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
01 Nov 11 How To Use An Elliptical Machine – Useful Beginner’s Tips
How To Use An Elliptical Machine – Useful Beginner’s Tips
Go to any popular health club today and you will see row after row of elliptical machines being used by people of every age group and size. Ellipticals give such an efficient low impact workout that they are allowing people who normally could not use aerobic equipment to get great workouts safely.
However many beginners often wonder how to use an elliptical machine properly. Although the elliptical machine is very easy to use and many people can figure it out just by trying it out, there are some things you need to do to use it properly.
Tips For a Better Workout
Maintain Correct Posture: While exercising on the elliptical trainer you want to keep your head and body upright and never slouch over. This will not give you the maximum benefits the machine has to offer.
Proper Arm Workout: Most elliptical trainers have arm levers that will give your upper body a great workout and allow you to burn maximum calories. If you use the levers make certain that you do not lean into them to support your body. Although working the upper body is optional it is highly recommended.
Comfortable Stride Length: Some newer elliptical treadmills have the ability to adjust the length of the machine stride. A shorter stride tends to work the buttocks more then a longer stride which tends to work the leg muscles more. If the machine you are using has this option set the stride for your comfort and fitness goals.
Program The Digital Counter: A large percentage of high end machines in health clubs have calorie counters that give you a rough estimate as to how many calories you have burned in your workout. In order to get the most accurate measurement you must enter your correct height, weight, age and sex.
Although they may seem very advanced nothing is further from the truth. In fact elliptical machines are very easy and fun to use, once you get on one you are almost guaranteed to enjoy it!
Tags: Beginners, Beginners Elliptical, Elliptical, Machine, Machine Useful, Useful
29 Oct 11 Getting the Most Out of an Elliptical Machine
Getting the Most Out of an Elliptical Machine
Do you want to get fit? Do you want to get yourself into a cardiovascular program that will shed pounds off your belly and keep your heart working in tip top shape? Most people would think that the answer to this is jumping on the treadmill or cycling endlessly. However such forms of exercise cause more pain than gain. If you are one of those who knows this very well then you might want to try using an elliptical machine.
In the 80s, the fitness world welcomed the arrival of cross-country sky machines. They were seen as better alternatives to the old-fashioned treadmills and stationary bikes because they allow health buffs to workout more with less time. The cross-country machines were indeed great in this light but a lot people find cross-country ski movements to be rather unnatural and thus more taxing to do. Because of this, innovative fitness machine developers modified the design to adapt to what people usually do with their body – walking, stepping, cycling, or skiing, but now with an elliptical motion, which produces less or no impact. This allows people to workout more and burn more calories without getting tired or burnt out easily.
How effective is an elliptical machine in burning calories?
There are hundreds of elliptical machines in the market and their effectiveness to burn calories varies greatly. Some manufacturers say that within an hour you can burn over 700 calories or more. While this may be true, the optimization of calorie-burning depends upon the user – how much time or how much effort is exerted working out is a primary factor on the elliptical machine‘s effectiveness. It is safe to say that the rates would be similar to those of cross-country ski machines.
Benefits and Drawbacks with Elliptical Machines
An elliptical machine allows exercises to work out their bodies in shorter periods with less or no strain. Elliptical machines can be used for all fitness levels, from beginner to athletic, and all working out ages. The elderly could well benefit from its use because it produces less stress on the joints. It can be a great alternative to cycling and running machines to prevent boredom from exercise. At home, it can be used while watching the TV or listening to the radio as it generally produces less noise compared to running on treadmills.
The problems with elliptical machines also lie on its benefits. Because it is easy to use, some people tend to overdo their workout. People forget the importance of warming up, stretching, and cooling down. Some exercisers also tend to work their heart rates up to the limits. The lack of impact may also result into the burning of fewer calories when not enough effort is exerted. The variety of models can be confusing to a lot of consumers as compared to buying more basic machines like the treadmill, where the only concern is for it to allow one to run continually.
When buying elliptical machines it is important to first check your budget and then see all models and brands that would match your funds. You should then check the features of each model and see what you think would best serve your purposes. It is important to try working out on the machine as you would normally work out – with proper shoes and clothes on. Most importantly, you should check with your doctor to see if the machine and the exercise it allows you to do would be appropriate for your health level.
