Suche
Benefits of Elliptical Training
The basic movement of an elliptical trainer is a smooth, flowing... well... elliptical movement. The low impact resistance of these machines significantly reduces the stress on the joints of the lower body (ankles, knees and hips). Because it is a weight-bearing exercise, elliptical training promotes cell growth in the bones of the lower body and spine, helping to stave off the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. This is a distinct advantage that elliptical trainers have over other non-weight-bearing exercise machines such as rowing machines and stationary bikes. The other major advantage that elliptical trainers have over other exercise machines is that most models target the muscles of both the upper and...
Benefits of Elliptical Training
The basic movement of an elliptical trainer is a smooth, flowing... well... elliptical movement. The low impact resistance of these machines significantly reduces the stress on the joints of the lower body (ankles, knees and hips).
Because it is a weight-bearing exercise, elliptical training promotes cell growth in the bones of the lower body and spine, helping to stave off the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. This is a distinct advantage that elliptical trainers have over other non-weight-bearing exercise machines such as rowing machines and stationary bikes.
The other major advantage that elliptical trainers have over other exercise machines is that most models work the muscles of both the upper and lower body. This results in cardiovascular efficiency that produces an equivalent training effect to other forms of training, but over a shorter period of time.
Joggers, for example, sometimes swing small dumbbells while jogging to achieve this training efficiency. This was popular during the height of the jogging craze in the 1980s, but is now rarely seen in the wild. Maybe joggers decided it wasn't worth the effort. Maybe they finally realized how stupid they looked. Remember, no one ever looks stupid while striding gracefully on an elliptical!
Cross training with elliptical trainers
Cross training has had different meanings over the years. The original definition of cross-training was the use of exercise movements that benefited an athlete's performance in a specific sport. Recently, the definition has been expanded to include performing various cardio exercises, which may include weight training.
If you want to maintain your fitness for a sport, elliptical trainers can quickly increase your heart rate and keep you in good cardiovascular condition. For non-athletes who just want to stay fit and lose a few pounds, alternating a day of exercise between weight lifting and 20-minute workouts on an elliptical trainer will get you there.
Regardless of the definition of cross training, you can rest assured that cross training with an elliptical trainer fits the billHerDefinition!
Inspired by Rich Rojas