Elliptical training machines have become popular because of the cardiovascular workout they provide with little impact on the joints, according to the trained personal fitness trainers at the American Council on Exercise. Most elliptical machines come with a variety of settings to increase or decrease the level of workout you can receive and add muscle-building exercise to the routine.
Function
An elliptical trainer can function as an effective cardiovascular workout when it is used to meet maximum heart rate levels. Many machines come with monitors the user can attach to measure heart rate. A moderate to intense workout on the elliptical is most effective when performed for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Prevention/Solution
Cardiovascular workouts are important to prevent heart disease and diabetes, maintain proper weight levels, and control blood pressure and cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. In addition to preventing debilitating diseases, the cardiovascular workouts you can get from regular elliptical training workouts increase your overall fitness and ability to participate in sports and other activities.
Potential
Elliptical machines are referred to as cross-trainers because they provide an upper and lower body workout at the same time. Handles gripped by the hands work the upper body and the feet push the pedals for the lower body workout. The integrated workout is ideal for people with arthritis and other joint conditions that preclude the pounding the joints get from running. While working the entire body, the elliptical can be set on various settings to increase the level of resistance and provide muscle-building exercises. Most elliptical machines can be pedaled backwards to work other lower body muscles.
Significance
Elliptical machines provide important weight bearing benefits, important to prevent bone loss. Elliptical trainers provide the benefits of a weight-bearing workout without the jarring that other exercises place on fragile joints. An elliptical trainer is an ideal choice for people with knee or back pain or osteoarthritis. The elliptical machine directly impacts the bones in the lower spine, legs and hips to slow down mineral loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Benefits
The strength and flexibility benefits of the elliptical trainer are other important features that people with arthritis can receive from the weight-bearing workouts because there is little or no twisting and bending required to work the equipment. Good posture and reduction of back and joint pain often follow a regular regimen of elliptical workouts.
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