Life Fitness Ellipticals

Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical Trainers first entered into the fitness market in the 1990's.  The elliptical trainer was designed as a low impact, weight bearing exercise.  The elliptical trainer was created to simulate running with putting less stess on the joints.  An elliptical trainer is a great alternative to running!  Order your elliptical cross trainer from FitnessZone.com today.

Next to the treadmill, elliptical machines (also called elliptical trainers) follow close behind in popularity among fitness equipment. As a matter-of-fact, sales of elliptical trainers are growing faster today than are the sales of treadmills. Why?

What is an Elliptical Trainer? 

An elliptical trainer is a low-impact exercise machine that simulates walking or jogging. It gets its name from the elliptical motion that the pedals follow when in use.

The majority of today's elliptical trainers have moving handle bars that allow the user to work the upper body and the lower body simultaneously. For this reason, they are often referred to as "cross-trainers." They are designed to provide very efficient cardiovascular exercise while practically eliminating pressure to the joints and back.

You can get an effective aerobic workout with both an elliptical machine and a treadmill. In general, you can let your fitness goals determine whether you choose an elliptical machine or a treadmill — or a different piece of exercise equipment.

However, elliptical machines might offer some advantages over treadmills. For example:

• Using an elliptical machine can be less stressful on your knees, hips and back than is running on a treadmill. Walking on a treadmill, however, exerts about the same force as using an elliptical machine.
• Unlike treadmills, some elliptical machines are equipped with movable upper body handles or poles, similar to ski poles. These allow you to exercise both your arms and your legs.
• Most elliptical machines can be pedaled in reverse, which allows you to work your calf and hamstring muscles a bit more than does forward motion.

Using an elliptical machine is generally considered low impact. An elliptical machine might be a good alternative to jogging, whether on a treadmill or outside. An elliptical trainer shouldn't cause knee pain if you're using it correctly. You may experience knee pain, though, if you have an underlying knee problem, such as degenerative arthritis. With certain knee injuries, using a stationary bike might be a better option than using an elliptical machine. Talk to your doctor about what exercise is right for you if you have any injuries or health concerns.

And what if you're training for a 5K run or other road race? A treadmill is probably a better tool to prepare you for running events. But even if running is your main aerobic fitness activity, cross-training with an elliptical machine or other low-impact exercise equipment can help keep you fresh and prevent overload injuries.

If you use an elliptical machine, remember to maintain good posture to help ensure the most effective workout. Keep your shoulders back, your head up and your abdominal muscles tight. Look forward, not down at your feet. And don't lean on the handles — let your lower body support your weight.