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 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:
