An elliptical is a piece of fitness equipment that replicates walking or running using foot pedals that cycle in an elliptical motion while the hands, gripping two handles, simultaneously move forward and backward. One of the main elliptical benefits is to provide an effective, low-impact cardiovascular workout while strengthening muscles and elevating the body’s fat-burning capacity. These cross-training machines are also easy to use and come with built-in preset or customized exercise routines that guide both the novice and advanced exerciser. Another of the note-worthy elliptical benefits is that it is also extremely versatile, capable of being run forward and backward to work a wide range of muscle groups and furnish a complete workout.
One of the central elliptical benefits and the primary reason for design of the machine is the low impact this machine has on the joints and muscles. Standing upright, with the feet resting on sturdy foot pads and holding the handles to stabilize the body and work the arms and chest, the body is guided and supported through a motion that simulates walking or running. The adjustable resistance on the machine provides a custom workout. Overall, this design produces a cardiovascular, fat-burning, and muscle workout without taxing or pounding the joints and bones in the legs.
Another of the important elliptical benefits is the ease with which this machine can be used. The motion of the machine is guided so that no practice is necessary. In addition, the elliptical can be run with manual controls, adjusting the resistance by hand during the workout, or a pre-set program can be selected based on the user’s fitness level. A preset program will add and subtract resistance over a timed interval to simulate running or walking over a hilly terrain. Controls and use of this machine are so simple that any person who wants to exercise, whether she is a novice or an expert, can step on this machine, set up a workout, and begin exercising in less than one minute.
Elliptical benefits also extend to the versatility of the workout that this machine can provide. When run in both the forward and reverse mode, the elliptical works all the major leg muscles. The upper body is also worked completely by pumping the handrails forward and backward. Both of these features strengthen muscles and enhance the body’s fat-burning capacity.
The elliptical also provides a flexible cardiovascular workout. This machine can be run with moderate resistance to strengthen muscles and work the heart, or it can be run with low resistance and at a fast pace to provide an elevated cardiovascular workout. Most machines have heart-rate sensors in the handrails to allow a user to track her heart rate and safely maximize her workout.