The elliptical trainer is often compared with running, but unlike running eliptical training is a low impact activity. This quality provides the elliptical's allure in comparison to other aerobic exercise. The elliptical is often prescribed for people suffering from joint pain. The joints are placed at less risk while the user benefits from whole body exercise on an eliptical.
Bones in the Feet
The foot contains many bones that are involved in maintaining an arch and in controlling where your weight shifts while standing upright. Fourteen phalanges, five metatarsals and seven tarsal bones are included in each foot.
The Legs
The tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg are used while performing work on the elliptical. These bones form joints with the calcaneus in the foot and the femur and patella of the hip.
The Hip and Pelvis
The femurs or long bones in the hip and the six bones of the pelvis, the ischium, illiac, and pubis are also used in upright exercise when the muscles of the legs must be mobilized. These bones form linkages with the spine and sacrum above.
The Vertebral Column
The spine and sacrum contain the spinal cord and are used in any activity that involves an upright posture. These bones connect the upper and lower body and bear the weight of the skull and rib cage. There are four vertebrate contained in the Coccyx bone, five in the sacrum, five in the lumbar region, 12 in the thoracic spine, and seven in the cervical spine.
The Rib Cage
The rib cage contains the sternum and 24 rib bones that connect to the vertebral column. The rib cage also connects to the shoulder girdle bones via muscle and the clavicles. The muscles that connect the shoulder girdle to the rib cage generate pulling forces on the ribs and spine during elliptical use.
The Shoulder Girdle and Arms
The shoulder girdle made up of the scapulae, clavicles and humerus bones is involved in the pushing and pulling motions of the arms in elliptical motion. The joints formed with the ulna and radius bones leading to the hand bones are also used during push and pull movement. All of the bones contained in the upper body benefit far less than the lower body bones that bear the body's weight during elliptical usage because they bear less weight. As a result, bone mineral density improvement from elliptical use is less likely in the upper body.
References
- "Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy"; Kay W. Sieg, PhD and Sandra P. Adams, PhD; 2002
- "ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines For Exercise Testing & Prescription; ACSM; 2001
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