The Elliptical Cross Trainer – Low-Impact Workouts with High Impact Results
by Kevin Urban
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The Elliptical Cross Trainer is newer to the exercise world than the
more traditional treadmills and exercise bikes, but elliptical exercise
machines gained a huge following in recent years. There are several
reasons for this, and all of them are excellent things to keep in mind
when you are trying to decide on what kind of machine is right for you and
your workout needs.
Elliptical Trainer vs. Treadmill
The first thing to keep in mind when you compare these two is that the
elliptical machine was designed for a specific reason –to provide
low-impact exercises with great cardiovascular benefits. If you are
looking for a good cardio workout, you can’t go wrong with either one, but
with elliptical cross trainers you are saving your joints from undue
wear-and-tear. If you suffer from joint problems, especially with knees
and ankles, elliptical machines are the way to go.
Elliptical trainers also give you a smoother pace and less of the
“jerkiness” you’ll find with many other types of exercise equipment – you
feel like you’re gliding on air with a quality elliptical cross training
machine. Let’s face it, the comfort level of a workout can make or break
your decision to keep up with it long term.
Finally, elliptical cross trainers give you a better value for the
money than many treadmills. For between $250 and $600 you can choose from
a wide selection of elliptical machines. There are, of course, expensive
ones going for as much as $2,500, but you don’t have to approach this mark
for a really solid exercise machine.
Knowing What to Look For
Shopping for the right elliptical machine means looking at the various
elements that are essential to top performance as well as where and how
you are going to use it. If you want a beginner’s machine that will
provide smoothness and a basic workout, you won’t need to spend us much as
on a cross trainer with various exercise programs such as a more advanced
user might need.
Stride Length
Consider the elliptical machine’s stride length and compare carefully.
If the cross trainer’s stride length is too short, you won’t be getting an
effective workout of all the muscles in your legs even if you are still
getting cardio benefits from the exercise. This is more important to some
than to others, but if you are taller or have long legs, stride length is
a feature you must check.
Resistance
The elliptical trainer’s resistance can be adjusted with a belt (on a
lower end cross trainer) or be magnetic (on more expensive models. Again,
this is a matter of choice, although magnetic resistance elliptical
machines have fewer moving parts and so fewer break-downs.
Folding or Non-Folding?
Will you have your machine in a place where you’d like to store it away
when not in use? Unlike most exercise equipment, some elliptical cross
trainers can be folded flat enough to fit under your bed or tucked away in
a closet – great for smaller homes.
Fly Wheel
Don’t forget to look at the elliptical machine’s fly wheel. A larger
fly wheel will generally give you better performance. It’s not always the
case, but it’s a good rule of thumb. Some will be covered, others won’t.
If keeping the sound to a minimum while exercising is important while
using your cross trainer, get a covered fly wheel. This muffles the sound
if you have thin walls or work out late at night on your elliptical
trainer.
Finally, talk to others who own an elliptical cross trainer and see
what they have to say. Word of mouth can be a great source of information
when purchasing elliptical machines and exercise equipment – satisfaction
is the best advertising.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Urban is a freelance writer for Elliptical Machines 'N
Trainers.com, a consumer guide on the best elliptical trainers and machines. He has researched
dozens of elliptical machine reviews to find the best elliptical cross trainer for his home gym.
Copyright 2006 Elliptical-Machines-N-Trainers.com
Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if
the author's byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked.
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