An extremely popular type of fitness exercise machine, elliptical fitness machines were first seen in the shops in 1995 and have been developed enormously since then. Elliptical trainers with movable arms were introduced to the market by Reebok. These were designed to provide exercise to both the lower body and the upper body at the same time. Elliptical fitness machines have become very popular for many reasons. These reasons include being less harmful to joints, hips, back and knees as the exercise is low impact. Elliptical cross trainers provide weight bearing exercise which is good for maintaining bone density and they also burn calories efficiently. Elliptical trainers are smaller than treadmills and take up much less space. Maintenance is low so costs are kept down. They combine both resistance and aerobic exercises, hence the name cross trainer. You can adjust the resistance for improved muscle tone in your arms and legs.

Types of Elliptical Trainers

There are are two types of elliptical fitness trainers, front or rear driven. The shallow motion of front driven machines make it feel as if you are running while the deeper motion of the rear driven machines feels more like stepping. With forward and backward motions they can help tone up the back leg muscles and this also gives some variety in your program. Motorised inclines are a feature of more expensive machines and can help to increase the level of training. Pivoting foot plates on some models allow your feet to move in a natural motion.

Benefits of Using Fitness Elliptical Trainers

These low impact machines do not put disproportionate strain on the joints. They are more suitable for those with joint issues than other types of exercise machines such as treadmills. Elliptical trainers give an aerobic workout that can help to lower blood pressure and relieve stress among other benefits. At higher levels they can be a big help in lowering the amount of body fat.

Features of Elliptical Machines

When you’re buying an elliptical trainer find out the weight of the flywheel. A heavier flywheel gives a smoother, less jerky motion. At certain points of the motion a cheaper, lighter flywheel tends to stick, resulting in you needing to increase the pressure. This puts a strain on the knees which makes them uncomfortable to use. To change from aerobic to high resistance exercises you need a machine with a number of resistance levels.

Most of the elliptical trainers on the market have a selection of work out programs built in, although for a larger selection you will need to buy a more expensive machine. It may be worth buying one that has quite a variety of programs as this can help motivation as you won’t be bored by using the same program over and over again. You can set a heart rate level on many machines which will then automatically adjust speed or the incline level to keep you in the right zone. Other programs include weight loss programs and hill run programs.

Conclusion

Whichever type of elliptical exercise equipment you are thinking of buying make sure you know how it works and that it has an adequate warranty. If possible, try one out at a gym to see if you find it comfortable and easy to use before you buy.

Many of us like the idea of running or jogging, but aren’t too keen on the demands that are required for the exercise. Good weather is important when running–I mean, who really enjoys running in the rain or sleet?! Also, comfortable, supportive shoes are extremely important when running outdoors, especially if you have to maneuver over uneven terrain. In addition, we also have to worry about the painful impact that running/jogging can have on our knees and ankles. Sometimes, running just doesn’t seem worth the strain on our joints.

Those of us who aren’t so much into running may be looking for a low-impactworkout that offers the same great results as jogging or running with the dependability of remaining inside. How can one really enjoy an exercise after having to piece together two or three different routines or jump on and off several different machines?

Years ago, the exercise world was ruled by the stairmaster and the treadmill. People loved that there was a piece of equipment that could help them obtain a jogger’s physique without actually having to run. Those machines take up a great deal of floor-space and can be quite bulky!

However there is a new machine that is not only much less bulky than the stairmasters and treadmills of yesterday, but is also offers an extremely graceful movement. The elliptical trainer can be as low or high-impact as you want because you are the one who sets the pace!

One of the most admirable things about elliptical trainers is that you can work out your whole body in one fluid motion. everything from your shoulders to your calves will feel the burn! You don’t have to trudge through hours of sweating and grumbling to achieve nice muscle tone, either. If you can find about 20 minutes in your day, you’ve got enough time to exercise with an elliptical trainer.

Elliptical trainers vary in price range and can be purchased online or at most fitness equipment stores. You don’t have to purchase an elliptical trainer to use one, as they can usually be found at most gyms now.