What are Ellipticals?
Ellipticals are machines that are similar to cross country machines. Like the latter, they can offer a complete, full-body workout in just a few minutes. Elliptical machines can provide you with a safe, low-impact, aerobic workout. These machines can also be adjusted to provide varying levels of stress and difficulty.
Ellipticals allow you to try out different types of exercises with just one machine. Most ellipticals simulate walking, stair-climbing, cycling, and skiing. By using an elliptical motion, the impact of these exercises is reduced, sometimes even eliminated.
Elliptical machines, like other indoor machines, are ideal for people who do not want to leave their homes to work out, or for those who are easily bored when performing just a few exercises. As with treadmills, the use of ellipticals can help strengthen the heart and the immune system, as well as improve muscle tone. They also provide a total body workout in a relatively short period of time ? most manufacturers claim that you only need to work out for twenty minutes or so to claim its benefits.
The main advantage of an elliptical machine is its flexibility. If you go to a gym regularly, you probably perform many exercises using many different machines. An elliptical machine allows you to simulate many exercises with just a single machine, which is ideal for the home environment. Another advantage is the reduced impact on the exercises, which is ideal for people who have problems with their joints, such as those with arthritis. Be aware, however, that the reduced impact means that you burn fewer calories.
