26 Dec 11 How Many Calories Did You Really Burn on Your Elliptical Trainer Workout?
How Many Calories Did You Really Burn on Your Elliptical Trainer Workout?
You jump on your elliptical and you starting turning the pedals. After what seems like forever, you have managed to tick off 5 miles and burn 400 calories, according to the read out on the machine. That Chinese food you ate last night is finally burned away and you can feel great when you sit down to your salad tonight. But, how do you know the number on the machine is the true number of calories you burned?
If during your workout you increase your heart rate, manage to sweat throughout the workout and need to breathe faster and harder, you can feel good about burning a significant number of calories during your workout. But, the number on the machine is just an estimate and according to experts in the field of fitness, that estimate can vary from machine to machine.
Experts agree that consumers should recognize the difference between the realities of fitness and the expectations. Many people expect they can depend on the calories burned readout as a means of planning their menu for the next day. This is especially true of people who are trying to shed a few pounds. No fitness machine, whether it is an elliptical, treadmill or a stepper can predict how many calories the body truly burned.
How to Make the Estimate More Accurate
Whether using an elliptical trainer at home or in the gym, it is important to choose a model that asks for your age and weight before starting a program. If the calories are figured without these two factors, there is sure to be a huge variance between the actual calories burned and those appearing on the readout. How can a machine predict the number of calories burned if it has no idea what type of body the user is working with. Advanced calorie burn readouts will also take heart rate into consideration and adjust the calories burned total based upon the heart rate throughout the workout.
Using the Calories Burned Readout as a Benchmark
The best way to use the calories burned readout on your elliptical machine is as a benchmark for improvement. If you managed to burn off 150 calories without stopping the first time you used the elliptical, write down that number somewhere close to the machine. Over the course of the weeks ahead, notice how the number of calories burned increases while the effort you are putting forth seems to remain the same.
As the body adjusts to working out, you will be able to work longer and harder on the elliptical machine managing to burn more calories with time.
Using an off machine calorie burn calculator can also help gauge performance. If, for some reason, you replace your elliptical machine one day, the readout for the same workout you had been completing on your old elliptical may register as burning fewer calories. If an off machine calculator is used, no matter what machine changes take place, the same formula for calculating calories burned will be used.
No fitness machine will definitely monitor the inner workings of the body precisely. The elliptical machine is no different. Using a generalized math formula for the amount of energy needed to complete a certain exercise, the elliptical calories burned readout will estimate how much energy you used during your time on the machine. This is only a guess, not an absolute.
Tags: Calories, Calories Elliptical, Elliptical, Really, Really Calories, Trainer, Workout
25 Dec 11 Elliptical Machines – Best Features To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer And Save Money Too
Elliptical Machines – Best Features To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer And Save Money Too
Thinking about buying an elliptical machine or trainer? Before you start shopping, review our list of some of the best tips to help determine which elliptical trainer will work best for you and your current situation and how you can save money too.
Elliptical machines offer one of the best cardiovascular workouts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the elliptical trainer works with whatever your exercise level to give you the best experience for your fitness level.
A very important part of a successful cardiovascular exercise routine depends on the comfort level you experience while you’re using the machine. An elliptical machine works well because it has a smooth, flowing movement that encourages you as you go.
It’s important to note that a key part of its rhythmic movement depends on the length of the stride. There are some models on the market that have a 14-inch stride. But you should always buy a trainer with a stride length of at least 21 inches for optimal use.
You want to look for a machine with an adjustable incline and with varying levels of resistance. The incline feature will give you more aerobic activity. And as you become more experienced you can challenge yourself to an even more optimum fitness level.
The machine should offer a range of incline and resistance levels so you have a wide array of workout programs available to choose from. So when you decide to change incline or resistance levels during your workout, the change should be smooth and non-jarring so you can change the inclines any time during the workout you like, while enjoying an optimum workout routine.
