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
06 Dec 11 Get A Total Body Workout With An Elliptical Machine
Get A Total Body Workout With An Elliptical Machine
Whether you work out at home, on some home gym equipment or you are attending a health club, cardiovascular exercise is an important part of your exercise regime. Elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity both in health clubs all over North America and as machines in people’s homes all over.
Why Are Elliptical Machines So Popular?
Elliptical crosstrainers have gained popularity so quickly because they are extremely beneficial exercise machines. If you are looking for a highly effective fat burning workout, than an elliptical machine is the piece of equipment for you. When you walk into your health club you will be faced with a number of different choices for cardio equipment. What should you choose? If you are looking for a complete body cardio workout that is low impact than an elliptical trainer is for you.
What Does Low Impact Mean?
Elliptical trainers are low impact because your feet do not have to leave the foot pads during the workout. When you workout on a traditional treadmill your feet will repeatedly lift from the pad and strike it, causing impact on your joints. The joints that are affected with an impact form of exercise are usually the knees, ankles, hips and back. With an elliptical machine you still get the benefits of other impact machines but with no impact thereby saving unnecessary wear and tear on your joints.
What About Losing Weight?
In today’s time crunched society everyone is looking for a quick fix. More and more overweight people are looking for an easy solution to lose weight and keep it off. The truth is that there is no magic pill that you can take, a sensible diet and regular exercise is the only solution to the problem of obesity. If you need to lose weight then you will need to engage your body in aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping faster and it allows your body to burn calories faster and more effectively. The elliptical crosstrainer is a very effective machine that allows your body to work harder, faster and burn more calories.
Elliptical trainers burn calories faster because you are using both your arms and your legs during the workout. By using both arms and legs you are utilizing two major muscle areas instead of just one as you do with steppers or treadmills. Because you are engaging more major muscle groups you are optimizing your energy expenditure which burns more calories. And as we all know, if you want to kick start fat burning, you need to use calories.
Total body exercise is beneficial because you will be able to sculpt and tone your legs, buttocks and hips as well as your arms, chest and back. By using your entire body in an aerobic activity you are able to burn calories faster while you are toning and sculpting all of those muscles.
What About My Bones?
In recent years there has been a lot of information in the health world about bone density and osteoporosis. It has come to be known that in order to prevent the disease or slow its progress you should engage in weight bearing exercise. This is particularly important for women who face a greater risk of this bone disease.
Generally if you want to perform weight bearing exercise, it will take the form of using free weights or weight machines in the gym. But you can also perform a cardiovascular exercise that is weight bearing exercise as well. With elliptical machines you are not only getting an excellent cardio workout, but you are also getting a weight resistant exercise as well which helps to build bone density.
Is An Elliptical Challenging Enough For Me?
Sometimes, more advanced exercisers will worry that they will soon out perform their gym equipment and require something more challenging. This is not a concern with an elliptical trainer because you can adjust the tension and resistance on the machine allowing it to grow with the individual.
Most of the better elliptical trainers also have on board computers which allow the user to set different programs each time that they work out. You can choose from different weight loss workouts, and interval workouts. Most machines have between six and eight different programs in the on board computer.
Who Can Use The Elliptical Trainer?
The wonderful thing about the elliptical exerciser is that it is easy to use and everyone, regardless of their personal fitness level can use it successfully with very little training. Because the machine simulates the action of walking and running combined with skiing and cycling it is a workout that appeals to many different people.
The elliptical machines are great for pregnant women who want to remain active through their pregnancy as well because the workout is a low impact workout. And because it is low impact it also appeals to older people who have joint problems as well.
What Is The Bottom Line?
The bottom line is that the elliptical trainer provides an excellent total body workout for people of all fitness levels. Whether you want to lose weight or just get an effective cardio workout the elliptical cross trainer is an excellent choice.
