Get Fit with an Elliptical Trainer!

Get Fit with an Elliptical Trainer!

Do you love to run or jog, but hate the painful shock it has on your knees and ankles? Are you looking for a low-impact, high-result workout machine that is flexible, yet energy-friendly? The Elliptical Trainer may be perfect for you. Elliptical trainers are taking the gym by storm, and it’s so obvious to see why! Instead of piecing together a boring, time-consuming workout routine that eventually becomes a chore, the elliptical trainer smoothly incorporates a number of exercises in one movement. It’s easy to see how the elliptical trainer has all but wiped-out the Stairmaster.

This ingenious machine allows you to work both your upper and lower body in one fluid movement. While your calves, thighs, and hips rotate in a motion that mimics running, your arms and shoulders receive a workout of their own as they pull along with the handle bars. You have complete control of the speed of the machine, as it only moves when YOU initiate your body’s movement. If one day you want a measured, more relaxed pace, simply walk slower. If you’re craving a bit of cardio to really get your heart pumping, allow your movements to mimic a running pace.

The beauty about this machine is that it doesn’t require you to be a fitness-aholic. Even if you’ve had trouble in the past with sticking to a dedicated exercise routine—you need not worry about that anymore. This versatile machine is great for even the busiest of lifestyles; all you need is 15 – 20 minutes and a bit of floor-space. Why not exercise while watching your favorite TV show or listening to music in the comfort of your own home? Don’t put yourself through the hassle of driving to the gym or jogging in inclement weather.

When choosing an elliptical trainer, it is best to consider what your work-out needs are, as not all elliptical trainers are the same. The most obvious differences are whether the machine uses front or rear-drive. If you don’t require a great deal of resistance or if you are relatively de-conditioned, a front-drive elliptical trainer would probably be a good choice for you as it offers a flatter walk. If you like the idea of a natural-feeling incline to your stride, then a rear-drive elliptical trainer would suit you. They offer a very silky movement; so even with a lot of resistance, the workout won’t feel as “bumpy”.

Some other features to consider are the stride length and the type or resistance system you prefer. A good rule to remember when considering the stride length is that a 20” stride on a front-drive elliptical trainer is equivalent to an 18” stride on a rear-drive trainer. The most popular and reliable style of resistance system is the ECB (Eddy Current Break), which uses a belt-driven chrome-plated wheel that rotates at a very fast rpm speed. While elliptical trainers with the ECB tend to be a bit more expensive, it allows for a silent and extremely responsive work-out.