Another important factor is to check and see how noisy the machine is? It’s important when you’re buying a new piece of home exercise fitness equipment to find a model that is quiet enough for you. When you work out, you want it to have a quiet, shushing sound, so you can listen to your favorite music or television program at the same time.
Check for good safety features. Make sure there is a cooling fan and warm-up and cool-down programs so you can work your muscles both comfortably and effectively.
Look for a heart rate monitor. It can help you work out smarter, not harder. With the heart rate monitor, you can be sure you’re reaching your best aerobic/heart rate goals. Look for upper arm handles that move smoothly with your normal routine. And with the dual-action upper body handles, you can get a complete body workout each time.
An LCD front panel display can give you a reading and monitoring system that’s easy-to-understand and read. You can read the time, speed, distance, calorie output, hand pulse and other options in a very easy format. Check to see what the maximum user weight is for the machine. Compare to the weight of the users in your household to ensure that they can all use the machine.
Do you have enough available space for the machine? Measure the area you plan to use and note the specs on so you can use the full range of motion without hitting a wall or a piece of furniture. An average unit will be about 52″x 24″x 62″.
Try to find a fairly maintenance-free elliptical machine with a warranty of at least one year for labor and one to three years for parts so you have the ultimate workout exercise program each and every year. Whether you buy a new, used or refurbished machine read the warranty or guarantee first!
Check Consumer Reports magazine and see if they have a current elliptical machine review with ratings. You can save money by checking out prices online and comparing them to the prices in your local fitness or big box stores. Many online dealers offer free shipping. If you find the brand and model you want you can try it out locally and then compare with the online prices.
Some of the used sporting goods stores and used sports consignment stores have slightly used or refurbished trainers at much lower prices; some will be in remarkably good condition because many people buy fitness equipment and don’t use it. If you really want to save a lot of money look for close-out sales, steeply discounted sales, lesser known brands and possible wholesale connections.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping for this great piece of home fitness equipment. These elliptical machines can give you a great workout, but as with all major purchases, it pays to know what to look for before you invest. Armed with these tips you should be able to buy the best machine and save money too.
Tags: Elliptical, Features, Machines, Machines Trainer, Trainer
24 Dec 11 The History and Features of Elliptical Machines
The History and Features of Elliptical Machines
Elliptical machines are relatively new to the exercise machine scene, but they have surged in popularity as more and more people discover the benefits of elliptical workouts. Since they first appeared in the 1990‘s elliptical exercise machines have been studied carefully for safety and fitness effectiveness, and found to be a great way to get a total body workout without the need for multiple fitness machines.
The First Elliptical Machines
The first elliptical machines to come on the market were quickly embraced by fitness enthusiasts all over. These early models worked the lower body quite thoroughly, but the upper body stayed stationary thanks to handlebars that did not move. Before too long, exercise buffs began asking for upper body action as well, and the manufacturers of elliptical exercise machines responded.
Now most elliptical trainers come with both lower body and upper body motion as a standard feature, with some offering handlebar motions and resistance that can help you get a truly intense upper body workout.
Basic Features
The basic features of elliptical machines include the drive system, the resistance system and the stride length. Let’s take a look at each of these separately.
Drive system – The two types of drive systems are front drive and rear drive. Front drive systems tend to be used on low-end elliptical exercise machines and can produce a motion that is somewhat rough and awkward. Rear drive systems are far superior, providing much smoother motion and greater user comfort. Rear drive can be found on elliptical trainers from the mid-range on up to the very high end of the market.
Resistance system – There are three main types of resistance systems used on elliptical machines today. Low-end machines typically have a manual system that the user adjusts by hand, but some low-end and most mid-range machines use a motorized brake system. High-end machines use an eddy current brake system, which is extremely reliable and smooth.
