Commercial Elliptical Cross Trainers

 The elliptical cross trainer is a low-impact method of exercise that provides muscle-toning benefits for the upper and lower body. The motion may seem strange at first, but it is possible to work at your own pace until you become accustomed to the gliding sensation. Whether the goal is weight loss or heart health, the elliptical trainer offers many benefits.

Function

Elliptical cross trainers offer a low impact way to improve cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness is linked to weight loss, a reduced incidence of heart disease and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Prior to the widespread availability of elliptical cross trainers, people who wanted intense cardio activity were limited to high-impact exercise. Elliptical cross trainers provide an intense workout without pounding on the joints. The design of an elliptical cross trainer also reduces strain on the legs and back, and many people find exercising on the elliptical even more gentle than walking.

Features

To get the most benefits from an elliptical cross trainer, choose one with handlebars. The user moves the handlebars back and forth while striding on the cross trainer. Adding an upper body movement to cardiovascular activities makes the body work harder and brings the heart rate into the target zone quicker. Another feature that many elliptical cross trainers offer is the ability to change the incline of the machine. Increasing the incline dramatically increases the difficulty of the workout.

Potential

In addition to offering an excellent cardiovascular workout, another benefit of elliptical cross trainers are they provide weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercises strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. There are also muscle-toning benefits to using an elliptical cross trainer, particularly models that allow the user to increase the level of resistance and the incline. Finally, because elliptical cross trainers mimic the motion of running without stressing the joints, using one is great way to cross-train.

Misconceptions

Many experienced exercisers believe that working out on an elliptical cross trainer is less effective than running, biking and other aerobic exercises. With no impact on the joints, the elliptical cross trainer offers a lower rate of perceived exertion. This means that someone exercising at the same intensity by running or by using the elliptical cross trainer will feel less fatigued while using the cross trainer. The fact that it feels easier does not mean that it is an inferior workout. In fact, because it is possible to exercise longer, using the elliptical can decrease the amount of time it takes to increase fitness levels.

Benefits

Elliptical cross trainers provide an exercise option for a range of individuals. While many people feel that running, bicycling or swimming are too intense for their current fitness levels, few would be intimidated by the elliptical cross trainer. Using the elliptical can increase bone mass, lung capacity and heart health without the pounding of other intense cardio activities. Elliptical cross trainers are widely available in gyms and to purchase for use in the home.