Elliptical training machines are becoming more popular and have in the recent past gained considerably on treadmills even in overall sales.  Their popularity owes to their many benefits such as low impact workout and their ability to exercise both the upper and lower body among other benefits. Such benefits have made them more appealing to people across different ages and more particularly the aging baby boomer generation. This article will hence explore the top ten benefits of
exercising with an elliptical trainer.

Low impact exercise

Top in the list of top ten benefits of training with an elliptical trainer is that elliptical trainers allow for low impact exercise. They reduce the strain and stress on ones legs in regard to elliptical motion. In addition to the above, elliptical trainers have no reverse actions. The shape of their movement corresponds to the natural path that one’s ankles, hip joints and knees follow when walking, running or jogging.

Foot Pedals

Another benefit of exercising with an elliptical trainer is that it is equipped with adjustable articulating foot pedals. Using an elliptical trainer is just like walking in mid air. One’s feet are always in constant contact with the pedals hence no high impact experiences. This further reduces strain on one’s joints.  Apart from the fact that one’s feet never leave the pedals, these pedals can be adjusted to fit the angle of one’s elliptical stride.

Weight bearing exercise

Compared to other fitness machines such as the stationary bicycle, elliptical trainers allow a weight bearing exercise. This is quite important as it helps in inhibiting the development of osteoporosis.

Dual Action Workout

Another unique benefit in the list of top ten benefits of working with an elliptical trainer is that it simultaneously works on numerous groups of muscles. This is the reason as to why most fitness professionals refer to it as a cross-trainer. Exercising with an elliptical trainer enables one to workout hamstrings, quadriceps, chest, glutes, back, biceps and triceps. This helps in toning more body parts while still optimizing on energy expenditure. The results are that one ends up burning more calories as well as fat in a very short time. However, in order to enjoy the full benefits of a dual action workout, one is advised to distribute the resistance between lower and upper body.

Workout Programs

Just like a treadmill, an elliptical trainer is equipped with a wide variety of exercise programs that are challenging. Such programs mimic interval training or hill climbing by alternating resistance. Most elliptical machines also come with a wireless heat rate control gadget that allows one to optimize their workouts by enabling them to use their heart rate to control their resistance.

Low Maintenance

One other major benefit of an elliptical trainer over a treadmill is that it requires less maintenance. An elliptical trainer has fewer moving parts in addition to involving low impact elliptical movements. In regard to the above, an elliptical hence requires less maintenance. One does not need to worry about motors, belts, bearings and rollers burning out.

Saves Time

Since an elliptical trainer incorporates upper body arms, its workouts exercise the entire body resulting to a better overall workout. This means that one’s body burns more calories within a very short period of time. In addition to this, elliptical trainers have been found to allow a reduced “perceived rate of exertion” during workouts. This means more workouts that burn more calories with very little effort put.

Fights Boredom & Great for Cross training

An elliptical trainer comprises a mix between a stair climber and a treadmill. This hence enables it to allow a greater opportunity for cross-training. In addition to this, it has a lot of downloadable workout routines on the internet hence giving you a wide variety of workouts. This allows for more varied workouts, more calories burned and no room for boredom.

Cardiovascular Workouts

An elliptical trainer allows for excellent cardiovascular workouts which are very important for overall body fitness. Whether one is exercising to loose some pounds, firm the body up or a combination of the two, having cardiovascular exercises in one’s workout routines is crucial for long-term fitness success.

Space Efficient

Compared to treadmills, elliptical trainers are much smaller and hence can be easily moved from one location to another when one is storing them away or moving them for cleaning. For people who are cramped for space or those who have a small home gym, elliptical trainers are efficient in saving some space while still allowing you to enjoy overall body workouts.