© 2005 http://www.best-elliptical-trainers.com
Tags: Elliptical, Elliptical Machine, Machine, Workout, Workout Machine
04 Dec 11 Top 6 Advantages of Using an Elliptical Machine Instead of Running
Top 6 Advantages of Using an Elliptical Machine Instead of Running
Beginning of April in Ohio brings runners out of the wood works, but a month later there seems to be less and less people wanting to or able to run. Running is not easy and it is very tough on your body. Running is a wonderful exercise if you want to lose weight but only if a person can consistently do their running routine. If all running does is breakdown the body and does more harm than good then it isn’t being productive. This is where an elliptical machine comes in for a low impact alternative to running. Here we’ll discuss the advantages of using an elliptical cross trainer over a running regiment.
Advantage #1: Low Impact
Actually, there is practically no impact when using an elliptical machine. There are days where my body could not handle the pounding of the pavement that comes with running but I could still get in a challenging 30 minute routine on an elliptical cross trainer. The jarring that comes when running can lead to shin splints, stress fractures, blisters, ligament damage, back pain, and similar ailments. No matter how slow or fast a person goes running there will be strain on a person body. An elliptical takes all that away and forces on the working of the muscles the way they were meant to be worked. If you are trying to get into running shape or you are looking for an alternative to running then does exercise on an elliptical cross training machine is the way to go.
Advantage #2: Simulates Running
Elliptical machines are unique because they combine running and bicycling into one activity. It uses the motion of running with the lack of impact of bicycling. There are many days where my calves cannot take another day of running but I still want to get a run in. My elliptical allows me to simulate the running motion but without the strain of running on the street. In fact, I can sometimes get in a harder workout on the elliptical compared to the 5 or 10 minutes my body would have given me to run in these cases.
Advantage #3: Varying Resistance
When running the only way to get more resistance is run faster or have a good steady wind in your face. Those options are not ideal to say the least. With an elliptical you can do preset routines that will adjust the resistance to challenge you and give you that needed break when needed without actually going any faster. At a push of a button you can increase or decrease your resistance to the desired amount. This is perfect for a person that wants to challenge themselves by doing a little interval training. Running cannot match this type of ability to adapt to different situations.
Advantage #4: Possible Incline Feature
Not all elliptical machines offer an incline function, but what a great feature for the ones that do. Think about all the times that you had to walk up a hill to get to something and how different that felt to you than walking on flat ground. Now picture doing a simulated workout for a whole elliptical machine routine. If you are looking for A LOT of extra something in your cardio workout I’d definitely try using the incline function on some elliptical machines.
Advantage #5: Technology Perks
Different elliptical gym equipment come with different technology perks. Most nowadays offer a slot for an iPod with decent speakers for them played on. Most also have heart monitors as well but some are the clip on variety while others have the handles you can hold to get the reading. The real fancy machines are able to connect to the internet for online workouts, journaling, and easy download to a webpage. For instance, NordicTrack is starting to offer iFit workouts with Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser TV series. Technology is constantly changing so get educated and aware of what is out there.
Advantage #6: Convenient and Entertaining
I really have no excuse not to get a workout in because my elliptical is conveniently located by a TV so I can watch a TV show, movie, or even a music CD. It is amazing how long you can go on an elliptical when you are being entertained. If I am going to be watching TV anyways why not get a workout as well?
My elliptical has been one of the best pieces of home gym equipment that I have purchased; Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells is the other. I know the machines can be pricey but if you are committed to getting in shape I highly recommend integrating an elliptical routine in your fitness plan.
Tags: Advantages, Elliptical, Instead, Instead Advantages, Machine, Machine Running, Running
28 Nov 11 Best Home Elliptical Machine – Simple Steps Before You Buy
Best Home Elliptical Machine – Simple Steps Before You Buy
What is the best home elliptical machine? That is a question many first-time home exercise equipment buyers ask. Some things are really important to take into consideration: this includes price, quality, and the size you have dedicated to machine.
