Why using an elliptical trainer is better than running

Better... Than... Running? 

Using an elliptical trainer greatly reduces the stress and impact damage that can result from traditional running and jogging exercise on pavement and even on traditional treadmills. Elliptical trainers provides a smooth, non-impact oscillating movement that effectively targets key muscle groups while at the same time greatly limiting or eliminating damaging shock and trauma that running exposes to the muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones.

But?  Running is great.

Running can be a great exercise, but many times the risk of injury is just too great. There are literally dozens of classifications of injuries that result just from the trauma that running on a hard surface. Joint and bone problems are the most common, followed by ailments that are suffered by the feet of the runner. The hip is also extremely susceptible to the stress of running.

Some running injuries

Some of the most common running injuries reported are pulled hamstrings, snapping hip syndrome, hip bursitis, plica syndrome, dislocated knee caps, patellofemoral syndrome, shin splints, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, sprained ankles, exercise-induced compartment syndrome, foot overpronation, arch pain, and plantar fasciitis. All of these injuries, while varying in severity and how common they occur, are extremely uncomfortable and may require stopping exercising altogether, doctor's visits, and even surgery. It begs the question: why would physicians advocate a pastime that puts the user at risk of multiple life-altering conditions? The answer is that most physicians do not advocate running and instead prefer that their patients adhere to low to no-impact cardio vascular activity such as what can be obtained by utilizing an elliptical trainer.

Safety aside, many people that participate in cardiovascular activity such as running and elliptical training do not wish to "bulk up" their muscles in their legs, but prefer instead to firm and tone the leg muscles into a smooth, trim shape. While running on a treadmill certainly firms the muscles in the legs, the exercise can also lead to bulkier muscles, a look that many women do not care for. Since elliptical trainers have almost no impact to trigger fast-twitch muscular responses, the resulting effect on the legs is typically a leaner, smoother appearance.

Elliptical Trainers offer all-round exercise

Elliptical training is also favored over traditional running because it provides resistance for the upper body in addition to the lower body. While traditional running simply utilizes the legs, proper elliptical training form and function dictates that resistance is supplied through the elliptical trainer's handles that are attached and properly geared to the elliptical's pedals. The result is a full-body workout that effectively raises the heart beat and provides the user with a safe way in which to tone muscles and burn calories.