Stride length – The stride length on low-end elliptical exercise machines is typically set at the factory and is not adjustable by the user. Mid-range and high-end machines, however, typically offer an adjustable stride length of some sort. As you would expect, the most expensive elliptical trainers come with stride length adjustment systems that provide maximum flexibility and customization options for the user.
Advanced Features
There is an almost endless list of advanced features that can be found on elliptical exercise machines. The more expensive the model, the more sophisticated the features. Let’s talk a bit about some of the most common advanced features and how they might vary from machine to machine.
Control panel – The control panel can be very simple and straightforward or it can provide the user with a wide variety of input, feedback, monitoring and guidance. They are typically electronic and run on batteries, which need to be replaced periodically.
Programmability – Most elliptical machines are programmable in some way. They may be programmable for individual users and their preferences, they may come with standard pre-programmed workouts, or some combination of both options.
Heart rate monitors – More and more machines today include some form of heart rate monitoring to help you stay in your optimum aerobic zone during your workout. Some monitor your pulse via special handgrips, while others use small clips that attach to your ear or wrist and connect back to the elliptical machine with a small wire or, increasingly, with a wireless connection.
Adjustable incline – Just like a treadmill machine, many elliptical machines feature an adjustable incline to help you make your workout more or less intense. Some adjust manually, while others adjust remotely via a small motor.
Adjustable stride length – A step up from the standard stride length is the adjustable stride length found on some mid-range and nearly all high-end elliptical machines. The adjustment of stride length is generally done manually.
How to Select an Elliptical Machine
Selecting an elliptical machine is more complex than just trying one out and deciding to buy it. You should consider a number of factors, including:
o Budget – how much can you afford to spend?
o Size – how big is the space where you will use and store the machine?
o Warranty – how long is the warranty on the machine?
o Maintenance – what kind of regular maintenance is needed?
o Features – what basic and advanced features are most important to you and how much extra are you willing to pay to get them?
Where to Buy Elliptical Machines
With the surge in popularity of elliptical machines, there are more places than ever before where you can buy a machine for yourself. Different types of stores come with different advantages and disadvantages, ranging from price to quality to service and product knowledge.
Many people assume that the best place to buy an elliptical machine is in a specialty store that offers high-end fitness machines, and in many situations, this is true. Specialty stores generally offer higher quality products, more knowledgeable sales staff, and the opportunity to try and compare several machines side by side. However, their sales staff can be especially pushy because they work on straight commission, so they will try to sell you the most expensive equipment possible.
The internet is another avenue to research and buy an elliptical machine, but unless you visit a local retailer you cannot conveniently try out the machine before purchase. Online vendors can save you some money on the purchase price, but beware of high shipping charges due to the weight and size of the machine.
Another popular option is to buy from a well-known merchant such as Costco, Sears, Wal-Mart, etc. In some cases you will find lower prices at these locations, but don’t expect to find particularly knowledgeable sales staff or high-end, high-quality equipment. If you need service on your machine at some point, these large merchants will refer you to the manufacturer for assistance.
Summary
Elliptical exercise machines have taken the fitness world by storm in the last 15 years, rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways to get a full body workout. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges, with a range of features to match. Your best bet when shopping for an elliptical trainer is to balance your needs against what your budget can bear.
Tags: Elliptical, Features, History, History Features, Machines, Machines Elliptical
23 Dec 11 The ProForm Brand Elliptical Machines
The ProForm Brand Elliptical Machines
In the region of America and Europe, the name of the largest company connected in manufacturing of fitness equipment is without a doubt is Icon Health and Fitness who are also the makers of many different elliptical which sold at all different health stores are. The trademark of ProForm elliptical trainers is that they affordable.
The ProForm crossover elliptical strength trainer is a high-quality buy even at eight hundred dollars and it is the only one of its kind made by ICON, A distinguished feature about this ProForm crossover elliptical is its density and in core it consists of two machines being united into one and to come up to with a very attractive product, perfectly suitable for anyone wishing to do cardio workouts as well as strength training.
