Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical Exercise Machine

Elliptical trainers (elliptical exercise machines) offer a no impact workout that exercises numerous muscle groups. Motion studies have identified that human feet move through an elliptical pattern when walking, running or jogging. Elliptical exercise equipment that imitates this motion is the fastest growing category of cardiovascular equipment.

When using an elliptical your feet do not leave the foot platform-pedals, so stress to your joints is minimized. Most machines permit adjustments to settings allowing you to increase the resistance and the incline and therefore increase the intensity of your workout.

When buying an elliptical trainer, you may want to consider these key points:

• resistance system
• rear drive versus front dfrive
• programmnig
• stride length
• heart rate monitoring
• warranties

Resistance Systems:

Higher end models use the eddy current brake system (ECB) that works electromagnetically with a precision-balanced aluminum disk that spins freely between varialbe magnetic fields. This is extremely reliable & durable as there are few moving parts and no friction. Ellipticals using this technology operate smoothly and quietly and require ltittle maintenance.

Mid-range models are equipped with motorized brake systems that consist of a small motor that controls the magnetic brake. More servicing is required for motorized brake systems (also called particle brake systems) due to the number of mechanical parts. These sytstems are not recommended for commercial applications.

Manual resistance systems are utilized in lower end machines. A u-shaped magnet is located about a 1/4 inch away from the flywheel and it is manually adjusted to increase or decrease the tension and thereby create resistance.

Rear Drive versus Front Drive:

Rear drive provides a true elliptical movement with a heel toe ellipse. It is generally preferable and is used on the top brands. Articulating pedals that angle with your stride are not required. Generally rear drive is preferable to front drive and will provide a more strenuous workout. You will, however, pay more for rear drive as they are more expensive to build. Companies that incorporate rear drives have developed and patented their designs.

Front drive designs may feel awkward if the machines do not have articulating pedals. The articulating pedals are more comfortable as they flatten to give a shuffling movement.

Programming:

Programs can vary with your specific fitness goals - designed for fat burning, cardio, anaerobic, or aerobic exercising. This is a matter for personal preference. If you have used ellipticals in a gym or health club, you will have a general idea of what variety you will need. Programs on elliptical trainers are similar to those found on treadmills and may even be the same electronic equipment if a company produces both.

Consider quality first and programs second, when choosing an elliptical trainer.

Stride Length:

A stride length of 16" - 19" is suggested. Shorted strides can lead to a choppy motion. Adjustable stride lengths that allow the user to adjust to their body size is the direction that is emerging.

Heart Rate Monitoring:

Heart rate monitors provides feedback as to your heart rate. They generally work sufficiently well to give you an approximation of your heart rate as you are exercising. This will help you determine an exercise level that will help you increase your metabolism and optimize the burning of fat. Heart rate monitors are normally found on stationary handles located on the elliptical trainer console. Other models locate the monitor in moving handlebars.

Heart rate monitors come in two types - handgrip and wireless. Hand grip monitors require that you hold onto stationary handlebars, and therefore you may not get the benefits of an upper body workout. Wireless controls attach with a strap around your chest and information on your heart rate is transferred to the console.

Warranties:

Quality equipment is typically supported with a more extensive warranty. It is just common sense. An elliptical trainer that is made with better quality components can be expected to last longer and the company producing it will likely support the product with a more extensive warranty. Look for at least a minimum of one year on parts and labor. If your budget limits you to an economy model with a shorter warranty, consider getting the extended warranty option.

Originally elliptical machine offered only a lower body workout. In 1997, the ellipitical cross trainer was developed by adding handles that were connected to the pedals thereby allowing the user to gain a no impact workout that utilizes the quadricepts, hamstrings, glutes, chest back, tricepts and biceps.

With this total body training, the heart rate climbs quickly, easily reaching a training heart rate of 160-175 beats per minute that is an optimum range for burning calories. This reduces the exercise time needed, while maximizing the number of calories burned. For overweight individuals who are initiating a regular exercise program to decrease excess body fat, the elliptical cross trainer optimizes energy expenditure.

Elliptical cross trainers provides the following advantages:

• Time Efficiency - The dual action of arms and legs optimizes energy expenditure. Requires less time to achieve more results.
• Weight Bearing Exercise - Builds bone density and burns calories more efficiently. Inhibits the onset of osteoporosis.
• No Impact Workout - Safe for joints. Ideal workout for people with back, knee, hips and joint problems.
• Low Maintenance - Less impact means less wear and tear.
• Small Footprint - Does not take up valuable floor space.
• Passive Motion - Safe to use, Machine stops when you stop - not active like a treadmill.