03 Jan 12 Cardio Exercise – Elliptical Machine Benefits
Cardio Exercise – Elliptical Machine Benefits
There are many benefits to using an elliptical trainers. Some of the elliptical machine benefits include weight loss, cardiovascular health improvements, muscle toning, and mental health and wellness. An elliptical machine is a great tool for improving health and puts less stress on the body than other types of workout equipment.
Elliptical Machine Benefits – Weight Loss
Elliptical trainer machines are great for weight loss. Elliptical machines can give you a great workout that can burn about 200+ calories in about 30 minutes at a moderate intensity level. It is also much easier on your feet, knees, and hips than a treadmill or running outdoors. As long as you are maintaining a healthy diet an elliptical machine can yield great results for your weight loss efforts.
Elliptical Machine Benefits – Cardiovascular Health
Another of the important elliptical machine benefits is the great cardiovascular exercise you can get from the machine. The cardiovascular system is composed primarily of your heart and blood vessels, the purpose of which is to deliver oxygen to the various parts of your body through the blood.
Understandably, the health of this system is very important to your overall health. Heart disease or clogged arteries can lead to serious problems. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in many countries.
One of the things you can do to improve your cardiovascular health is to get about 30 minutes of exercise 5 times per week. This exercise should be vigorous enough to raise your heart rate to what is known as the “Cardio Zone.” To figure out what heart rate you should be targeting, first find your maximum heart rate by multiplying your age by 0.67, then subtract this number from 206.9. Here’s the formula:
Maximum Heart Rate = 206.9 – (0.67 * Age)
So, if you are 30:
206.9 – 20.1 = 186.8
70-85% of this number is your cardio heart rate zone. So, going with the example of 30 years of age, the cardio zone would be between 130 and 159 beats per minute. An elliptical machine can easily help you reach this target. It may be a good idea to find an elliptical machine that has a chest strap with a very accurate heart rate monitor to help you stay in the zone.
In addition to this, if you want to improve your cardiovascular health you should eat healthy. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Smoking is another contributor to cardiovascular disease, so it may be a good idea to quit if you are a smoker.
Elliptical Machine Benefits – Muscle Toning
Toned muscles can also help you to lose or maintain weight. This is because your body exerts energy just to maintain muscle tissue, which raises your metabolism. Basically, you are burning more calories even when your aren’t doing anything.
To tone muscle with an elliptical trainer you should spend part of your workout using your arms to pump the ski pole like hand bars rather than pedaling with your feet. This can help build muscle tone in your arms. Also, pedaling in reverse and changing incline and resistance levels can help you target different muscle groups.
Elliptical Machine Benefits – Mental Health
As with any exercise routine, working out on an elliptical trainer machine has mental health benefits. Exercise is a great way to get rid of stress. In addition, you can generally let you mind wander freely while doing your exercise. I find this to be a great time to reflect on my day, to think of my plans for the future, and just to work though any unresolved thoughts going on in my head. In fact, I think best when I am in motion.
I often find that when I am in a mental funk that a moderate exercise is just the thing I need to pull me out and get me going again.
Tags: Benefits, Cardio, Cardio Exercise, Elliptical, Elliptical Machine, Exercise, Machine
29 Dec 11 Mini-Elliptical Benefits
Mini-Elliptical Benefits
Mini-Elliptical Machines
The mini-elliptical trainer is a popular and very beneficial addition to anyone’s home fitness regime. It has been said that the elliptical will soon replace the treadmill. A great aspect of the elliptical is that it incorporates both upper & lower body into your workout. You can even make your workout harder by using resistance bands or add hand weights.
Benefits of the Mini-Elliptical Machine
No Impact:The elliptical duplicates the same natural movement of your body as when you are walking, running or jogging. But when you are on the elliptical there is no impact on your joints, it is just fluid movement.
Upper & Lower Body Workout: This machine gives you a great workout because it works both the upper and lower body at the same time. Most elliptical machines are equipped with handles that are used to exercise your arms and upper body, while at the same time the pedals work your legs and lower body. The pedals go in forward or reverse. When pedaling in reverse you are working the same muscles but in a different way.
Great for Cross-training: Since the elliptical is a combination of the treadmill and the stepper it can also be used if you like to cross-train.
Benefits your Heart: When working out on the elliptical you burn the same amount of calories that you would if you were running on a treadmill. If you like to swim for exercise you will burn twice the number of calories on the elliptical that you burn after a moderate swim. This is great for your cardiovascular system, because your heart rate will rise very quickly due to the fact that you are working both upper and lower body together, this will strengthen your heart muscle. Another plus is your metabolic rate will also increase and that means you will be losing weight all through the day even after you finish your workout.