The machine is about eighty-five inches high and thirty-seven inches wide and eighty-three inches deep and is small as a strength trainer. It can supports user weight of about maximum two hundred and fifty pounds. The machine is also portable though it does have wheels for moving it about. It is also a hybrid machine which can house both cardiovascular and body structure exercises. It comes with 65 built-in exercises that aiming both upper and lower body muscle groups, the consumer can easily build up muscle power as well as stamina and endurance that most body builder lacks. On the disadvantage, the ProForm crossover elliptical is not so at ease when used.
Ideal For Light Exercises
Another trait of the ProForm elliptical trainer is that they are targeted for use by those who require to work out calmly with their elliptical equipment and also in an unbalanced manner, and that is why you can expect your ProForm elliptical to be light duty and basically well suited for working out in the home. The ProForm 1280 S elliptical trainer u can without difficulty pick up from any department store and which is selling in the middle range that will not exceed more than one thousand dollars. It is well appropriate for having a complete workout though you may have to put up with a certain amount of noise when you operate it.
You can also change the shape as also the slope of the stride though it has good looks and is what you may expect a good fitness product to look like. The bottom line is that they will only suit those who are no more than casual users and this fitness tools are known to sell well and buyers and satisfied with their purchase. Still, you need to be exercise caution before buying.
Other Pro Form elliptical machines like the CardioCross Elliptical 900 comes with cardiovascular enhancement technology which can help you build endurance and stamina, as well as improving leg power and movement. The Reflex Step technology built-in the machine absorbs the power of your stride and uses that power to use it for the next; this feature will make your movements easier. It comes with a built-in heart rate monitor which helps monitor the safety level of your exercises as well as an EKG pulse training to make sure you get all the necessary information out of your pro form elliptical.
Enjoying While Working Out
Each year, the American brand Pro Form releases new models every year, and each one is contains basic and complex features that possibly will make fitness a history. These improvements comprise of multimedia functions that not only stimulates the consumers during work-out; as well as gaming to combine both sweat and play in one machine.
The 1280 S Interactive Pro Form elliptical is a perfect combination of multimedia and workout all in one machine. It comes with a built-in CD player that you can add any music that can add to your workout rather than throw you into boredom.
Overall, the ProForm crossover elliptical is quite complex since it uses a lot of technology, though it is still likeable and in spite of not getting an extended warranty, most buyers still like it, though it is rather not practical for use in a gym; rather, you will get most out of it when used at home and although it does not provide the best muscle training, it is still satisfactory and at the price is a steal.
Tags: Elliptical, Machines, ProForm, ProForm Machines
22 Dec 11 An Elliptical Machine Workout For Low Impact Exercise
An Elliptical Machine Workout For Low Impact Exercise
The elliptical exercise machines are well known these days pertinent to the fact that they are listed amongst the most effective equipment for fitness purposes. The work out on such machines is quite similar to a work out under the supervision of an expert trainer; and this will hasten up your fitness level resulting in the fecundity of your physical health. For this very reason, the elliptical exercise machines are also known as elliptical trainers. And the exercising techniques on these elliptical machines are relatively easier to learn.
The elliptical machines or the elliptical trainers are interleaved with miscellaneous health benefits that these provide to the user, and amongst those include the weight bearing work out for which the fitness experts validate their opinions that such weight bearing exercises are the best possible way that could ameliorate your health conditions and will result in the increment of the density of the bones, as well as strengthen the muscles and burn the calories, efficiently.
Generally, the low impact exercise provides a handsome weight bearing work outs, where as these elliptical machines are pro actively of a relatively low impact, and thus it lays the minimal stress on the bones and joints during the work out on these machines. The foot does not get away from the pedals and so there is no chance that one could experience ligament fractures or muscular strains, which are the results of heavy work outs.