Working out can be fun with an elliptical machine! Try and see for yourself.
Tags: Elliptical, Elliptical Machine, Getting, Machine
28 Oct 11 Rowing Machine vs Elliptical
Rowing Machine vs Elliptical
Years ago (c. 1983) before I joined a gym, I tried various exercise programs to keep fit. With my meager budget at the time, my options were rather limited. I tried running at the high school track since that was a cost-free activity. I forced myself out on to the hot asphalt track for a couple of weeks one summer, but eventually gave up because it was too monotonous and my knees started getting sore from the constant pounding.
I then decided to invest in a Precor rowing machine, which I purchased from a local sporting goods store. It set me back about 5, but I felt it was worth it since I desperately wanted to get in shape. Rowing machines were also quite the rage back then and I wanted to get in on the action too!
I used the Precor rower religiously for a while. After all, I had sunk a good portion of my savings into it! The machine itself was rather simply constructed and as a result, there wasn’t much that could malfunction or break on it.
Of course it did squeak like the Dickens and also left ugly black scuffmarks on my carpet. I eventually put a piece of scrap carpet under it to protect my carpet. I also got blisters on my hands from the “oars” and eventually started wearing my winter gloves to protect my hands.
Now fast forward to the 21st century. Rowing machines have really come a very long way since my primitive Precor machine! They use some of the very same technologies that are also employed in the top-of-the-line elliptical trainers. Features found on higher end ellipticals are also found on many rowers today such as magnetic resistance systems that are smooth and quiet. They also have heart rate monitors either built in to the handle grips or via wireless chest straps and a Polar interface. And of course, they have consoles that display distance, time, and calories burned just like most elliptical trainers.
So which is the better piece of fitness equipment? Let’s take a look at some criteria that should be used when evaluating any piece of exercise equipment:
*Safety – rowing machines are relatively safe, but care must be used in learning the proper exercise form. Unfortunately, many people don’t use proper form when using a rowing machine and put undue stress on their lower backs. Like an elliptical trainer, a rowing machine is low impact, but since the legs are flexed and extended, this puts stress on the knees, which could be uncomfortable for people with knee problems.
*Ease of use – as with safety, learning the proper use of a rowing machine is vital. Unlike an elliptical trainer, where its use is fairly intuitive, a rower requires proper instruction and practice in its use. There is more coordination required between the lower and upper body when using a rower. However, this shouldn’t deter you from using a rowing machine. Just take the time to ask for instruction from a qualified staff member or trainer at your health club or gym.
*Quality of workout – a rowing machine can provide a great cardio-vascular workout. It helps to monitor you heart rate and stay within the appropriate target zone for your age, condition, and training objective. As with an elliptical trainer, the involvement of both the upper and lower body can provide all around muscle toning.
*Affordability – rowing machines parallel elliptical trainers in price range. Like ellipticals, they span the gamut from cheap models to top-end, commercial grade units costing several thousand dollars. And like ellipticals, you typically get what you pay for. So avoid the cheap stuff unless you want the grief and aggravation that goes along with it!
Rowing machines and elliptical trainers are both very worthy pieces of exercise equipment. If you have the luxury, then why not use both? Cross training by switching up between the rowing machine and elliptical trainer will keep your body challenged while keeping your workouts fresh and enjoyable.
And what about that Precor rowing machine I bought back in 1983? It’s still sitting in my storage closet. And what about Precor? Well, they went on to invent the first elliptical trainer 12 years later in 1995.
Tags: Elliptical, Elliptical Machine, Machine, Machine Rowing, Rowing
23 Oct 11 Don’t Break Your Elliptical Machine! – Tips On Elliptical Care And Maintenance For The Extra Large
Don’t Break Your Elliptical Machine! – Tips On Elliptical Care And Maintenance For The Extra Large
I know this is a sensitive issue. I don’t mean to point fingers or call anybody names. The fact is, that many people use elliptical trainers because they want to lose weight. And unlike treadmills, which are tough and durable, your elliptical machine may not be able to bear the weight if you are an individual who is classified as “obese.”
