Elliptical
Exercise - Efficient and Effective
Candice
Copeland Brooks and Douglas
Brooks, MS, Exercise Physiologist
Tired
of working out on a treadmill, stationary bicycle, stair climber
or rowing machine? Try an elliptical trainer. Elliptical trainers
are the latest cardiovascular machines to hit the market, and
most people who have tried them agree that they are a fun and
easy (on the body) way to get and stay fit. The many different
styles of elliptical trainers offer a safe, effective and nearly
impact-free aerobic workout.
Health
club members and home users are opting for elliptical trainers
for a number of reasons, with ease of use and variability being
top motivators. Although the movement is different (the drive
mechanism is egg-shaped or "elliptical"), most exercisers seem
to find it easy to learn and surprisingly natural. And unlike
stair climbers or bikes, elliptical trainers allow you to move
forward or backward. Because of these movement patterns, you
may work through a more complete range of motion than you can
with some other machines.
Experts
agree that weight-bearing activities are important for most
people, in order to keep bones strong and reduce the chances
of osteoporosis. The non-impact, weight-bearing workout you
can get on an elliptical trainer will give you these benefits,
as well as reduce your risk of overuse or impact injuries that
activities such as jogging or running can cause. Research has
shown that an elliptical workout can give you the same fitness
results (that means about equal calorie burning potential),
as a running workout on a treadmill. The good news is, while
the intensity is comparable to running the impact forces on
your joints are significantly less. Some manufacturers are even
adding upper-body resistance and movement to increase the variety
of the workout. Handles that you push and pull while your legs
are pumping forward or backward, give you the option to add
upper-body toning to the great aerobic and lower body workout
you're already getting.
You
shouldn't get bored too quickly on an elliptical machine, as
there are several ways to adjust the variety and intensity of
your workouts. Most machines feature adjustable tension, so
you can increase or decrease the resistance of both the upper
and lower body. Variations in tension during a workout will
make your body work at different energy levels, and will help
you move toward your fitness goals. Varying your cadence or
speed at different resistance settings can offer you endless
variety. For example, starting at a slow tempo, gradually speeding
up for one minute, then gradually slowing back down is a form
of interval training. You can vary the focus of your workout
to lower body only or total body. Most machines offer you the
option of placing your hands on a stationary handlebar, which
will result in more intense hip and leg work. Or you can place
your hands on the movable handlebars and add an upper body workout.
If you're
ready for a change in your aerobic training program, try an
Eclipse Trainer and let your body show you the results!