 |
|
|
|
Men's Health | Women's Health | Children's Health | Elder Health Holistic Health | Healthy Heart | Cancer | Weight Loss Exercise & Fitness | Healthy Resources | HOME PAGE Health Club 101 DIRECT Natural Supplements | HGH Energizer | Eazol Natural Pain Relief | Revitol Cellulite Solution IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Menopause Symptoms Relief | Insomnia Sleeping Aid Articles & Information Medicine | Nutrition | Exercise | Fitness Equipment | Pregnancy Bodybuilding Supplements | Weight Loss | Breast Cancer | Diabetes Category Site Map |
 |
Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular
Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular Health Ever since their introduction on the fitness scene several years ago, elliptical exercise machines have become increasing more popular and sophisticated. Estimates indicate that over six million people now prefer elliptical machines as their choice for home exercise equipment. The main reason elliptical exercise machines have become so popular is that they provide a low impact, total body workout that is challenging enough for serious athletes but safe enough for beginners and even expectant mothers. And when it comes to cardiovascular workouts, elliptical machines are tough to beat. Low Impact Workout Over time, research has shown that in order to maintain healthy bone density, it is necessary to engage in weight-bearing activities such as running, racquetball, aerobics, and other forms of exercise where you remain on your feet. But many of these activities involve jarring the bones and muscles and can aggravate old injuries and even cause new ones. The joints that can be injured or irritated with an impact form of exercise are usually the knees, ankles, hips and back. Pregnant women, people with arthritis, and those who are recovering from an accident often require a low impact exercise routine, and that is exactly what the elliptical exercise machines provide. With an elliptical machine, you stand with your feet on small, movable platforms, so you are bearing weight, which is good for bone density. But the oval pedaling movement of the machine, which is caused by you stepping up and down on the platforms or pedals, is smooth and flowing. This is the same type of elliptical pattern that the human foot follows when we walk or run. Although the movement is similar to these activities, there is none of the jarring that usually takes place when outdoors or on a treadmill. With an elliptical exercise machine, your feet never leave the footpads. Not only does this make for a safer workout, it reduces the stress on your joints. Many people have compared elliptical exercise equipment to pedaling a bike while standing up. Others have said they are like a cross between stair climbers and cross country skiing. But unlike a stair stepper, which comes to a halt before reversing direction between up and down strokes, an elliptical machine provides continuous flow. By using different inclines and stepping speeds, you vary the amount of flexion at the ankle and knees and further reduce the amount of repetitive impact on your feet, legs, and back. An elliptical machine provides the benefits of weight bearing exercise but without the harmful stress and impact on your joints and muscles. There are few home exercise machines out there that give the same quality low impact workout. Total Body Workout Elliptical exercise machines also provide a total body workout. Because you are standing and walking or running in place, you use your leg muscles as well as those in your buttocks, back, and abdomen. Most elliptical machines have a setting to reverse the direction of motion, allowing you to "go backwards" and work additional muscles that very few other exercise workouts target. In addition, you can swing your arms, carry small hand weights, or use elliptical machines that come with handles and arms to enhance your upper body workout as well, sculpting your biceps, triceps and other upper body muscles while increasing your calorie burn and cardiovascular impact. Exercise experts caution that resting your arms on the frame of the machine or the upper body handles decreases the overall impact of the workout. They stress the importance of letting your legs and torso carry all of your weight so that you get the highest level of total body workout. Many elliptical machines allow you to adjust the resistance setting and change the incline. These adjustments increase the challenge level of your workout and also target different sets of muscles. The standing position and motion used to operate the machine provide for excellent hip extension and flexion as well as outstanding knee range of motion. For an all over body workout, few home gyms compare to an elliptical machine. Cardiovascular Workout Research has found that elliptical exercise machines also provide some of the best cardiovascular workouts of any home fitness equipment. The cardio benefits come from the fact that you are getting a total body workout and using many muscle groups. Since you can adjust incline, speed and other factors, you can maximize cardio impact, making elliptical trainers more effective than weight lifting, leg presses, or other less comprehensive types of exercise. Some elliptical machines come with built in, programmable computers and heart rate monitors to help ensure that you are getting the most out of your exercise routine. The better machines have five to seven different workouts that can be programmed. In addition, many people feel that the elliptical motion feels natural and is easy to sustain. They find that elliptical machines compliment and enhance normal body movements, making it feel as though this type of workout requires less exertion than other types of exercise. But in fact, studies have shown that elliptical exercise works the cardio muscles and burns calories on a level equal or greater than treadmills, stair steppers and other similar equipment. It only feels easier to use an elliptical machine. Because most people find elliptical exercise equipment easy and fun to use, they are more likely to workout on a regular basis. Ongoing, consistent exercise is a key aspect of attaining good overall cardiovascular health. Something For Everyone Elliptical machine workouts have become one of the most popular forms of exercise, both in the gym and at home. The ease of use for all fitness levels, along with the low impact benefits, cardiovascular features, and total body capabilities make elliptical trainers an ideal choice for nearly anyone looking to get in shape, lose some weight, or even train for athletic events. The increasing popularity of elliptical technology has led to many different brands and models of equipment as well as numerous variations on the technology. Those seeking to purchase elliptical exercise equipment have many choices in a variety of price ranges, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Look for machines that have a sturdy frame, adequately sized foot platforms, upper body handles, and adjustable inclines and directions. With these features on an elliptical home gym, you will be assured of getting a low impact, cardio-friendly, total body workout. About the Author: C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for http://www.elliptical-machines-n-trainers.comShe has researched a variety of different exercise equipment and believes that elliptical trainers and elliptical machines provide some of the most user-friendly workouts available. Copyright 2005 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.