If you are over about 250 pounds, you have to take special care with your elliptical. If possible, you should take into consideration that you need a tough machine when you are shopping for an elliptical. Elliptical machines are naturally not as durable as treadmills and other fitness equipment.
Check Out The Weight Limits When You Buy
Here’s a simple tip on buying ellipticals. If you see a model that is less than 0 and says that it has no weight limit, they are lying. One of the reasons why cheap machines are cheap is that they can’t carry as much of a load.
Unfortunately, companies often overestimate how much weight their machines can carry. This is especially the case with low end models. With a cheap elliptical, even someone who weighs 150 pounds may put a strain on it. Don’t believe the weight limits!
One way around this is to check the machine out yourself. Get on it and see how it runs. If it can’t hold you, it will start to wobble quickly. After a minute or so, you’ll know if it can hold you or not.
Another way around this is to buy a more expensive model that is especially designed to be durable. This may not be a practical solution if you want to save money on your machine, but a more expensive elliptical will be made to hold more.
This will cost you more, but look for an elliptical that is “commercial class.” These are the ones that are made for gyms and fitness centers. They are strong, and are made to withstand lots of abuse. But, they’ll cost you more.
Elliptical Machine Maintenance
There are two things you can do to make sure your elliptical isn’t going to croak. First, do a routine maintenance check once in a while. Make sure everything is screwed down and bolted, and nothing is loose. If things are rattling loose, you can tighten a few screws here and there and keep the machine from falling apart more.
Another thing to do is to use your ears. If you hear a grinding noise or anything else slightly out of the ordinary, check out your machine. Something is definitely wrong. You can fix most elliptical problems yourself with a screwdriver or two.
Always pay attention to your machine and take note of anything that may be running differently.
The Good News!
Elliptical trainers are great for losing weight with less stress. They offer an easier workout than treadmills, and you can lose the same amount of fat. Some models of ellipticals have BMI and body fat reading features. If your primary goal is shedding a few pounds, this is a great feature to help you keep tabs on your progress.
Almost all elliptical trainers, even the cheapest models, have heart rate monitors as a standard feature. These features are constantly being improved and being offered on less expensive models.
An elliptical machine is a wonderful, easy way to lose weight. Some research suggests it may be a better workout for obese individuals than a treadmill. In any case, with an elliptical machine you will see results quickly.
Tags: Elliptical, Machine, Machine Maintenance, Maintenance
22 Oct 11 Weight Loss Training on an Elliptical Machine
Weight Loss Training on an Elliptical Machine
When it comes to weight loss most people turn to the latest FAD diets or even to some gimmick “informercial machine“. The truth however is that nothing is as effective for losing weight as regular cardiovascular exercise. You have to work up a sweat and your have to do it consistently. Getting yr heart rate up and burning off those calories is still the most effective way to get rid of the extra pounds, but why do most people avoid it? Why do most people look for the quick fix and the so-called easy way out?
The simply truth is that most overweight people associate a lot of pain to exercise. Its like a burden and for many its an unpleasant “chore” that they don’t want to do. There is off course also the factor of physical pain and if you are overweight and haven’t exercised in years then it will most certainly be a painful experience.
This is exactly why I love elliptical trainers and why I highly recommend it for weight loss training. Ellipticals are excellent cross trainers and you can hardly find a health club these days that don’t use them. The main benefit is the fact that you can get a complete upper and lower body workout in one machine that has virtually no impact on your legs and joints. While running is pretty hard on your legs and joints, an elliptical trainer has virtually zero impact which means that it takes all the physical pain out of the equation.
An elliptical can give you a full body workout and it involves all the main muscle groups. No other workout machines offers the cardiovascular benefits that an elliptical trainer does and you can argue that it’s the only piece of equipment you need to lose weight with exercise. A brisk 30 to 40 minute workout 5 days a week is guaranteed to produce results.
Home elliptical machines have become rather affordable and having one of these to train while you watch your favorite TV show will take away all your excuses for not exercising or losing weight. Its fun, its easy and its painless. Why not start today?
Tags: Elliptical, Machine, Machine Weight, Training, Weight, Weight Machine