Price:
Prior to purchasing an elliptical trainer you should have an ideal amount of money you are looking to spend. By having a predetermined budget you’re unlikely to spend more than what you can afford to and get the best elliptical trainer for your home. This will also help as many online retailers allow you to select items by price range. You have to understand oftentimes you get what you pay for, so you should be careful as to not buy too cheap of a machine.
Quality:
A quality of your elliptical machine is also vitally important. You need to make sure that you take this into account prior to purchasing your elliptical machine. Too many newer users do not research properly purchase a low-end elliptical machine only to find it breaks after a short period of time(usually just after the warranty period). Then, they must go out and purchase a more expensive, higher quality machine costing them more than if they bought a higher quality one to begin with since they had to make two purchases.
Size Of Machine:
Most elliptical trainers are all similar in size, this sometimes poses a challenge for people looking to use an elliptical trainer, but are limited in the space they have to dedicated to it. Before you purchase a machine online visit a physical local store and measure the machine you’re thinking about buying to make sure fits into your space. Many online stores will have measurements of each machine but they’re not always accurate.
In conclusion if you follow these few simple principles should successfully buy the best elliptical machine to use in your home.
Tags: Before, Before Simple, Elliptical, Machine, Machine Before, Simple
21 Nov 11 Get Off the Elliptical Machine!
Get Off the Elliptical Machine!
As I walked into the gym today, I saw a sign: “You must sign in to use elliptical/treadmill due to high demand. 30 minute time limit.”
Wow. As I made my way to the locker room I walked past the packed out “cardio” area. A few minutes later I entered the weight lifting room. There was a whopping 3 people in there; all on machines…of course.
Before I continue, I must make a confession: Several years ago I used to spend several hours a week on an elliptical machine. I thought I was doing the “right thing” for keeping my body lean and healthy.
I continued this for probably a year or so. One day, I realized my true hatred of spending so much time on a machine. I never liked it to begin with, but now I really hated it.
In my frustration I searched for a better answer to my body composition goals. To keep a long story short, I discovered the truth about intervals and weight training.
To keep this from being a 10 page report, I’ll be brief. The truth is that if you want maximum results in minimum time, you absolutely must engage in strength training. If you want to do more to help your body composition, do interval training (bodyweight exercises, or machines-bike, treadmill, rower).
After learning this exciting news, I got off the elliptical for good and just stuck with my weight training and added intervals a few times a week. To be honest, I was nervous. Would I gain more fat? Would my body suffer from removing hours of activity every week?
Nope. I didn’t gain any additional fat. Heck, to be honest, I felt a lot better! I was no longer a slave to a machine. After I learned about better nutrition and continued my education on weight training and intervals, my body went to a whole new (and improved) level.
I was leaner. I was stronger. I just felt better. And I had more time! I will never go back to wasting time on a machine.
I am still amazed when people come up to me in the gym and ask how I “got in such great shape.” I’ll reply with, “I lift weights at least 3 times a week. I’ll also do some bodyweight circuits or intervals with dumbbells once or twice a week. ” Then they automatically ask, “But what about cardio? Do you run?” This is always the fun part, “No. I don’t use any machines or do any long cardio sessions.”
A couple days later, I run into the same person. Guess what she’s doing? She’s plodding along on the elliptical, reading a magazine nonetheless.
It confuses the hell out of me sometimes. When people ask how I got my body lean, and I tell how, they still don’t listen! If only they would get off the machine and use that 30 minutes to lift weights! They would see amazing results!
Oh well. I’ll stop ranting now. I only hope that you heed my advice and stop spending endless time on a machine in hopes of getting your ideal body.
Lift weights, and use a weight that is actually challenging. Don’t even think about touching the pretty pink dumbbells.
Tags: Elliptical, Machine, Machine Elliptical
19 Nov 11 Elliptical Exercise Machine – Tips on How to Choose The Best
Elliptical Exercise Machine – Tips on How to Choose The Best
Interested in getting a good piece of exercise equipment? Consider an Elliptical Exercise Machine. An elliptical trainer is similar to a treadmill, but it isn’t as hard on the knees. You get a great cardio workout and it is a great way to lose weight.
