Elliptical trainers have become one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment for cardiovascular workouts, reports the American College of Sports Medicine. The machines combine the movements of cross-country skiing and stepping to provide a low-impact aerobic program that works out the entire body. Receive the maximum elliptical training benefits by using the equipment for 30 minutes at least three times per week.
Cardiovascular Benefits
You can get a better aerobic workout from an elliptical trainer than simply walking on a treadmill, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Because the body uses more muscles in the upper body, more resistance and cardiovascular function is required to operate the machine.
Low Impact
Elliptical trainers are especially useful for those who have a knee or other joint injury or who suffer from arthritis, tendonitis or shin splints. Elliptical trainers are less stressful to the hips, knees and back as well. The feet do not leave the pedals when riding the elliptical trainer, providing a low-impact workout with all the benefits of high-impact exercises.
Multitasking
The elliptical trainer can help save time because you can work out a number of body parts at the same time. Most elliptical trainers have handles that provide an upper-body workout while the legs workout pumping the pedals. Many machines can be pedaled backwards, providing more diversity in a single fitness routine. You can adjust the tension to allow for increased heart rate by pedaling faster or more resistance for muscle-building exercises.
Weight-Bearing
While the logistics of the elliptical trainer provide a low-impact workout on the bones and joints, it continues to give the body the weight-bearing exercise needed to keep bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. Non weight-bearing machines, such as stationary bikes and rowing machines, do not provide the same level of bone involvement for the legs and spine like an elliptical machine.
Weight Loss
Elliptical trainers are a good choice for those trying to lose weight. Because of the aerobic activity, coupled with the muscle-building abilities of the workout, 30 minutes, three or four times per week is an effective workout routine for those trying to lose weight. Elliptical machines are designed for indoor use and can be used regularly in the gym or at home, no matter what the weather is like. It is a good way to burn calories as well. For example, a 150-lb. person burns an average of 300 calories in 30 minutes on an elliptical machine.
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