Working Out With Low-Impact Elliptical
Exercise Machines - Benefits Of Elliptical Cross
Trainers
by Julie-Ann
Amos
zone3
Elliptical exercise machines are soaring in popularity, and for good
reason. They are among the most effective pieces of fitness equipment on
the market today. The all over workout you get with elliptical cross
trainers is well suited to many different fitness levels and it is easy to
learn the proper techniques for using one.
Benefits of Elliptical Machines
Elliptical trainers provide tremendous benefits to users,
including:
Weight Bearing Exercises Fitness experts agree that a
weight-bearing workout is the best way to improve conditioning, increase
bone density, strengthen muscles, and burn calories efficiently.
Low-Impact Workout Despite providing a good weight-bearing
workout, an elliptical cross training machine is very low impact. This
means less stress on your joints during cross training exercises because
your feet never leave the pedals and therefore do not experience high
impacts.
Cardiovascular Workouts An elliptical machine or cross
trainer provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, a key part of
overall fitness. Whether you want to lose weight, firm up your body, or a
combination of both, incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your
workout routine is critical to your long-term success.
Other Factors
Anyone who has ever gone through the cycle of starting and stopping an
exercise routine several times will tell you that one key to sticking with
your routine is to find something that gives you maximum results in the
shortest amount of time. Elliptical cross training fits the bill
perfectly. Most people live busy lives and do not have several hours per
day to devote to total body exercise, so an elliptical machine lets them
get in a good workout in a minimal amount of time.
Motivation to exercise is a big issue for many people, but most
elliptical machine users will tell you that they have an easier time
staying motivated to get on their machine. This is because you can vary
your workout tremendously, depending on the amount of intensity you want,
and also do other things like read or watch TV while on your elliptical
machine. This helps reduce boredom and increase the likelihood that you
will use your elliptical for low-impact cross training regularly.
Proper Technique and Motion
Any exercise or fitness equipment can cause injury or discomfort when
used improperly, and elliptical cross training machines are no exception.
They are among the easiest pieces of equipment to use, but still require
you to use proper techniques for maximum safety and fitness benefit.
Here are a few key tips to remember:
Adjustment Make sure the elliptical machine is adjusted
properly to your size and range of motion. For most people, a step length
of 18 to 24 inches is recommended to start.
Intensity Familiarize yourself with how to change the
intensity of your elliptical cross training. You may be able to increase
resistance, increase the incline, or a combination of both. Remember that
it is better to exercise at a lower intensity until you have built up the
strength and stamina to a more intense regimen.
Posture Always maintain an upright posture while on an
elliptical workout machine or cross trainer. Keep your shoulders back,
chin up, back straight, and abdominals tight. Do not lean forward over the
balance bar or handles; instead, make sure your body weight is being
carried by your lower body throughout the exercise.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie-Ann Amos is a freelance writer
for Elliptical Machines 'N Trainers.com, a consumer guide on elliptical exercise machines . She researched dozens of elliptical trainer reviews to write this article on the
features of the best elliptical trainers and machines.
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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