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Elliptical Trainers
- Are They The Perfect Workout? |
by:
Mike Singh |
Elliptical
trainers are the hottest of the hot in fitness equipment. They
are easy to use, and provide a great workout. Using an
elliptical machine will give you a great cardio workout, similar
to that of running, and will tone your lower body as well. And,
because the impact is less than that of walking, even those of
us with not so great knees can use an elliptical trainer without
pain. Many people are finding the elliptical trainer to be such
a great workout that they aren't interested in doing anything
else. However, no one machine can give the perfect workout. So,
how does the elliptical machine stack up against other ways of
working out? Well, if you take a closer look, you'll find that
elliptical training has distinct advantages, but a few
disadvantages too.
One of the great benefits of elliptical trainers is that it provides an
aerobic workout through a weight bearing exercise. Running does
this, of course, but working out on an elliptical trainer
provides an impact to your joints comparable to walking. In
addition, many people report that working out on an elliptical
trainer feels like less work than working out on a treadmill.
Plus, if you use the upper poles on the elliptical machine, you
are working your upper body as well. With a treadmill, you get
no upper body workout.
Serious Runners Take Note
But, what if you are training for a marathon? Here's where a treadmill has a
real advantage over the elliptical. If you are training to be a
runner, you need to run. The gliding motion of the elliptical
machine won't provide you training comparable to running in
terms of preparation for a race.
Another issue you should consider is your need to build muscle. If you are
looking to build bulk, you will still need to lift weights.
Elliptical trainers provide great cardio workouts, and are great
for toning your legs and arms, but they won't build bulk. For a
complete training regimen, it is best to alternate using the
elliptical trainer with weight machines and free weights a few
days a week.
Impact Is Not All Bad
One final issue about elliptical trainers - the very thing that makes them
great also has its own disadvantage. Elliptical trainers are so
popular because they provide a low impact workout. But impact
has its advantages, especially if you don't have knee problems.
Your body responds to the shock of the impact of exercise by
building new bone cells, thereby increasing your bone density.
So, if your knees are healthy enough to withstand the impact,
running will protect your bone health in the long run.
The most important issue when it comes to any exercise is longevity. You
need to find an exercise that you can stick with. If you have
joint or knee problems, an elliptical trainer can allow you to
workout more easily than other weight bearing exercises. But, if
you love to run, and are healthy enough to do so, the elliptical
trainer might not be for you. It is beneficial to try out both
machines, and, if you're buying a machine, be sure to check out
elliptical trainer reviews as well as those on treadmills. Be
assured that both can help you improve your cardiovascular
health, lose weight, and gain overall fitness.
About the author:
Mike Singh is a fitness instructor and writer, who
provides
unbiased reviews of fitness products for consumers looking for
quality information. Checkout the largest collection of
brand-name elliptical trainer reviews online at
http://www.elliptical-trainers-reviews.com,the latest news
on fitness products at
http://www.1-stop-fitness.comand low-carb diet recipes at
http://www.low-carb-diet-recipe.info
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