Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers, formally called elliptical fitness crosstraining machines (EFX), are ideal for an overall body workout because they force you to use all of your primary muscle groups. The elliptical motion works the entire body via resistance through the handlebars - to the arms and upper body - and steps to the legs, glutes and calves. Elliptical machines put no excessive stress on any on your joints or muscles.
Elliptical trainers are often used as a warm up in preparation for strength training or more high-intensity aerobics. They also allow you to concentrate your workout on either the lower or upper body. To work the arms harder focus on pushing and pulling the handles; for more of a lower body workout rest your hands on the handgrips and push harder with your legs.
The elliptical trainer provides a high-energy, low-impact work out. It will increase the heart rate, simulating aerobic exercise and burning calories. Elliptical trainers have two foot pedals one for each foot. The machine is ridden in a fluid motion similar to a riding a bike, running and cross-country skiing all at the same time.
Elliptical trainers provide a great cardiovascular workout that burns just as much fat and calories as an aerobic workout.
To use an elliptical trainer:
- Wear proper running shoes.
- Do some warm up stretching (see our Stretching Diagram ).
- Put one foot on each foot platform.
- Program the elliptical machine and press start.
- Push downward with one leg, then the other creating a raising, falling, rhythm much like running.
Programmable elliptical machines offer different courses that target different muscle groups. You can also use the elliptical machine in a forward or backward striding motion to target particular areas of the body.