Tones your Muscles: The fluid movement of the elliptical tones the muscles of your arms and legs while strengthening and toning the abdominal and back muscles.
Builds Endurance: Another great benefit of the elliptical is that it will build up your endurance, so you don’t tire as easily. As little as 20-30 minutes a day on the elliptical can give you more energy to do those chores that you are normally too tired to do.
Low Maintenance & Easy to Store: With the mini-elliptical you don’t have to worry about belts, motors, bearings, rollers etc. wearing out. It is smaller than a treadmill making it easy to store. If you have very limited space this is the perfect piece of exercise equipment for you.
To sum it all up the mini-elliptical is great for improving over-all fitness, toning and losing weight. You can change up your routine by alternating between the forward movement and the backward movement. The mini-elliptical is available with handles or without. If you prefer the one without, you can rev up your routine by adding hand weights or using exercise bands. This puts variety into your workout to avoid getting bored with the same routine all the time. This is a great product for home fitness.
Tags: Benefits, Benefits MiniElliptical, MiniElliptical, MiniElliptical Benefits
16 Dec 11 Elliptical Machine Benefits
Elliptical Machine Benefits
If you want to talk about exercises for the heart, there are various machines that are available in the market to aid you until you are successful in your goal of getting that healthy and fit body. However, this would also depend on your current fitness level, health, goals and personal preferences. It varies with those properties, some have better statistics than others that is why it would nice to have an exercise that would fit all in general. Actually, there is a machine that exactly does that, the elliptical machine. Now, let’s talk about the different elliptical machine benefits.
- Healthy heart – this is what everybody wants; this is also what everybody wants out of an exercise machine. The elliptical is capable of improving your cardiovascular health while working out. This is due to the improved blood circulation and the increase in oxygen levels. This would result into stronger heart and lungs.
- Low Impact – elliptical trainers have low impact capabilities. So just in case you have injuries that usually would be exacerbated with ordinary exercise, you need not worry about it with elliptical machines.
- Versatility – there are various styles available for the elliptical machines. Some variants include movement of the upper body. But in general, all elliptical machines have different exercise options for a varied workout every day.
- Strength Improvement – due to the fact that these elliptical machines could work out your entire lower body; and that includes your calves, your thighs, your hamstrings and your glutes maximus, it improves your strength. For total strength building, find one that improves your entire body strength. You should try elliptical machines that work out both the upper and the lower body.
- Flexibility – because the elliptical trainer works out your muscles, it also improves your flexibility. This also, is a good thing. Because it makes you more capable of doing a lot of stuff without hurting your muscles plus, it makes you more active.
- Complete Control – the elliptical trainer is completely controlled by a super computer connected it using microwaves that send data in an unknown regions of planet and will soon be used for world domination, nah, of course I’m kidding. It is controlled by you. It is controlled by your movements, it would only stop when you want it to stop and run when you run. Unlike the treadmill where you press a button and it runs all by itself. This is an advantage because you would be totally in control of your workout pace.
- Burn More, Work Less – recent research has proven that it the elliptical machine is capable of helping you burn more calories with the same amount of effort that you usually exert when you are using a treadmill. That’s efficiency for you, my friend.
So now that you know the different elliptical machine benefits that you could get from using it, you now have no reason at all to think twice. Go to your local fitness store and get one now.
Tags: Benefits, Benefits Machine, Elliptical, Elliptical Benefits, Machine
10 Dec 11 Benefits of Elliptical Training
Benefits of Elliptical Training
The basic motion of an elliptical trainer is a smooth, flowing…well…elliptical motion. The low impact nature of these machines greatly reduces stress on the joints of the lower body (ankles, knees, and hips).
Since it is a weight-bearing exercise, elliptical training promotes cell growth in the bones of the lower body and spine thus helping ward off the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. This is a distinct advantage that elliptical trainers have over other exercise devices that are not weight-bearing such as rowing machines and stationary bikes.
The other great advantage that elliptical trainers have over other exercise machines is that most models work the muscles of both the upper and lower body. This results in a cardiovascular efficiency that produces an equivalent training effect as other forms of exercise, but over a shorter period of time.
Joggers for example, will sometimes swing small dumbbells while jogging in order to achieve this training efficiency. This was popular during the height of the jogging craze during the 1980s, but is now rarely observed in the wild. Perhaps joggers decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. Maybe they also finally realized how goofy they looked in the process. Remember, no one ever looks goofy while gracefully striding away on an elliptical trainer!
