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The
Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers
Creates Unique Advantages and Benefits
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by: C.J.Gustafson
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The word elliptical means shaped like an oval. In
the world of fitness and exercise, elliptical
technology is a relatively new, innovative
equipment design that draws on a smooth,
elliptical movement to provide a low impact form
of weight bearing exercise that is fun and easy to
learn.
Elliptical cross trainers have footpads that allow
you to stand up while you exercise. They have
handgrips for you to hold onto and help maintain
balance. Some even have handles to use in working
your upper body. Because you are standing, the
exercise is similar to walking or running. But the
arm bars and elliptical motion create similarities
with biking or skiing. The main difference with
elliptical exercise machines is that although you
are standing and bearing weight, which is
important to building bone density, your feet
never leave the footpads. So unlike treadmills or
jogging, there is little impact on your joints and
muscles. This provides a low impact, total body
workout.
Elliptical Technology
The advantages of this type of smooth, non-jarring
motion come from the elliptical design of the
exercise equipment. Elliptical technology has come
to be known as a combination of mechanisms and
design features, unique to elliptical cross
trainers, which create a motion similar to the
natural path the feet, legs and hips follow during
actual motor activities such as walking or
running.
There are several different types of elliptical
equipment available, and the list of choices seems
to grow each day. However, most elliptical fitness
machines have a crank arm that is attached to a
stable bar at one end and an axis at the other.
The axis end revolves as the bar moves and the
other end moves in a flat, nearly liniar back and
forth motion. This causes an elliptical path for
the overall movement of the machine. Most
elliptical exercise machines built for home use
provide resistance through a band around the
flywheel. Some high end and commercial elliptical
cross trainers use magnetic resistance.
Like a bicycle, this elliptical motion is smooth
and continuous. With a stair stepper or other
similar equipment, there is a pattern of motion
and reverse motion, an up and down or back and
forth, to which your feet and legs must
continually adapt. At the point where the forward
motion ends and the reverse motion begins, there
is an impact from the force of the machine, which
is still in motion. Your joints, bones, and
muscles have to stop the motion and reverse it
each time.
With an elliptical trainer, there is no halting of
motion and reversal of direction. Your legs keep
moving in the same manner continually, even though
there is an overall range of motion. Many
elliptical cross trainers allow you to reverse the
direction of motion by changing a setting. Thus
you are able to work the opposing muscles, while
still maintaining the smooth, non-jarring motion.
Benefits and Advantages
Studies have shown that weight bearing exercises
are essential for maintaining and improving bone
density. Yet many weight bearing workouts create
high impact stress on joints and muscles. This can
cause health problems, especially for people with
injuries or arthritis. Additionally, many of the
different types of exercise equipment available
only work one or two areas of the body, which is a
drawback for people who want an overall workout.
Under most circumstances, the ideal piece of
fitness equipment will be provide weight bearing
exercise, while limiting impact and providing for
a total body workout. Optimizing cardiovascular
benefits is also important. Many styles of
exercise equipment address one or two of these
concerns, but few combine all the advantages in an
overall fitness package such as that provided by
elliptical cross trainers.
For example, a stationary bike provides relatively
smooth, non-jarring motion, but since you are
sitting, you don’t get the weight bearing
advantages. A treadmill fulfills the weight
bearing aspect, but at the expense of stress to
your joints each time your foot hits the running
surface. Swimming is a great form of exercise that
tends to work a majority of the body’s muscle
groups, however, it is not considered a weight
bearing activity. When considering the overall
needs of an exercise program, few types of fitness
equipment meet the overall needs quite as well as
elliptical cross trainers.
The advantages and benefits of an elliptical
trainer as compared to other fitness equipment
are:
Weight bearing form of exercise that helps
maintain bone density
Continuous elliptical motion creates a low impact
workout
The motion is similar to walking and is thus easy
to learn and sustain
Handles encourage users to work upper body muscles
providing a total body workout
Offers one of the best forms of cardiovascular
training – onboard computers help plan and
monitor cardio workouts.
Equipment is relatively simple, so there are fewer
parts to replace or mechanical things that can go
wrong.
Beware Of Imitators
Unfortunately, as with many innovative,
beneficial, and popular ideas, elliptical
technology has become somewhat corrupted by those
who want to cash in on the appeal but who lack a
commitment to or understanding of the true basis
for the design. Some elliptical equipment does not
offer the natural, simulated movement of true
elliptical cross trainers. Others use inferior
designs and materials, resulting in a jerky or
jarring motion that negates the value of the
equipment.
When purchasing an elliptical exercise machine, be
sure that it provides a stable frame or platform,
adequately sized foot platforms, and most
importantly, a smooth, continuous motion. Try out
the machine. Does the movement required feel
natural and comfortable? Also check to see if the
machine has adjustments for speed, incline and
direction.
Elliptical technology, in its true form, is one of
the best innovations to hit the fitness industry
in the past decade. It truly does address some of
the common exercise and health concerns while
providing for a relatively easy, often enjoyable
form of exercise. Unlike some of the gadgets and
gimmicks that have come along over the years,
elliptical cross trainers have the ability to help
users get fit, lose weight, and improve overall
health.
About the author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for http://www.elliptical-machines-n-trainers.com
She enjoys researching different exercise
technologies and feels that elliptical
trainers and elliptical
machines truly offer a whole new way of
exercising.
Copyright 2005 Elliptical-Machines-N-Trainers.com
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