Elliptical
fitness equipment is growing in popularity, and is gaining on treadmills as far
as total sales. Why is this relative newcomer suddenly the darling of the fitness
equipment industry? There are several reasons:
Low-Impact
Workout from Elliptical Motion
Elliptical
fitness equipment answers the needs of an aging population that is fraught with
injuries and stains. The majority of exercise related injuries are simply from
constant impact. There is impact from just about every type of cardio workout
you can perform. This is particularly true with running and even walking.
When
you run you impact 2.5 times your body weight with every stride and step. That
puts a considerable strain not only on your ankles and feet, but also your knees
and back. When you run or walk on concrete and asphalt you compound the problem.
Treadmills help to some extent, by absorbing some of the impact, but there is
still that constant jolt to your joints.
Elliptical fitness equipment moves
in an elliptical motion. There is never a real impact or reverse action. When
you combine the elliptical motion with articulating foot pedals, pedals that move
with your stride, you significantly reduce any strain to your joints.
Elliptical
Fitness Equipment Provides Total Body Workout
Actually total body
workout is more marketing hype, but elliptical trainers do provide an upper and
lower body workout. Not only does an elliptical tone parts of your upper body,
but it also maximizes your cardio workout. With the more comprehensive aerobic
exercise of an elliptical you are involving more of your muscle mass.
By
exercising more of your muscle mass you improve fat mobilization, which results
in burning more calories and building muscle endurance more efficiently. It is
suggested that this process reduces the perceived rate of exertion. In other words,
you are exercising harder and yet you do not notice a difference. With elliptical
fitness equipment you are getting an upper and lower body workout that utilizes
the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, chest, back, triceps and biceps. There
is no other machine that offers this benefit.
Buying
Elliptical Fitness Equipment
So
if you have come to the conclusion that an elliptical machine is right for you,
what should you buy? We recommend that you avoid the cheap equipment. We are talking
about the ellipticals that are found in mass retailer stores like Walmarts and
cost less than $1,000. If you want a machine that is going to last spend $1,000
or more. If you want heart rate control, add a couple dollars. The more you spend
the better quality and components. Also, you really notice a difference in the
elliptical motion. It is smooth rather than jerky.
Buy ellipticals with
a reasonable warranty. That should be minimum 2 years parts and 1 year labor.
Anything less suggest inferior quality.
A moderately priced machine should
last you since elliptical fitness equipment last longer from less impact than
a treadmill.
A good moderate priced machine is the Sole E356. It normally
is priced at $1,299, including shipping. Click here for Sole
E35 Elliptical Trainer Review.
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