MORE RESOURCES:
Men's Health
|
Women's
Health |
Children's
Health |
Elder
Health
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Heart Rate Monitors - an Overview A heart rate monitor is a device that allows users of exercise machines to check their heart rate whilst training. It usually consists of two elements, a wrist receiver and a chest strap. Landice Treadmills - A Quick Review of the Landice Treadmill If you're looking to buy a high end home treadmill (or a commercial grade treadmill) chances are you've heard the name 'Landice' thrown about quite a bit.That may leave you wondering 'Should I invest in a Landice treadmill?' Here's a quick review of Landice treadmills to help you decide. How to Pick the Right Pair of Running Shoes Are you ready to start a new healthy habit of running or a seasoned runner looking to replace an old pair of shoes? Either way, it is very important to buy the right pair of shoes for you - not necessarily the ones that are the most technically advanced or on the sale rack!At least for me, it is so tempting to hit the sale rack when I begin my search for new shoes. It kills me to spend anymore than I absolutely have to, but with running shoes, I have found, it is one thing to not spare any expense. 6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Personal Trainer Once reserved only for the rich and famous, personal fitness training has hit the mainstream. A personal trainer is now as common as a pair of good cross trainers and a water bottle. The Epic T60 Treadmill Rocks The Epic T60 treadmill, an economical choice for both running and walking exercise, is available only to Costco members. This members-only discount warehouse retail specialist has locations all over the globe - 37 U. Best Home Gyms Tips Best home gymsIt isn't always easy to find the best home gyms without a little trepidation. But have no fear as shopping through what are touted as the best home gym has been simplified. How to Buy A Treadmill - Key Points Finding the best treadmill to buy shouldn't be a difficultthing to do. Treadmills have long been touted as a majorplayer in the health and fitness field and for good reason. Best Elliptical Trainer - Elliptical Secrets of Success Thinking about purchasing an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can help you reach and exceed your fitness goals? Elliptical trainers are one of the best fitness products to be developed in recent years because they are cost effective yet efficient.This article will discuss the benefits of working out with the various elliptical trainers on the market. Russian Kettlebell Workout Russian Kettlebells are amazing! These kettlebell workouts may be the answer to maintaining a home gym or having an expensive club membership.With Russian kettlebells you can develop superior gains over traditional workout methods and save lots of space in your home. Pacemaster Treadmill Reviews Runner's World, a magazine for athletes who are serious about their exercise, includes Pacemaster treadmill reviews in its repertoire of sporting information, One of the latest evaluations included as part of its Pacemaster treadmill reviews is that of the Pacemaster ProElite.This treadmill, retailing at over $2000, offers a 3 hp motor, a noteworthy maximum speed of 12 mph, an incline of up to 15 percent and a running area 20 by 58 inches. Refurbished Treadmills - What Exactly Are They? Refurbished treadmills are big business. Because treadmills can be so expensive there are many who can not afford to buy a new one. Horizon Elite Treadmills Horizon Elite treadmills, a series of high quality fitness products, are manufactured by Horizon Fitness of DeForest Wisconsin. Horizon Elite treadmills are extremely durable, high-end performers created with the committed athlete in mind. Treadmill Lubrication Treadmill Lubrication - Ya Gotta Grease The SkidsTreadmill lubrication on many treadmills is a necessary part of equipment maintenance and care. Failure to regularly lubricate the treadbelt will result in increased wear, substantially shortening its lifespan. Proform - The Highly Recognized Name in Treadmills Proform is a highly recognized name in treadmills. Proform has been around for many years and is a subsidiary of the same company that manufactures Nordic Track and Reebok. Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you've heard. Treadmill Training! According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers Association, treadmills are the #1 home-fitness item, outdistancing stair-climbers, stationery bicycles, rowing machines and cross-country skiers. In fact, some surveys indicate that nearly 40 million Americans run on treadmills. Cheap Elliptical Trainers From An Industry Giant From its humble beginnings as a part time business for two college students in Utah, ICON Health and Fitness has grown into one of the world's largest manufacturers of fitness equipment. The company's credentials are impressive: 4000 employees in 11 locations around the world, nearly 200 patents, ISO 9001 certified and a portfolio of some of the best known brands in the fitness industry. Why You Should Use A Treadmill Or Run Outside There's a distinct difference between running outside andon treadmill, and they both have their positives andnegatives. The top notch benefit of using a treadmill isthat you will never have to contend with the elements ofbeing outside, which depending on where you are in worldcan get bitterly cold or sizzling hot. Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment Exercise balls are the latest invention in exerciseequipments. These balls catch every one's fancy because oftheir shape and attractive colors. 7 Essential Reasons You Should Have a Home Gym The home gym is an amazing resource that you should be taking advantage of. Between hectic schedules to the non-sense going on in commercial gyms, home gym training is the safe-haven for people looking to train in a manner that actually produces results.
|
|
home | site map Men's Health | Women's Health | Children's Health | Elder Health Holistic Health | Healthy Heart | Cancer | Weight Loss Exercise & Fitness | Healthy Resources |
|
|
