Elliptical Trainers

What are Elliptical Trainers? 

Elliptical trainers are a type of exercise equipment that is frequently found in gyms, health clubs, and in many homes.  Elliptical trainers utilize a unique design of exercise form that greatly reduces the stress on muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones when compared to more traditional cardiovascular activity such as running on pavement or even on a treadmill.

Typically, elliptical trainers will have movable pedals, on which the feet remain stationary.  Elliptical trainers give a cardiovascular workout by enabling the user to move the pedals in a motion similar to walking, but in long, smooth strokes.  Additionally, most elliptical trainers are supplied with handles that are attached to the pedals that complement the user's workout by giving them adequate resistance.  The result is a full body, non-impact workout that successfully elevates the heart rate just as effectively as running but with significantly less danger to joints and muscles.

Move your BODY! 

Better elliptical trainers are designed to ensure that the handles that are attached to the pedals are properly geared in such away that the handles require the user to put forth effort in moving them as well.  Some models are designed in such a way that the lower portion of the body does all of the work and the handles serve as little more than a place to rest the palms of the hands.  Since the premise of the elliptical is to ensure a full-body workout, the designs that are not careful to incorporate upper-body resistance are considered to be of lower quality.  This is not to say they are not useful for a work-out, only that they do not exercise those muscles typically tested by elliptical trainers.

Elliptical trainers generally have an onboard computer that enables the user to select the rate of intensity for their workout.  Gentler rates give little or even no resistance and advance rates give a great deal, forcing the leg and arm muscles to work in tandem in order to move ahead.  Since models vary, users unfamiliar with an elliptical trainer model will generally have to feel the machine out for their desired setting, but this doesn't usually take long. 

Bring Your Own 

Many gyms and fitness clubs offer elliptical trainers in their facilities but there is a distinct advantage to owning your own elliptical trainer and having it in the home.  When you wish to workout, you simply set your elliptical to the desired setting (if it isn't already programmed in) and go.  There is no hassling with traffic to get to the gym or, even worse, waiting for another user to vacate the machine!