| Buying an elliptical trainer? Elliptical cross trainers | | | | provide resistance training for your upper body. |
| provide some unique aerobic benefits and are | | | | However make sure you don't have to lean over |
| quickly becoming 'the' fitness machine to own. | | | | while using the arm bars which can diminish the |
| Here's a brief elliptical review of what to know | | | | effectiveness of your workout (this can happen |
| before you buy: | | | | on many of the cheaper models). |
| What is an elliptical trainer? | | | | 2) Forward and Reverse Motions |
| An elliptical trainer is a fitness machine that | | | | The ability to move in a forward or reverse |
| combines the natural stride of a treadmill or ski | | | | motion adds variety and challenge to your |
| machine, with the simplicity of a stair climber. You | | | | workout. This also reduces your risk of repetitive |
| stand upright on the foot pedals & stride in a | | | | use injuries common with some treadmill and stair |
| forward or backwards direction. | | | | climber users. Most crosstrainers have this option |
| Your feet move in a natural elliptical motion which | | | | but it's always a good idea to make sure. |
| is the closest simulation to walking and running | | | | 3) Adjustable Resistance |
| available without the impact. There are handrails | | | | Quality elliptical trainers will have a range of |
| for balance. Some ellipticals even have handles for | | | | resistance levels. Look for a machine that makes |
| working your upper body as well - thus providing | | | | resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch |
| a complete upper & lower body workout. | | | | resistance adjustment) so that interval training |
| What Makes It Unique? | | | | sessions can be easily incorporated into your |
| Elliptical machines offer 3 main benefits for the | | | | workout |
| home exerciser: | | | | 4) Stability |
| #1 Elliptical workouts provides less impact on the | | | | Stability is one of the most important features to |
| joints than traditional running exercise (say, on a | | | | have. You don't want the machine to wobble or |
| treadmill). In other words, it's a safe, low impact | | | | move when you pick up the pace. |
| workout for anyone, regardless of fitness level. | | | | In general you get what you pay for - the |
| #2 Unlike cycling, stair-stepping or even walking, | | | | economy machines under $800 aren't very stable. |
| an elliptical trainer uses both arms and legs | | | | Higher priced crosstrainers are usually much more |
| thereby providing a total body workout in less | | | | stable and can take more of a beating. Other |
| time. Plus, elliptical workouts have been proven to | | | | factors that predict stability are the user weight |
| give you a lower rate of perceived exertion | | | | capacity (the higher the better) and the actual unit |
| (Basically this means you did more aerobic | | | | weight. The heavier a machine is (all other things |
| exercise than you felt you did). This can actually | | | | being equal), the more stable it will feel. |
| add up to more calories burned and more weight | | | | 5) Stride Length |
| lost over the long term. | | | | Elliptical stride lengths range from 14 inches to 20 |
| #3 Crosstrainers are simple to use yet still | | | | inches. A longer stride length 18 - 20 inches can |
| provide weight resistant workouts that help build | | | | work you leg muscles more fully and give you an |
| bone density, fight osteoporosis, and increase | | | | overall better workout with more calories burned. |
| your metabolism. | | | | Those are just a few of the features to consider |
| Important Considerations Before Buying: | | | | when choosing your elliptical trainer. Other factors |
| It's important to do an elliptical review of what | | | | to review include the number of user programs, |
| you need before buying. Some of the most | | | | console options, warranty and size/structure of |
| popular features with buyers are: | | | | the footplate. |
| 1) Upper Body Arm Bars | | | | Once you know what you want, you're ready to |
| These are bars that move while you work your | | | | go shopping for your elliptical trainer. Take your |
| legs. They help you work your arms while | | | | time and choose a crosstrainer that makes you |
| working your legs at the same time. While you | | | | enthusiastic about getting fit and healthy - isn't |
| really don't need these for an effective workout, | | | | that what it's all about? |
| many people prefer them as they do help to | | | | |