So what do you need to consider when buying one? Here are some tips on how to choose The best elliptical exercise machine.
- Drive Design There are three different designs on the market – front, rear and center drive. They all do a good job, but give you a different posture. Front drive ellipticals tend to give you a more sloped elliptical path (more like stair stepping) whereas read drive tend to be a flatter path (more like walking). Center drive Elliptical Machines put you more into an upright position. There is no decision that any one is better, so it depends on your personal preference.
- Stride Length What is the maximum distance between the pedals? Being able to adjust the stride length will make your workout more comfortable. It also will help with a proper workout. With most machines stride lengths range from 13? up to 22?. Most people are comfortable with an 18 – 20? stride.
- Arm Bars Older models have fixed arm bars, but most elliptical machines these days have moving arm bars. They are the better choice as this will give you an upper body work out in addition to the walking.
- Foot Pedals You have the choice between stationary foot pedals (cheaper models), but ergonomically designed or cushioned foot pedals are the better choice. They help to limit the stress on your ankles and toes so you don’t get the toe numbness which is common with longer elliptical workouts.
- Incline This feature will allow you to increases the slope of your elliptical path. That way you will be working different muscles which is a great option to keep your training challenging. Check the level of incline available as it can vary quite a bit. Some machines allow you up to 40 degrees.
- Control Panel Different Elliptical Machines will give you different information and options in their control panel. As a minimum they should be able to show you
- calories burned
- distance achieved
- steps per minute
- resistance settings
Some might also have a heart rate monitor. Make sure that you can read the display in different light conditions.
- Programs & Entertainment Most elliptical exercise machines these days come with some pre-programmed workout routines. The more fancy once can have a built-in iPod docket, WiFi connection so you can download more workouts and keep track online of your results and more. These features are not necessary but might be nice to have.
- Pricing You can buy a brand new machine or go for a refurbished exercise equipment. They can be cheaper or you can get a better quality machine for the price of a home brand. Make sure you know what you are buying before you sign the contract.
So there you have 8 Tips on How to Choose The Best Elliptical Exercise Machine. Make sure you do your research before you buy and test the machines either in the gym or the shop for at least a few minutes. This way you will make sure you choose the best elliptical exercise machine for our home gym.
Tags: Choose, Elliptical, Elliptical Machine, Exercise, Machine, Machine Exercise
13 Nov 11 Best Elliptical Machine – The Tony Little Gazelle Elliptical Trainer Rocks the House
Best Elliptical Machine – The Tony Little Gazelle Elliptical Trainer Rocks the House
You’ve made up your mind that it’s time to permanently lose the extra weight that’s been cramping your style, and for that, I just wanna say to you . . .
Hurray!
The first step in loosing any significant amount of weight is making that commitment to yourself that you’re serious about reaching your goal. Now, you’re wondering to yourself, “Can I loose weight using an elliptical?
The answer to that is a resounding yes!
Elliptical trainers are considered by many medical doctors, and professional fitness trainers, to be one of the best exercise machines for the home that can give you a full body workout, while causing considerably less stress on sensitive joints like knees and ankles.
For the average person, who’s not a professional athlete, the best elliptical for the money in my book is the Tony Little Gazelle. There’s a reason why the Gazelle is one of the most popular exercise machines in America.
For one thing, it’s very easy to use. You simply get on, grab a hold of the balance bars and away you go.
The Gazelle is also great if you have any kind of back problems. Tony Little knows what it’s like to suffer from chronic back pain. In fact, his back pain was so bad at one point that it led him into a very sedentary lifestyle, and resulted in him gaining a lot of unwanted weight. Yes, my friends, Tony Little used to be overweight.
He found his way back to good health (and a great body) by doing low impact workouts, so Tony knows that this is the easiest way to get in shape. There are many exercise machines out there that will push and pull you this way and that, causing you to aggravate physical problems you may already have. If you suffer from joint and back pain, exercise can sometimes be extremely painful.
