Elliptical cross trainer
Elliptical Cross Trainers
Elliptical cross trainers are stationary machines that simulate the natural walking movement of the human body. They combine the movements of treadmills, stair climbers and exercise bikes together. As such they are a very comfortable way of exercising. There is no impact or pressure on the joints, as you can get on treadmills, stair climbers or even jogging down the road. As a result risk of injury to ankles and legs are greatly reduced.
Cross trainers generally work from the power of your legs. The best machines offer a well designed movement of the arms in combination. This means that the upper body can share in providing power, so increasing the efficiency of the workout. You do not want one of the very cheap ‘bargain’ machines which simply move the handles in a non natural way. You will feel the difference when testing the better trainers.
These trainers also encourage movement of the upper body, so you are in fact getting a total body workout. They are generally recognised as one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular workout with the advantage of feeling like a natural movement. It is said by some to resemble running on air. In fact the navy like this form of exercise so much that they actually allow the elliptical trainer as an alternative to running for their physical readiness tests. A major factor is the fact that you can exercise for longer on a cross trainer because you are not putting pressure on your joints and feet.
The earlier trainers had resistance provided by friction belts but the later machines usually use the superior magnetic or electro-magnetic resistance. Many machines have a power source to provide a variety of functions. As with all machines nowadays, the sky is the limit as far as extra controls and gizmos are concerned.
At the basic level you can expect a console display to give an indication of the number of steps, calorie burn and time taken. As you look at the more advanced machines you find the presence of heart rate monitors and different settings for workout intensity. At the top end of the market you can expect to see colour displays of your heart rate, body fat computers to show percentage of body fat and muscle, so you can see your progress. Memory functions will aid in monitoring long term progress. Built in training guides will also aid in making the most of your machine. Extras found include speakers with input for your CD/MP3 player and maybe a cooling fan.
Aside from the console, some cross trainers have adjustable foot pedals, with variable stride lengths. Other elliptical trainers offer such things as variable inclines and resistance, which change over the course of a preset workout program.
Some machines are built to take only people of up to 250 lbs, others will take up to 400 lbs. The latter machines will obviously be much more solid, but may give a more natural solid feel to the exercise. Other machines will fold up and can be useful in the home if space is limited. However make sure that it is solidly built and has a good reputation. Budget machines are rarely worth the saving.
Comments
None Yet
Add a Comment
Other Articles