Advantages of Choosing an Elliptical Workout

Elliptical trainers were once the new kid on the block in terms of fitness equipment. Today, they are standard equipment in nearly every commercial gym and most at home gyms. The elliptical trainer offers a high intensity or low intensity workout, as needed by the user, without the stresses associated with other forms of cardio exercise on the joints and lower back of the body.

The Lower Impact Workout

As more and more research is being accomplished in the field of aging and exercise, it is clear that our older population needs regular exercise to maintain optimal health and reduce the custom signs of aging on the body. The aging population is probably the most under-supported when it comes to fitness. There are many cardio workouts, but few that offer a good cardio burn without impact on the body. The elliptical trainer is different.

When jogging, the impact on the body is 2 1/2 times your body weight. That means an average 150 pound person will place 425 pounds of pressure on their lower body with every stride. Increasing the heart rate may be easy while jogging or running, but the effect on the wallet when the doctor’s bills start to pile up will scream a different story. The stress of running and even walking affects the knees, back, ankles and feet.

Working out on a treadmill may seem like a healthy alternative. Treadmills come with cushions that decrease the impact on the joints, but the impact is still there. Compound that impact with being overweight and the damage on a treadmill can reach physically impairing proportions. The elliptical trainer works by defying the impact of gravity on the joints while maintaining a steady workout rhythm. The heart gets the workout it needs while the rest of the body is left just to feel the healthy burn.

The movement of the elliptical machine is where the huge difference is displayed. The pedals rotate in an elliptical motion, thus the name of the machine. The pedals float along at the speed of your stride adjusting as your stride adjusts.

The Total Body Fitness Routine

There are additional benefits to using an elliptical trainer over a treadmill, jogging or walking. Many people try to keep their arms moving throughout their run or walk, but as they grow tired, the movement is forced and does little to impact the heart rate. An elliptical can be purchased with arm handles to increase upper body movement and increase the heart rate during the workout. Thus, the elliptical can actually provide a better workout with fewer strides than a walk or a jog.

How to Buy Your Elliptical

If the benefits of the elliptical machine have you out and about looking for your next piece of home fitness equipment, there are a few tips that may help the process go more smoothly.

Front drive ellipticals and rear end ellipticals work different leg muscles. While both provide a workout with reduced impact on the joints, the front drive elliptical works more like a stepper while the rear drive feels like a jogger. The higher end elliptical machines will often come with heart rate monitors, adjustable heights, various programmed workouts and better component quality. Lower end ellipticals can work, as well, but it is important to buy a machine that feels good during the stride with proper handle placement to achieve optimal fitness.

Here is one quality elliptical machine you may want to consider;