Archive for the 'Elliptical Machines' Category
When it comes to getting in shape, elliptical workouts are hard to beat. Ellipticals provide a great cardio workout and are easy on the joints.
However like any piece of equipment, there are dangers associated with using ellipticals. Below, are some safety tips to consider when working out on an elliptical:
- Getting on and off — Always grab hold of the stationary handles when getting on or off the elliptical trainer.
- Proper posture — Don’t hunch over. Stand straight with your knees slightly flexed to reduce strain on both your knees and lower back.
- Keep your feet in contact with the foot pedals at all times — it only takes a brief second to have a pretty serious accident on a elliptcal trainer.
- Watch your heart rate and breathing — if you become stressed or uncomfortable during an elliptical workout, stop immediately and firmly grab hold of the stationary handles. If you feel faint, then get off of the elliptical trainer as quickly as possible and sit on the floor. This will help to prevent injury should you blackout.
By following these tips, you will keep your elliptical workouts both safe and enjoyable!
Elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity and are considered by many to be safer and more effective then treadmills.
They combine the movements of a stair climber, treadmill, and exercise bike into one providing a complete total body workout.
So, are they really better than treadmills? According to researchers at the University of Mississippi “elliptical trainers provide the same cardiovascular benefits as treadmill running, without the impact to your joints”.
Therefore, this does make them a good choice for those suffering from back, knee, or hip pain but “Are they the equipment of choice for everyone?”
Many people have similar goals about their bodies. They either want to lose weight, build some muscle, or tone up. However, fewer and fewer people are opting to join gyms to try and reach their goals. Some don’t live close enough to a gym to make that option feasible, some simply can’t afford the monthly dues, and others just don’t find them very convenient.
If you are one of those who can’t or won’t go to a gym, then having your own home fitness center might be a consideration. There are many options to choose from in home fitness exercise equipment that are both affordable and compact.
Some of the more popular pieces of home fitness exercise equipment are: treadmills, home gyms, elliptical trainers, and recumbent exercise bikes.
However, it is not enough to just purchase a gym membership or equipment for your home. Weight loss, toning, or building muscle requires consistent, sustained effort on your part. Without making a solid commitment, you are just wasting your time and money.
Elliptical Trainers are a great addition to any home gym. They provide a low-impact, cardio-workout and are suitable for people of all ages.
Some things to look for when purchasing an elliptical trainer are:
- Adjustable incline or variable resistance to add variety to your workout and allow for maximum benefit.
- Forward and reverse smooth motion. The better quality machines use magnetic or electronic resistance.
- Low noise is essential if you want to be able to watch your favorite TV program, listen to music, or read while you workout.
- Dual function using hand grips and bars so that you get a total body workout.
- Computerized monitoring system that tracks your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse rate as you workout.
- Preset and customizable programs to keep you from becoming bored.
- Heart rate monitor allowing you control over your heart rate.
For the last 10 years, I have worked out religiously. My regimen includes lifting weights five times a week and running anywhere from 30-40 miles per week. While I could maintain this schedule for quite some time, after awhile the constant pounding inflicted through my running began to take a toll.
Recently I began cross-training with an elliptical machine, and it has done wonders for my knees and hips. Elliptical trainers eliminate the impact from running and provide a smooth, natural motion. Now I substitute the elliptical for running twice a week, and still get a great workout.
Most users report enjoying the experience of working out on an elliptical more than on any other home gym equipment. They require very little skill since they are made to operate with the natural motion of your body. Because your feet have constant contact with the foot pedals, there is practically no risk of injury to your back, hips, knees, or ankles.
Since ellipticals are a low impact machine, they are an excellent choice for the elderly as well as those new to exercising. Elliptical workouts can actually burn more calories than regular fitness routines and are a great way to get in shape and lose weight.
Overall Elliptical workouts are very healthy and suitable for people of all ages!
Let’s face it: not all exercise machines are created equal. Some of those machines are a lot more effective than others. While some people might want to drag their feet rather than change, the newer exercise machines tend to be far more efficient than the older models. For example, the old exercise bike, while a classic in home gyms around the world, is one of the least efficient ways to exercise based on calories per hour. It’s not uncommon for people to exert twice the effort to burn the same amount of calories with an exercise bike as opposed to an elliptical machine.
While some of the older exercise machines don’t translate well to modern fitness, a handful of the machines do. The old stair stepper for example, which rose to celebrity status in the 1980s and 1990s, is still a great way to burn calories. The stair stepper even outshines the elliptical machine in a lot of cases, but, not all people like climbing stairs.
It’s kind of hard to believe, but not so long ago I was living a double life. No, I wasn’t a special agent or some romantic dangerous character from a spy novel, and I wasn’t carrying on an affair behind my wife’s back. I’m referring to my summer self and my winter self. When the snow melted in spring and the weather was inviting, I would work hard to shed all the extra pounds I’d gained through the winter. Then I would gain it all back when the chilly autumn winds started to blow.
These days I’ve got the situation under control, and I maintain a slender, healthy physique all year round. The secret to my success is really no secret at all – I use an elliptical cross trainer during the cold winter months when I can’t hit the high school running track. As I get older, cardiovascular health becomes an even greater priority. Now that I’m approaching 40, I’m actually in the best shape of my life.