Title:

Elliptical Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts That
Even The Novice Can Benefit From.

Author: Vanessa Cane

Article:
Ever since their introduction several years ago, Elliptical
Machines have become increasingly popular and more technically
advanced. Surveys will indicate that as much as six million
people prefer elliptical machines as their choice for home
exercise equipment.

 If you are looking for an effective and thorough indoor
workout, than look no further than an elliptical machine. There
are many benefits with having ellipticals, one of them is when
you use one, you will notice how impact free your workout will
be.

 Also a total body workout on one of these machines is
challenging enough for serious athletes but at the same time
safe enough for beginners and even mothers to be.

 Of course, like with any physical activity, expert advise
should be sought from your doctor before the use of any exercise
equipment.

 With the elliptical machine, there is no impact on the ground,
so lower body joints are free from abuse you may get with other
workout machines.

 Exercising with the elliptical, you are sure to get an
excellent cardiovascular workout with maximum efficiency. Most
of these machines will give you a total body workout, if your
machine has dual action handlebars for your arms and foot pedals
for your legs.

The Elliptical Vs The Treadmill? Which one is the leader of the
pack?

"According to studies, if you exercise on an elliptical machine,
the impact on the joints is low or it has no impact and the user
will burn roughly the same amount of calories as more strenuous
machine like a treadmill. So you get the same results for less
effort."

 Many of these activities sometimes involve vigorous movement of
the bones and muscles and can inflame old injuries and maybe
cause new ones. The joints that are commonly affected by an
impact form of exercise are usually the knees, ankles, hips and
back.

 These little statistics probably tells us the reason why elder
exercisers with knee problems and rehabilitating users go for an
elliptical machine rather than a more vigorous machine like a
treadmill. Here are a few of the benefits an elliptical offers:



Research has shown, to maintain healthy bone density, it is
necessary to take part in weight-bearing activities such as
running, squash, football, and other sports where you remain on
your feet.

 Elliptical workouts may not seem to be routines that are as
beneficial as more strenuous, high impact ones on a treadmill.
But in actual fact, the whole routine is a weight bearing
activity, as your feet are placed on two pedals throughout the
workout. So as well as avoiding the toil that comes with a
treadmill routine, it is also good for bone density.

 Women that are pregnant, those that suffer from arthritis, and
recovering accident victims often require a low impact routine,
and that is exactly what the elliptical machine provides.

 The oval pedaling motion of the machine, as you step up and
down on the pedals or platforms, is smooth and flowing.
Interestingly. this motion follows same type of elliptical
movement that the human foot follows when we walk or run.

 Although the movement created is similar to these activities,
all the strain and vigorous action associated with them is taken
away. The beauty is in the simplicity, your feet never leave the
footpad, as well as this being a safer workout, it reduces the
stress on your joints..

 The elliptical motion feels natural and is easy to sustain. You
will find that elliptical machines compliment and enhance normal
body movements, making your workouts feel less exertive and more
penetrative. Focusing on particular and general muscle groups
and giving you an extensive overall body workout.

 Studies have also shown that ellipticals work the cardio
muscles and burns calories on the same par as Treadmills if not
greater, as well as stair steppers. The added bonus is that it
feels alot easier to use an elliptical.

The elliptical has some truly unique features, setting it apart
fom its rivals. A good feature that an elliptical has over some
machines is the variety it adds to the workout. One of the
biggest challenges that you as a user faces is to stay motivated
and interested in your training program.

 With the dual action handlebars we mentioned earlier, the
exerciser can choose the option of not using them and focusing
just on the lower body. With the precor models, it is possible
to change the the cross ramp incline as well as varying the
intensity.

 However, there is a feature on these machines that seperates
the elliptical trainer from many other exercise machines when it
comes to variety. That feature is the forward and reversible
feature on the foot pedals. Most elliptical machines have a
setting allowing you to "go backwards" and work additional
muscles that very many other exercise workouts do not target.
The fact that you are standing and walking or running in place,
the leg muscles as well as those in your buttocks, back, and
abdomen are worked effortlessly.

 Many ellipticals will allow you to adjust the resistance and
change the incline. These adjustments are increased at your own
convenience and allow you to gradually increase the resistance
and continuously challenge your limits.

Recommended top five elliptical machines to buy.

Precor - Although Precor is generally known for it's commercial
machines in gyms all over the world, they also make some
less-expensive trainers for the home exerciser. They can be
quite pricey, starting from $2,000 and upwards, however, the
quality you get makes up for the cost. What sets them apart is
that Precor machines have adjustable ramps, they are sturdy and
well built, with which cheaper trainers cannot compete.

 ProForm 700 - This trainer features dual-action engineering. In
real terms, it's got arm handles to work both your upper and
lower body at the same time. At around $400, it's a good buy and
includes iFit.com technology so you can hook it up to your
computer for new workouts. You also get 6 workouts for maximize
calorie burning.

 Nordic Track Elliptical - This one is very competitively
priced, at around $700. For your moneu you get 6 different
exercise programs, Custom Stride pedals, iFit.com technology,
and magnetic resistance. You also get dual action arm handles, a
book and water bottle holder and an exceptionally quiet workout.
Similar to the ProForm above, except for the adjustable
stride...which is excellent if more than one person will be
using it.

 Reebok Elliptical Trainers - Like the other trainers listed
here apart from the precor, the Reebok Elliptical offers dual
arm and leg movement and comes pre-programmed with various
workouts. Between $400 and $500, this is a good choice for
someone on a budget, although you will not get some of the
extras offered by other trainers.

 Fitness Quest Eclipse 4000 - The eclipse offers a smooth,
workout with an electric magnetic system. A nice little bonus is
that it has arm handles through which the heart rate is measured
for ease of use. Also features reverse motion and programs that
cover all fitness goals from fat burning to cardiovascular
routines.