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Low Impact Exercise with Elliptical Machines
Elliptical trainers reduce the stress and strain on your legs through an
elliptical motion. Your feet never leave the pedals. It is like
walking in midair. In addition, there is no reverse action. The shape
of the elliptical movement mimics the natural path of the ankle, knee
and hip joints during walking, jogging or running. In comparison, when
you walk or run, every step causes a jolt to your body. It is suggested
that runners impact up to 2.5 times their body weight. This affects
not only the joints in your legs, but also your lower back.
Foot Pedals: To further reduce the strain to your joints, many
elliptical trainers are equipped with articulating foot pedals -- pedals
that conform to your stride. Not only do your feet never leave the
pedal, but also the pedal adjusts to the angle of the elliptical stride.
Weight-Bearing Exercise: In comparison to a fitness
machine like a stationary bicycle, an elliptical trainer provides a
weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercises are important to
inhibit the onset of osteoporosis.
Dual Action Workout
What makes an elliptical trainer unique is the combined upper and lower
body workout. In fact, there is no other fitness equipment that
simultaneously works as many muscle groups. That is why many refer to
an elliptical as a cross-trainer.
With an elliptical trainer, you get a workout that utilizes the
quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, chest, back, triceps and biceps. The
obvious benefit from exercising more muscles is that you tone more of
your body. Furthermore, you also optimize your energy expenditure. You
end up burning more calories and fat in less time. It is also suggested
that there is a reduced perceived rate of exertion with an elliptical
workout. You are actually exercising harder then you would normally
perceive.
Of course, to get the full benefit of the dual action workout, it is
important that you distribute the resistance between your upper and
lower body. Many people who exercise on an elliptical trainer place
most of the resistance on their lower body and only go through the
motions with the upper handlebars.
Programs: Like a treadmill, elliptical trainers are
equipped with a variety of challenging exercise programs. These
programs mimic hill climbing or interval training through alternating
resistance. Many ellipticals are also equipped with wireless heart rate
control, which allows you to optimize your workout by letting your
heart rate control the resistance level.
Lower Maintenance with Elliptical Trainers
A benefit of an elliptical trainer over a treadmill is reduced
maintenance. Due to the low-impact elliptical motion, and because of
fewer moving parts, an elliptical trainer is less likely to require
service. You do not have to worry about belts, motors, rollers and
bearings burning out.
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Cardio