Cross Training with Elliptical Trainers
Cross training has come to mean several different things over the years. The original definition of cross training was the use of exercise movements that benefited an athlete’s performance in a given sport. Lately, the definition has expanded to mean doing a variety of cardio exercises, which also may include working out with weights.
If you’re looking to maintain your conditioning for a sport, then elliptical trainers can get your heart rate up quickly and keep you in good cardiovascular condition. For non-athletes that just want to stay fit and lose a few pounds, then alternating training days between lifting weights and 20 minute sessions on an elliptical trainer will get you to your goal.
Whatever definition of cross training you go with, you can be sure that cross training with an elliptical trainer will fit your definition!
Tags: Benefits, Benefits Training, Elliptical, Elliptical Training, Training
08 Dec 11 Benefits Of Exercising Using An Elliptical Machine
Benefits Of Exercising Using An Elliptical Machine
The positive results on our body from exercise have been known for a very long time, but not all exercising machines go about giving you these benefits in the same manner. And some machines can actually damage your body if not used properly. Today you have such a wide variety of machines to use at the health club that you may feel a little overwhelmed! However the newest machine, the elliptical trainer appears to be the best choice for many people and the benefits of exercising using an elliptical machine are very substantial.
The Benefits Of An Elliptical
Ease Of Use: First and foremost the elliptical machine was designed to be very easy to use, many of today’s machines do not require programming a routine or pushing a bunch of buttons to get the machine working. Most ellipticals you can hop on and start exercising immediately.
Efficient Total Body Workout: Many of today’s elliptical machines, from the smaller home models to the large commercial models at the gym all utilize some sort of upper body workout handle. Being able to work the whole body effectively in 20-30 minutes is definitely one of the best benefits of exercising using an elliptical machine. This feature will allow you to get in and out of the gym in quickly.
Easy On The Body: Many people who workout find one of the great benefits of working out using an elliptical machine is that it does not cause any joint or shin pain and discomfort that you can get from machines like the treadmill or lower back pain that some people experience on stationary bikes. In fact many athletes who are rehabilitating and injury do so on the elliptical trainer.
Although this is just a small sample of the benefits of exercising using an elliptical machine they are the ones that people tend to notice right away when they use the machine for the first time. However the only way that you can discover how these machines can benefit you is to go try one out at the gym!
Tags: Benefits, Benefits Machine, Elliptical, Exercising, Machine, Machine Exercising
14 Nov 11 Benefits of Using Elliptical Machines
Benefits of Using Elliptical Machines
Shopping for the perfect elliptical machine can be a hard task these days, what with TV commercials and newspaper advertisements, the different features on different models and more significantly their prices can be quite challenging to make a choice from.
But in picking out the best elliptical machine for yourself, you must, obviously, gear it towards meeting your resources and requirements.
o ADVANTAGES OF AN ELLIPTICAL MACHINE:
The biggest advantage of an elliptical machine, and the reason for its popularity is the fact that it combines the features of a treadmill, a stationary bike, a stair-climber as well as a cross-country skiing device.
They also tend to minimize friction of the joints as they contain a low impact feature. This is particularly helpful for people who have complications regarding their joints. They can continue to burn the required number of calories using the programmed fitness levels of the machine.
o SHOPPING FOR AN ELLIPTICAL MACHINE
PERSONAL PREFERENCES
For those who are hooked onto gym-training, selecting the best elliptical machine won’t be a problem at all. Just pick out the one you find is best suited to your needs from among the gym’s equipment.
However, if you’re too busy to find time to visit a gym to workout, but at the same time, don’t want to sacrifice your exercise regimen, your best option would be to invest in the machine best suited to your requirements and use it to workout at home.
LOOK BEFORE YOU BUY
You will want to conduct careful research into your elliptical machine before actually buying it as you would understandably, be looking for a high grade machine as well as maximum savings from the purchase so you don’t dent your bank balance!
Try jotting down the special features you’re looking for in your machine in the form of a list.
If you want to make your purchase online, the best idea would be to first hop down to your nearest local sports goods store and look around at the available models before finalizing your selection.
BUY ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS
High priced elliptical machines such as the Quantum Fitness or Life Fitness, Precor and SportsArt Fitness should be bought only if you are within a maximum weight of 400lbs. Such branded equipment costs between 41200-00. If your weight is within 250lbs and price is a consideration, you might consider opting for some of the lower priced models which usually retail for less than 00.
Once you have a good idea of the various features you’re looking for in your ideal fitness machine and have a fixed budget in mind, buying an elliptical machine shouldn’t be too hard. But you should try and be aware that you are not forced to dole out extra for unnecessary features in your machine you may never use.