Tony knows this and has taken great care to make all of his Gazelle trainers very gentle on the body so that you’ll have no trouble in getting a good workout. Another thing I like about the Gazelle is that it’s one of the best folding ellipticals you’ll find. Nobody wants a big, bulky piece of exercise equipment hogging up precious space in the room. The Gazelle folds up easily for quick storage.
Tony has four different versions to choose from: the Gazelle Freestyle, the Gazelle Power Plus, the Gazelle Edge and the Gazelle Sprintmaster. Each one offers various training solutions, depending on personal preferences. Also, each machine is built to last, so you’ll be gliding on it a long time after you’ve reached your personal weight loss goal.
Now, this machine isn’t for you if you want all the bells and whistles that some of the more expensive elliptical trainers have. However, I would say that you shouldn’t underestimate the workout benefits that you can get from using this particular machine.
There’s a testimonial on Tony’s site from an ex-pro football player who admits that he has a whole lot of exercise equipment in his home gym, but he uses the Gazelle the most because it gives him a better workout. That goes to show you that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to maintain a muscular physique.
I think the Gazelle is the best elliptical machine because it offers real results for the average person who wants to get in shape and stay that way – plus, it’s a whole lotta fun!
Tags: Elliptical, Elliptical Little, Gazelle, Gazelle Elliptical, Little, Machine, Trainer
02 Nov 11 Elliptical Machines Vs Exercise Bikes Vs Treadmills – Best Machine For Rehabilitating a Knee Injury
Elliptical Machines Vs Exercise Bikes Vs Treadmills – Best Machine For Rehabilitating a Knee Injury
A knee injury is no laughing matter. While it’s natural to want to rehabilitate an injured knee as quickly as possible, it’s also important to to go about it the right way. All too often, people with injured knees become overzealous and actually prolong the severity of their injuries by engaging in exercises that exacerbate the problem. One of the key things to keep in mind when it comes to healing a knee injury is that low-impact exercises are always best. You should avoid jarring, extreme movements at all costs. The right exercise equipment can help you heal your knee injury a lot more quickly; find out what the best one is below.
The Wrong Equipment can Worsen a Knee Injury
In order to pinpoint the right kind of exercise equipment to use when rehabilitating an injured knee, it helps to rule out less-than-beneficial equipment first. By keeping the importance of low-impact exercises in mind, it’s fairly easy to zero in on the most effective types of equipment. If it turns out that you already have the right equipment at home, you’re good to go; if not, investing in the right kind is well worth it. After all, regular, careful exercise can help strengthen the muscles that support your knee, allowing it to heal that much faster.
Treadmills: Too Risky
If low-impact exercises are essential for rehabilitating an injured knee, a treadmill is not the best option. Treadmills are versatile, to be sure; however, it’s all too easy to get carried away and inadvertently jar or jostle your knee. Also, you’ll be putting extra weight on your knee while working out on this type of equipment – and that’s far from ideal.
Elliptical Machines: Too Intense
As a cross between a stationary bike and a stair climber, an elliptical machine offers a topnotch cardiovascular workout. However, it’s not an ideal choice for rehabilitating an injured knee. The constant up-and-down motion that’s involved in using one can needlessly over-stress a knee that is already weak and injured. Like treadmills, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the moment when using elliptical machines, a phenomenon that causes more harm than good.
Exercise Bikes: Too Inconsistent
When adjusted the right way, an exercise bike can be a suitable choice for strengthening and rehabilitating an injured knee. However, it’s difficult to tell whether you’ve set one up properly. The trick to doing so is adjusting the seat properly. Ideally, your knee shouldn’t bend beyond a 90-degree angle; it should be slightly bent when the pedal is pushed as far as it can go. If exercise bikes aren’t adjusted properly, an existing injury can be exacerbated.
Tags: Elliptical, Exercise, injury, Machine, Machine Exercise, Machines, Rehabilitating, Treadmills, Treadmills Machine
