Many diseases and illnesses can be prevented through exercise. Proper weight, healthy bones, good circulation and muscle tone all can be achieved by using an elliptical machine. Elliptical machines are available in most fitness centers, and consumers can find a number of options for home use. The machines come with a variety of electronics that can measure heart rate, number of calories burned, elapsed time and distance.
Bone health
Osteoporosis is a disease that results from a lack of exercise, report doctors at the Cleveland Clinic. Exercise that provides pressure on the bones is needed to prevent the bone-loss disease and increase healing. Bones become porous and weak without regular high or low-impact pressure. An elliptical trainer is ideal for people with joint or back pain, a diagnosis of osteoporosis or low bone mass. It provides weight-bearing impact without the jarring effects felt from running or using a treadmill. The feet never leave the pedals on an elliptical machine, eliminating any blunt force to fragile bones and joints.
Heart health
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that healthy adults under the age of 65 receive 30 minutes a day of moderate aerobic exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of high-intensity cardiovascular training three days a week for optimum heart health. The elliptical machine can provide both a moderate and an intense workout depending on how fast you pump the pedals. Many elliptical trainers also come equipped with variable settings for incline so that you can receive an even more intense cardio workout while pumping uphill.
Full-body workout
While providing users with options for moderate and high-intensity workouts, an elliptical machine also gives a full-body workout in the same amount of time. The lower body receives the workout from pumping the pedals while the upper body is worked by holding onto the handles that move along with the pumping action. All the muscle groups are worked simultaneously, saving time and effort. An elliptical trainer provides an aerobic workout for the biceps and triceps, chest, glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. The elliptical machine is sometimes referred to as a cross-trainer or total body exercise machine for this reason. Using more muscles to work out also translates to more calories being burned for those looking to lose weight.
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