Ellipticals for Low Impact, Upper and Lower Body Workouts
Elliptical machines are relatively new to the family of fitness equipment, as compared to treadmills and stationary bikes, but they have increased in popularity during the last few years. Elliptical machines, in theory, allow the person to burn a similar number of calories as jogging, but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. Your feet never leave the pedals. As a result, this type of machine is quite low-impact and goes easy on the joints. In fact, whereas exercising on a treadmill requires your body to absorb the impact force of walking or running, exercising on an elliptical can be compared to running in midair.
Elliptical machines mimic the normal elliptical motion of the foot, the extension of the leg, and the rotation of the hip during walking or running. This motion uses all the leg muscles, giving you a total lower-body workout.
In addition, elliptical machines simultaneously work the upper body. As the feet go through their elliptical motion, the hands grip the moving handlebars, exercising the arms. The movement of the dual handlebars mimics cross-country skiing.
Because elliptical trainers do work the upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate climbs more quickly. Thus, less time is required to achieve results. The amount of energy expended is optimized. As the legs are being worked, the back, shoulders, chest, biceps, and triceps are also working, making it possible to burn more calories in less time.
Best Elliptical Stride Length
An important thing to consider when shopping for an elliptical is the stride length of the machine. The ideal stride length needed depends on the height of the individual. In general, an elliptical with a stride length of 16 to 18 inches, is best for persons 5'3" or shorter. Ellipticals with 18 to 20 inch stride lengths are best for users between 5'3" and 5'8". A 20 inch elliptical stride length is best users for users 5'9” - 6'0”, followed by 20 to 22 inches leg stride for people 6' feet tall and over. The stride length of an elliptical is a very important factor when choosing your elliptical, as it will maximize the efficiency and comfort level of your workout. See our list of ellipticals with best stride lengths including all elliptical trainers from Sole Fitness with adjustable stride, the Nautilus E618, Xterra FS3.5, Horizon 7.0 AE and Horizon EX-59 elliptical.
How to Measure the Stride Length of an Elliptical
The stride length for an elliptical is typically provided by the manufacturer. It can be also be measured by extending the front and back pedals as far apart as possible, then measuring the distance between the front pedal (toe area) and the back pedal (heel area).Health Benefits of an Elliptical Workout
-- Elliptical machines are very low-impact and ideal for older individuals and those rehabilitating from injuries, as there is less stress on joints and muscles, and less chance of injuries of the back, knees and ankles.
-- Ellipticals offer great cardiovascular benefits. Because it does work both the upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate is quickly elevated, allowing for a great cardiovascular workout.
-- Efficient and effective for weight loss. The sooner you can increase your heart rate during a workout, the more efficient it is for your body to burn those calories and extra weight. Elliptical workouts can be an effective way to lose weight fast, when exercising on an elliptical machine at a moderate to high level of resistance.
-- Most elliptical machines come with a range of preset exercise programs to choose from, so working out can be as varied and as challenging as you choose.
-- You can get in a great exercise session in less time because ellipticals are capable of exercising both the upper and lower body at the same time.
-- The health benefits are priceless. Elliptical machines also strengthen and tone muscles in your legs and arms. The back and abdominal muscles also become stronger. You will look and feel better in no time.
Other Benefits of an Elliptical Trainer
-- Requires little or no skill to get started. Simply step on the pedals and begin pedaling.-- Having an elliptical at home allows you to workout at your own convenience and your own time, without worrying about outside interference such as bad weather or traffic.
-- Can benefit the entire family or household.
Elliptical Machine Alternatives
Listed below are several of the best alternatives to ellipticals.Seated recumbent elliptical cross trainers
Sole CC81 cardio climber
Stair Steppers
Versa Climber
Vertical climbers (Cheaper alternatives to versaclimber)
Compare pricing from Sole Fitness and other top brands in > Ellipticals -- Includes best budget recumbent seated elliptical machines for seniors.
These just a few options to consider if you are looking for a cardio machine that offers a similar workout to an elliptical trainer.
Who Are Ellipticals Best For?
Because ellipticals trainers are low-impact and easy on the joints, this type of machine may very well be one of the best choices out there when looking for exercise equipment. A wide variety of users including older adults, seniors with arthritic knees, individuals who are recovering from a joint injury, health enthusiasts and athletes can all benefit from these machines. They continue to grow in popularity and with good reason.
related - Bowflex m3, m5, m6, Bowflex max trainer, Teeter power10 elliptical Teeter freestep recumbent cross trainer and elliptical, Horizon EX-59 with 18 inch stride elliptical, Horizon 7.0 AE with 20 inch stride elliptical, Nautilus E618 with 22 inch stride elliptical, domyos el520 cross trainer el 520 decathlon, versaclimber, stair steppers, stair master, versa climber vertical, pilates reformer, treadclimber, drive rear driven elliptical, step mill, stepmill stairmaster