliptical during the workout. Some elliptical machines have adjustable strides to fit different users, but the stride length is locked during the workout. Elliptical machines are made for in-home and commercial use.
Effectiveness
Gliders may not provide enough workout intensity for intermediate to advanced exercisers. The American Council on Exercise sponsored a study at California State University to test the effectiveness of gliders. Exercising at maximum effort, participants only reached an intensity level equal to a quick walk or slow jog. A glider may be appropriate if you are a beginner, while an elliptical provides more features and intensity for advanced exercisers.
References
- American College of Sports Medicine; Selecting and Effectively Using An Elliptical Trainer; 2005
- FitnessQuest: Tony Little's Gazelle Edge Glider
- American Council on Exercise; Top-Selling Fitness Product Is Not a Quick Fix: New Study Shows Ineffectiveness of Popular Air Glider Devices For Staying in Shape
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