And for the cardio vascular exercises, these elliptical exercise machines are an excellent provision of cardio vascular work done, which along with the weight bearing work outs, too is an essential part of salubrious fecund. It comprehensively enables you to work out if you intend to lose some weight or to firm your body up, or probably the both; just let the incorporation of the cardio vascular work outs into your exercise routine, and this will give you out a long term triumph.
Normally those people who start and end their exercise routines of and on; have a perception related to the work outs, that one should get into something that yields out the best positive results in the minimum span of time. And upon satisfying this notion, these elliptical machine work outs give you out the best, while putting in your minimum time, as most of the people lead a busy life style and unlike tradition work outs, you don’t have to put in several of your hours for working out and devote the time on regular basis. This machine is a very good option for such peoples.
Tags: Elliptical, Exercise, Exercise Impact, Impact, Machine, Workout, Workout Exercise
21 Dec 11 All About Elliptical Machines
All About Elliptical Machines
A newbie in the fitness industry, the elliptical machines have paved their way up high to the top at a very fast pace thanks to their awesome features. Be it safety, effectiveness or the price factor, elliptical machines have excelled in all departments. A total body workout without using different fitness machines is the secret behind the success of such machines in the market today.
The Basic Features:
Choice of Defiance – This refers to the selection of resistance system on your elliptical machine. While the low-end machines come with a manual selection of resistance level, in the mid-range variety you can find the motorized brake version. The top-level machines come with eddy current brake system that offers resistance in the most smooth and consistent way.
Choice of Comfort – This is decided by the type of drive you choose to go for. The front drive machines used on low-priced elliptical machines give you a rough and awkward movement. If you are ready to go for these machines from the mid-range up to the high-end varieties that come with rear drive machines, then the movements would be far superior, smooth and highly comfortable as well.
Choice of Gait – The Stride lengths of the economical varieties are typically set at the factory and cannot be adjusted by the user. Again for higher models of such machines, customization settings are available even with regard to stride length.
The Advanced Features:
These are a set of extra beauties that add value to your machine and the more expensive your set is, the more beauty is added up to it. These include add-on features like ‘programmability’ as per individual preferences, ‘heart rate monitors’ for optimizing your workout zone, ‘adjustable incline’ to adjust intensity of the workout, and extensively worked out ‘control panel’ for including even more improved functions.
How to shop for one?
As you can see, shopping for an elliptical machine entirely depends upon your own need. The basic economic level of machine could give you all benefits of an elliptical machine. Yet going for the better priced ones could help you take home some more add-on features which could add to the entire workout session of yours. The factors that need to be considered in this regard are your budget, the size of the machine, frequency of maintenance, length of warranty period and how many features you want to include in your machine.
Tags: Elliptical, Machines, Machines Elliptical
20 Dec 11 Best Elliptical Exercise Machine – How to Buy The Best Elliptical Trainer for You
Best Elliptical Exercise Machine – How to Buy The Best Elliptical Trainer for You
There is no denying it – in order to enjoy the body and health you desire – exercising is a must. While some people run circles around an outdoor track, attend an aerobics class, or lift weights; an increasing amount of individuals looking for a fun and invigorating workout are turning to the power of an elliptical trainer. With the movements of a stair climber, exercise bike, and treadmill wrapped into one neat package, an elliptical trainer combines the benefits of cross country skiing, biking, and hiking all at once. In order to take advantage of one of the most effective cardio machines on the market – a little knowledge goes a long way.
What information do you need to begin a search for the best elliptical trainer for you? Before you get started, it is important to set a budget for this type of purchase. It is not uncommon to encounter elliptical machines costing beyond ,000. Not many people are ready to commit to this kind of price bracket. However, a quality home elliptical trainer is not going to cost 0 (unless you buy used). The industry doesn’t even produce this kind of exercise equipment with a base price that low.
An important thought to keep in mind when browsing elliptical trainers for the home is that you basically get what you pay for. The less expensive elliptical trainers aren’t as sturdy or smooth in operation as a model that costs more than 0 on the market.
