Elliptical trainers have boomed in popularity and in the cardio machine stakes, they are now as popular as treadmills. This article explains what elliptical trainers are, their benefits and some tips on how to use them effectively.
Elliptical trainers have two large, flat foot pedals and when you use them your feet follow an elongated oval shape known as an ellipse. The movement feels like a mix between fast walking, stair climbing and cross-country skiing. If you're looking to lose weight, elliptical trainers provide a quiet, low impact and challenging way to lose weight. Some machines allow you to work your arms at the same time and burn additional calories.
All machines usually have a display that shows the amount of time you have been riding, the number of calories burned and how far you have ridden. Because of this you can easily track your progress during your workout and over time.
Another advantage of elliptical trainers is that you get a full body workout and can watch TV, listen to music, or even read at the same time! The fact that your whole body is involved also makes it less likely that you will get bored or experience discomfort.
If you want a day off from running or find stair climbing hard on your knees, the elliptical trainer might be just what you need. This machine is also a good choice for gentle prenatal workouts. Be aware, though, that some people find the elliptical motion unnatural.
Because of the unnatural motion, an elliptical trainer can take some getting used to. It doesn't require any great skill, though. So, by carefully following these tips you should get used to it pretty quickly:
* Don't pedal backwards too much. Many people think that pedaling backwards works your buttocks more than pedaling forwards but this is not the case. You might also find it is hard on your knees too. Both forward and backward motions exercise your front thigh muscles, so do some backward pedaling every now and again but no for long periods.
* Vary the intensity of your workout. Elliptical trainers have some handy features. You can vary the intensity of your workout by pedaling quicker, raising the incline, increasing the resistance or by using any combination of these three features.
* Keep the motion smooth. Resist any temptation to lock your knees. Keep them slightly bent and try to maintain a smooth flowing action.
* Stand up straight. Elliptical trainers do encourage better posture than say, stair-climbers but you can still find yourself leaning too far forward and clinging to the console. So, remind yourself to stand up straight.
Elliptical trainers can feel unnatural, particularly those that work your arms too. However, by following the advice in this article you can enjoy a gentle or more challenging workout that is safe and provides a change from the treadmill or stair-climber.
Use an elliptical trainer regularly and learn to enjoy using it by listening to music, watching TV, or whatever. In other words, make it something you look forward to every day. You'll be rewarded with better muscle tone, less body fat and will have a greater sense of well being.
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