It only takes a little effort and enough sense to get hold of the best elliptical machine that can help you obtain the most benefits from your work outs. And with your continued use, you can easily achieve your fitness and weight goals in no time.
Tags: Benefits, Benefits Elliptical, Elliptical, Machines
03 Nov 11 Benefits Of Elliptical Machines
Benefits Of Elliptical Machines
In the history of fitness and aerobics, elliptical machines are the only aerobic products who made a breakthrough. Almost all gyms, fitness clubs and even homes have already acquired their own elliptical machines. Elliptical machines continue to be popular. Users and buyers of these machines even reached 2.8 million in 2005.
Why are elliptical machines popular? What do users get from them? There are many benefits that can be enjoyed by using an elliptical machine.
Elliptical machines are able to provide healthy bodies by maintaining a healthy bone density. Researches have shown that the bone density has an impact on how healthy the person would become. A person is healthy if he has a healthy bone density.
The exercises needed to maintain a healthy bone density include running, aerobics, weight lifting and exercises where the person remains on his feet. However, these activities may cause jarred bones, which is very dangerous.
With the elliptical machine, all exercises to maintain a healthy bone density can be performed. Using an elliptical machine, the person will be standing on his own feet on a platform wherein he will be bearing weight.
Stepping up and down the platforms causes pedaling with an oval movement. This is very similar to the movement done when walking or running. This only means that the elliptical machine is able to provide the same benefits people can get with these exercises. Plus, they do not experience harmful stress that can impact the bones and muscles.
Safety is ensured with elliptical machines. Using the machine will allow a person to perform exercises smooth and flowing. This minimizes the risk of being injured when performing workouts. The muscles are safe since the pressure is evenly distributed on all the muscles of the body. This will prevent the person from stressing and harming a certain muscle group.
Elliptical machines were also proven to provide workouts best for the cardiovascular system. This is because of the many movements that can be made using the machine. All the muscles of the body are working which is good for maximizing the cardio impact in the body.
Many people would like to maintain a healthy body or even lose weight the easier way. However, they would not like to risk the benefit they can get in doing harder exercises. With the elliptical machines, users are able to do exercises the easy way without sacrificing the amount of weight they would lose.
Many manufacturers have developed elliptical machines and incorporated high technology with them. Many were designed to provide natural motion of body when using the machine. They may be priced higher than other aerobic products but people can be assured that the physical benefits they would like to get will not be neglected.
Buyers can choose from a wide variety of elliptical machines that are now sold in the market. They may come in different forms, in prices and most are incorporated with the highest technology there is in aerobic products. People may still opt to buy the more traditional elliptical machines, which continue to be bestsellers.
Elliptical machines will continue to develop and provide optimum workout for its users. These machines will continue to grow in popularity since they appeal to almost all users. Anyone who uses the machine can be assured of a total workout and the same time will allow burning of fat and calories.
Tags: Benefits, Benefits Machines, Elliptical, Elliptical Machines, Machines
30 Oct 11 Folding Elliptical Trainer – Space Saving Benefits
Folding Elliptical Trainer – Space Saving Benefits
Over the past few years elliptical trainers have been crowned the ideal piece of home fitness equipment. One thing that has helped with this determination is the ability for many newer elliptical models to fold. This combined with the ability to obtain a high quality workout that raises your heart rate have made this the choice for professionals. Almost every major manufacturer produces at least one folding elliptical trainer.
This is ideal because after a workout you can quickly and easily store away your machine.
The most widely known brand of them that fold is the Profrom series of trainers, followed by the Vision Fitness brand, which also uses magnetic resistance.
Who is a folding elliptical trainer ideal for?
First and foremost anyone looking for a piece of sporting equipment that can be used within the home yet not require a room dedicated to fitness equipment. It is also great for people who live in an apartment where space is at a premium, once the workout is complete ease of storage is only minutes away.
Where can it be stored?
After completing the workout the elliptical trainer can be stored in a closet, in the corner of the room or even in the basement.
What are some of the major disadvantages?
Initially it may be a little hard to get used to folding the machine up or lowering it to actually use it. I recommend practicing the process a few times to get the hang of it then you will have no problem doing it in the future.
A second disadvantage is these type of machines are a little more expensive since the design is altered to allow the folding process.
In conclusion you should determine what exactly you need. If you have plenty of open space that you do not need to utilize you may be fine with a normal style model.
Tags: Benefits, Elliptical, folding, Saving, Saving Trainer, Trainer, Trainer Elliptical