However, don’t fret – you can still bring home a relatively inexpensive model. The Smooth Fitness ME model offers ultra-quiet operation, adjustable peddles, flexible electric variable resistance, and a limited warranty on parts and labor for around 0. Other inexpensive winners include the Eclipse 4100 HR/A (9.99) with a solid steel frame and flawless features, and the durable Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer for 9.
Key Features
In order to get the most out of an elliptical equipment purchase, becoming familiar with key components regarding this type of exercise equipment is a must. The five main concepts to look out for include: forward and reverse motions, adjustable resistance, quiet operation, upper body workout arms, and an elliptical incline.
Forward and reverse motions allow a user to infuse their workouts with variety and higher levels of challenge. Plus – different groups of muscles receive attention, which create an increase in the total number of burned calories. This feature also makes sure you face a lower risk of repetitive-use injuries.
The ability to adjust your levels of resistance in an elliptical machine will increase the amount of calories burned within a single workout. This challenging feature also creates an easy transition into interval training.
When working out, you don’t want the whole world to know – especially if you live in an apartment or have a baby in the household. An elliptical machine designed to operate in a quiet manner makes tackling higher intensity levels all the better. Keep in mind that an inexpensive elliptical machine may squeak after a couple months of heavy use.
To elevate the level of your resistance training, choosing an elliptical trainer that provides an upper arm workout will help you burn more calories while doing your elliptical trainer exercise.
An elliptical incline is common in models (such as Proform and Nordic Track), but do not confuse this feature with resistance. When changing the incline of your machine, you switch the overall motion – causing different sets of muscles to burn fat and develop a more toned appearance.
Tags: Elliptical, Elliptical Exercise, Elliptical Trainer, Exercise, Machine, Trainer
19 Dec 11 The Proform 500 F Elliptical Trainer Machine
The Proform 500 F Elliptical Trainer Machine
Attractively priced to start, the 500 F also offers a number of attractive feature normally found in trainers priced several hundred dollars more. Be warned, though; the machine weighs a bit, so make sure of its final placement in the home gym or wherever it will happen to be used, as it’s going to take two person to maneuver it around should it need to be moved again in the future.
Standard retail prices for the Proform 500 F usually hover near 400 dollars or so. Considering all of its many and varied features, there’s a great deal of value cooked into its frame and other mechanical’s. It’s also solidly built (though not club-grade built, of course), and most prospective users — who are out looking for good value at a nice price — will appreciate all that it has to offer.
There are a nice pair of handlebars that come with the 500 F, and they’re synchronized such that they provide maximum workout opportunity for the muscles of the upper arms, the upper back and the shoulders. It goes without saying that the legs will benefit greatly. It does all of this in a very quiet manner, too, which is a bit of a surprise once one realizes that the Proform is a machine of relatively low price.
The Proform 500 F Elliptical is also designed to be a nice marriage of form and function, especially as concerns its foot pedals. They’re built so that they put as little pressure as possible on a user’s ankles and feet, for one. As well, they don’t force a user into much sideways or lateral movement, helping a person to engage in natural movements, all of which help keep pressure off vulnerable joints.
It’s highly recommended that only those elliptical trainers able to withstand consistent use be considered for purchase. That’s not going to be an issue with this machine, for a fact. It also features a nice display panel and the foot pedals, on which one will be spending much time, help get across the point that this particular Proform is probably worth more than what its retail price tag displays.
The Proform 500 F Elliptical Trainer machine reveals a Proform model that’s very easy to get used to and which is sure to provide consistent performance. It’s very solid and comes built with a number of nice features usually found only in trainers costing much more than what this machine retails for. For somebody needing a home fitness machine at a good price and that delivers solid value, it’s going to be the case that the 500f will be the one to look at.
Tags: Elliptical, Elliptical Trainer, Machine, ProForm, Trainer, Trainer Proform
