Elliptical Trainers -
Are They The Perfect Workout?
Elliptical trainers are the hottest of
the hot in fitness equipment. They are easy to use, and provide
a great workout. Using an elliptical machine will give you a
great cardio workout, similar to that of running, and will tone
your lower body as well. And, because the impact is less than
that of walking, even those of us with not so great knees can
use an elliptical trainer without pain. Many people are finding
the elliptical trainer to be such a great workout that they
arent interested in doing anything else. However, no one machine
can give the perfect workout. So, how does the elliptical
machine stack up against other ways of working out? Well, if you
take a closer look, youll find that elliptical training has
distinct advantages, but a few disadvantages too.
One of the great benefits of elliptical
trainers is that it provides an aerobic workout through a weight
bearing exercise. Running does this, of course, but working out
on an elliptical trainer provides an impact to your joints
comparable to walking. In addition, many people report that
working out on an elliptical trainer feels like less work than
working out on a treadmill. Plus, if you use the upper poles on
the elliptical machine, you are working your upper body as well.
With a treadmill, you get no upper body workout.
Serious Runners Take Note
But, what if you are training for a
marathon? Heres where a treadmill has a real advantage over the
elliptical. If you are training to be a runner, you need to run.
The gliding motion of the elliptical machine wont provide you
training comparable to running in terms of preparation for a
race.
Another issue you should consider is
your need to build muscle. If you are looking to build bulk, you
will still need to lift weights. Elliptical trainers provide
great cardio workouts, and are great for toning your legs and
arms, but they wont build bulk. For a complete training regimen,
it is best to alternate using the elliptical trainer with weight
machines and free weights a few days a week.
Impact Is Not All Bad
One final issue about elliptical
trainers - the very thing that makes them great also has its own
disadvantage. Elliptical trainers are so popular because they
provide a low impact workout. But impact has its advantages,
especially if you dont have knee problems. Your body responds to
the shock of the impact of exercise by building new bone cells,
thereby increasing your bone density. So, if your knees are
healthy enough to withstand the impact, running will protect
your bone health in the long run.
The most important issue when it comes
to any exercise is longevity. You need to find an exercise that
you can stick with. If you have joint or knee problems, an
elliptical trainer can allow you to workout more easily than
other weight bearing exercises. But, if you love to run, and are
healthy enough to do so, the elliptical trainer might not be for
you. It is beneficial to try out both machines, and, if youre
buying a machine, be sure to check out elliptical trainer
reviews as well as those on treadmills. Be assured that both can
help you improve your cardiovascular health, lose weight, and
gain overall fitness.
For more information on related products
and services, please choose from the following menu of items:
Home Gyms
Treadmills
Exercise Bikes
Elliptical Trainers
Rowing Machines
Weight Benches
Inversion Tables
Heart Rate Monitors
Trampolines
Weights
Dumbells
About The Author:
Mike Singh is a fitness instructor and
writer, who provides unbiased reviews of fitness products for
consumers looking for quality information. Checkout the largest
collection of brand-name elliptical trainer reviews online at
http://www.elliptical-trainers-reviews.com, the latest news
on fitness products at
http://www.1-stop-fitness.com and low-carb diet recipes at
http://www.low-carb-diet-recipe.info
02-02-06
