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Elliptical
Trainers - Are They The Perfect Workout?
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by: Mike
Singh
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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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