Elliptical Machine Benefits?

Elliptical machines were introduced in the 1990’s as a low impact alternative that produced great health benefits. Elliptical machines are fantastic fat and calorie burners and really strengthen the heart due to the cardio workout. Elliptical machines also provide a solid way to increase leg and thigh muscle mass due to the length of the stride it provides. Elliptical machines have also shown to be a key method for weight loss. Studies show that the rate in which calories are burned on an elliptical trainer are similar to the calories burned on a treadmill. More experienced elliptical machine users have experienced a much strengthened core group of muscles when going hands-free. Not using the handles also has shown to improve posture.

Elliptical Machine Types

Although there are a few different types of elliptical trainers, the most popular elliptical machines simulate running with a pedaling motion. An elliptical machine combines the moves of a stair-stepper, treadmill and ski machine into one. These elliptical machines are ideal for people who want to exercise but also want to avoid joint injury.  Elliptical machines provide optimal cardio health and strength training with little wear and tear on your body.

Elliptical machines are priced at different levels ranging from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Lower priced elliptical machines will have less features and durability. Higher priced elliptical machines will have more automated features and will be much sturdier.

Which Elliptical Machine Is Right For You?

When choosing an elliptical machine, it’s important to categorize the type of exercise you typically do: Light, moderate or high.

As a rule of thumb, if you are a light exerciser and are really just looking to get your heart pumping a bit each day or a few times a week, look for an elliptical machine that is under $1000. Elliptical machines in this price range are best for light, occasional users. Many lightweight machines can either be self-powered by exerciser generated motion or can be plugged in to power the automated resistance and electronic dashboards.

For serious exercisers, start looking for an elliptical machine that is priced at $1000 or more. Experts agree that machines in this price range will hold up better over time. When purchasing an elliptical machine you really do get a lot more for your money as you increase your budget.

Elliptical machines are very quiet and are ideal for apartment living. Since the impact on the machine is low, you won’t need to worry about the neighbors who live below you. They won’t hear the motions of you while you are using the machine unlike they would hear the pounding from a treadmill.

Questions to ask:

How sturdy is the machine?

Does it shake while exercising?

How comfortable is the stride?

Do the pedals feel natural?

Does the dashboard have the various measurement counters?

How easy is it to increase the resistance?

Features to look for:

Motion: Your elliptical machine should be smooth and fluid and should never feel wobbly. Take note if you are hearing any squeaks coming from the machine. Your elliptical machine should be quiet and you should not hear any excessive noises when it’s in motion.

Pedals: Check to make sure that the pedals are naturally spaced. Your stance should neither be too narrow, nor too wide.

Stride: The length of the stride that you should from the elliptical machine should range from 14 to 24 inches.   The range is large since there are great variations in height.  Shorter people will have a shorter stride of 14-18 inches and taller people will have a stride ranging from 18 -24 inches. Your stride should be comfortable, neither too short or too long while riding the machine. The average stride is 20 inches for most users.

Program Manager: The program manager on your dashboard should have options for manual courses and dual-direction movement, moving forward and backward. The course that you choose needs to be adjustable to your workout.

Resistance: Look for machines that have an elevated incline that also allows you to adjust the resistance and speed. Lower priced elliptical machines typically don’t have an adjustable incline so if this is something that means a lot to you, you may need to increase your budget and purchase an elliptical machine that has an adjustable incline.

Dashboard: The elliptical machine should have an easy to read display so that you can keep track of the calories that you’ve burned, your heart rate and rate of incline.

Dimensions: Don’t forget to measure the space for your elliptical machine so that it fits your ceiling height.

Maintenance: Like all machines, your elliptical machine will need to be maintained regularly.  Keeping it clean and clear of dust and well lubricated will keep your elliptical machine running well for a long time.  Be sure to check screws and bolts as well and make sure that they are tightened on the elliptical machine.