Elliptical Exercise - Efficient and Effective
by: 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!

>> Click here to shop for an Elliptical now!!