How Elliptical Machines Work by Jennifer Dennis

How Elliptical Machines Work by Jennifer Dennis

How Elliptical Machines Work



If youve jumped on an elliptical trainer, you know how great a workout you can
have on this newer fitness machine. With its smooth, rhythmic motions, the
elliptical trainer is the ideal workout for anyone looking for a high
cardiovascular exercisewithout the impact of stress and pressure on your joints
and back.



Purchasing an elliptical trainer can be tricky, but with a little help, you can
make the right decision for you. Knowing how an elliptical works will influence which style you purchaseas well as which model you are willing to buy.



Similar to most stationary bikes, when you get onto the elliptical trainer and
begin to move, the program will immediately start. Underneath the foot platform
is an array of mechanical accoutrements that make your workout experience a
great one. As you push the pedals in an oval, or elliptical, pattern, the
machine starts, offering an array of fitness programs. You can adjust the
fitness level with a mere push of a button on the display panel in front of you.
The pedal position gives you a choice of moving strokes to work out various
muscle groups on your body.



Manual resistance is the key component in an elliptical trainer. As you glide
methodically along, you can control fitness levels that offer more resistance
for a higher-intensity training experience. A users body is placed over the
center of the drive wheel for the most natural ergonomic positioning possible.
This natural position leads to extended times on the machine, as well as a more
comfortable experience throughout the length of the workout.



The base of the machine is a crank arm attached to a bar. The bar moves in a
linear fashion, side-to-side, on one end, while moving in a circular pattern on
the other. This results in an exercise that is elliptical. The motion of the
pedals is similar to the stationary bike, but feels more natural and less
jarring.



Because the movements are so natural, the fitness user can easily reach a heart
rate of 160-175 bpm (beats per minute), which encourages high cardiovascular
activity and ultimately, a rewarding workout. A heavy flywheel magnetic system
offers a very smooth, frictionless movement and virtually silent operation. The
upper body handles move in pattern with the lower-body base and bars to give you
a great workout. Minute after minute, the upper body works in tandem with the
lower body pedals to give you a full body workout and smooth, rewarding fitness
experience.



Since the pedals are available to be used in two different fashions, a fitness
user can enjoy two distinct types of exercise routines. If you pedal forward,
you will feel a strong workout in the glutes, quadriceps, calf muscles and more.
Pedal backwards, however, and you can feel a stronger burn in your quadriceps
and calf muscles within minutes. Either way, the elliptical trainer is versatile
and strong enough to handle the routine and the user can experience a
challenging and rewarding workout.



The elliptical trainer has only been around for a few years, so we can expect to
see great advantages in the years ahead. The fitness industry is a demanding and
competitive industry, which is excellent news for fitness enthusiasts. As the
competition grows, the need for greater and greater machines is imperative.
Already, we have seen more fitness programs, smoother workouts on pedals and
increased resistance for a more intense workout.



From beginners to advanced fitness buffs, the elliptical trainer provides an
outstanding workout each time the user jumps on board. Although critics
initially scoffed at the elliptical trainer, saying that the machine would only
be around temporarily, the prediction has not come true. This so-called fad
trainer has evolved, grown and exerted its influence into public gyms and
private home gym environments alike.



Where will the machine go from here? Today, the range of benefits and features
are limited only by what a user is willing to pay to purchase his or her own
machine. Fitness manufacturers, such as the original Precor, are helping to set
the stage to bring more and more exciting features to the fitness landscape.



Next time you jump on an elliptical trainer, you will be able to experience a
great workoutand have a better understanding of the intricacies of the
machinery underneath your body. Enjoy a strong workout and a leaner body when
you work your lower and upper body muscles simultaneously. Jump on board an
elliptical machine for your next fitness workout today!

About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular
contributor to http://www.solutions-in-elliptical-trainers.com - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,
guides, product descriptions and articles.


About the Author
About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular
contributor to http://www.solutions-in-elliptical-trainers.com - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,
guides, product descriptions and articles.

The History of Elliptical Machines by Jennifer Dennis

The History of Elliptical Machines by Jennifer Dennis

The History of Elliptical Machines



The presence of elliptical trainers has grown more and more prevalent in the
last few years. Go into any public gym and you will see that the number of
elliptical trainers is more than the number of treadmills! While the treadmill
is a popular method of exercise, fitness enthusiasts have grown to love and look
forward to a rewarding hour on the elliptical trainer.



With each year, more and more people realize how important it is to stay fit.
Obesity, high cholesterol and more are increasing among our population, year
after year. Children are now getting diseases formerly seen in elderly
adultsall due to the fact that they are in poor health. With increased aerobic
activity, an individual will add years to their life, as well as appreciate a
stronger body, higher self-confidence and so much more!



Elliptical trainers are a direct result of individuals wanting a superior
fitness workout. For years, fitness experts have encouraged cardiovascular
exercise to help circulation, burn fat, build stronger bones and muscles and
more. The best results were garnered from hiking, running and other
weight-bearing activities. Fitness equipment mimicked these natural exercises
with the creation of the treadmill, stepper and others. Unfortunately, these
exercises also contributed to additional stress on the back, knees and other
joints. There was a need for a machine that could generate maximum
cardiovascular exercisewith minimal stress and pressure on the back and joints.



Enter the elliptical machine. Like many other fitness equipment pieces, when the
elliptical first arrived, it was a huge success. Some in the fitness industry,
however, questioned its staying power. How long would this one last? The
elliptical machine (and its manufacturers) has silenced those critics. Year
after year, the popularity of elliptical trainers shines. The goal to create a
machine that helped a body expend maximum calories through minimal pressure was
complete.



The term elliptical comes from the idea that the exercise motion performed is
a preferred pattern of movement. When you jump on an elliptical machine, the
pedals move in an egg-shape or oval preferred pattern, creating a rhythmic,
smooth movement that works your bodywithout any stress on the back or joints.




The first elliptical was created by Precor in 1995. A key component of the
'elliptical machines success was due to the fact that a beginner and expert
fitness enthusiast alike could jump on and receive a superior workout in a
variety of waysimmediately! Reebok came on board with an invaluable addition to
the elliptical machine design - an upper body workout. In 1997, upper body handle bars were added for additional benefit. By adding handle bars that move with the body, an
individual can get an upper body workout that is just as effective as the lower


With each year, elliptical trainers have improved. Todays handles pump in
perfect coordination with the pedals, enhancing the workout tremendously. In
addition, the upper body handles create a more natural walking/striding motion
for your increased enjoyment. With premier construction and advanced
technological benefits, each new model and style machine has additional
monitors, features and more for your use.



With the addition of a variety of exciting fitness programs into premier
machines, the fitness community has a great machine to achieve a range of
exercise goals. Since the elliptical machine mimics the natural movements of
your body, you can easily and effectively burn calories, tone your body and more
through its unique motions. Monitor your workout with the added speed, time and
fitness level readings on the panel in front of you throughout the length of
your workout.



As the number of distributors and manufacturers of elliptical machines
increases, the competitive nature is sure to bring new and exciting features and
benefits to the machine. Give yourself a great workout on an elliptical machine
today!
About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular
contributor to http://www.solutions-in-elliptical-trainers.com - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,
guides, product descriptions and articles.

About the Author
About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular
contributor to http://www.solutions-in-elliptical-trainers.com - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,
guides, product descriptions and articles.