Saturday, November 8, 2008

elliptical exercise machines provide low impact total body workouts while improving cardiovascular

Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving CardiovascularWriten by C.J. Gustafson

Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body

Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular Health



Ever since their introduction on the fitness scene several

years ago, elliptical exercise machines have become increasing more popular and

sophisticated. Estimates indicate that over six million people now prefer

elliptical machines as their choice for home exercise equipment. The main

reason elliptical exercise machines have become so popular is that they provide

a low impact, total body workout that is challenging enough for serious athletes

but safe enough for beginners and even expectant mothers. And when it

comes to cardiovascular workouts, elliptical machines are tough to beat.



Low Impact Workout



Over time, research has shown that in order to maintain

healthy bone density, it is necessary to engage in weight-bearing activities

such as running, racquetball, aerobics, and other forms of exercise where you

remain on your feet. But many of these activities involve jarring the

bones and muscles and can aggravate old injuries and even cause new ones.

The joints that can be injured or irritated with an impact form of exercise are

usually the knees, ankles, hips and back. Pregnant women, people with

arthritis, and those who are recovering from an accident often require a low

impact exercise routine, and that is exactly what the elliptical exercise

machines provide.



With an elliptical machine, you stand with your feet on

small, movable platforms, so you are bearing weight, which is good for bone

density. But the oval pedaling movement of the machine, which is caused by

you stepping up and down on the platforms or pedals, is smooth and flowing.

This is the same type of elliptical pattern that the human foot follows when we

walk or run. Although the movement is similar to these activities, there

is none of the jarring that usually takes place when outdoors or on a treadmill.

With an elliptical exercise machine, your feet never leave the footpads.

Not only does this make for a safer workout, it reduces the stress on your

joints.



Many people have compared elliptical exercise equipment to

pedaling a bike while standing up. Others have said they are like a cross

between stair climbers and cross country skiing. But unlike a stair

stepper, which comes to a halt before reversing direction between up and down

strokes, an elliptical machine provides continuous flow. By using

different inclines and stepping speeds, you vary the amount of flexion at the

ankle and knees and further reduce the amount of repetitive impact on your feet,

legs, and back.



An elliptical machine provides the benefits of weight

bearing exercise but without the harmful stress and impact on your joints and

muscles. There are few home exercise machines out there that give the same

quality low impact workout.



Total Body Workout



Elliptical exercise machines also provide a total body

workout. Because you are standing and walking or running in place, you use

your leg muscles as well as those in your buttocks, back, and abdomen.

Most elliptical machines have a setting to reverse the direction of motion,

allowing you to go backwards and work additional muscles that very few

other exercise workouts target.



In addition, you can swing your arms, carry small hand

weights, or use elliptical machines that come with handles and arms to enhance

your upper body workout as well, sculpting your biceps, triceps and other upper

body muscles while increasing your calorie burn and cardiovascular impact.

Exercise experts caution that resting your arms on the frame of the machine or

the upper body handles decreases the overall impact of the workout. They

stress the importance of letting your legs and torso carry all of your weight so

that you get the highest level of total body workout.



Many elliptical machines allow you to adjust the resistance

setting and change the incline. These adjustments increase the challenge

level of your workout and also target different sets of muscles. The

standing position and motion used to operate the machine provide for excellent

hip extension and flexion as well as outstanding knee range of motion. For

an all over body workout, few home gyms compare to an elliptical machine.



Cardiovascular Workout



Research has found that elliptical exercise machines also

provide some of the best cardiovascular workouts of any home fitness equipment.

The cardio benefits come from the fact that you are getting a total body workout

and using many muscle groups. Since you can adjust incline, speed and

other factors, you can maximize cardio impact, making elliptical trainers more

effective than weight lifting, leg presses, or other less comprehensive types of

exercise. Some elliptical machines come with built in, programmable

computers and heart rate monitors to help ensure that you are getting the most

out of your exercise routine. The better machines have five to seven

different workouts that can be programmed.



In addition, many people feel that the elliptical motion

feels natural and is easy to sustain. They find that elliptical machines

compliment and enhance normal body movements, making it feel as though this type

of workout requires less exertion than other types of exercise. But in

fact, studies have shown that elliptical exercise works the cardio muscles and

burns calories on a level equal or greater than treadmills, stair steppers and

other similar equipment. It only feels easier to use an elliptical

machine.



Because most people find elliptical exercise equipment easy

and fun to use, they are more likely to workout on a regular basis.

Ongoing, consistent exercise is a key aspect of attaining good overall

cardiovascular health.



Something For Everyone



Elliptical machine workouts have become one of the most

popular forms of exercise, both in the gym and at home. The ease of use

for all fitness levels, along with the low impact benefits, cardiovascular

features, and total body capabilities make elliptical trainers an ideal choice

for nearly anyone looking to get in shape, lose some weight, or even train for

athletic events.



The increasing popularity of elliptical technology has led

to many different brands and models of equipment as well as numerous variations

on the technology. Those seeking to purchase elliptical exercise equipment

have many choices in a variety of price ranges, from a few hundred dollars to

several thousand. Look for machines that have a sturdy frame, adequately

sized foot platforms, upper body handles, and adjustable inclines and

directions. With these features on an elliptical home gym, you will be

assured of getting a low impact, cardio-friendly, total body workout.



About the Author:



C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for http://www.elliptical-machines-n-trainers.com


She has researched a variety of different exercise equipment and believes that elliptical

trainers and elliptical

machines provide some of the most user-friendly workouts available.

Copyright 2005 Elliptical-Machines-N-Trainers.com



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author's byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked.





 

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