Elliptical Cross Trainer
An elliptical cross trainer is an exercise machine that permits the user to simulate running or walking while eliminating the impact that accompanies these kinds of activities and can cause injury to the ankles, lower back and knees. This exercise machine offers a kind of cardiovascular workout and it is not designed for building muscles. It is similar to the treadmill when it comes to exercising the heart and the leg muscles. However, it also allows the kind of leg motion that is similar to that which is made possible with a stationary bike. Studies have shown that the amount of calories burned using an elliptical cross trainer is similar to that for treadmills. However, some people prefer the elliptical machine because the exercise can be done at a gentler rate and they tend to be less noisy compared to the treadmill.
Just like the treadmill, an elliptical cross trainer can be provided with an LCD monitor to provide feedback on the number of steps completed, the heart rate, the time, and an estimate of the amount of calories that have been used up. The more advanced models also have built-in workout programs that serve as guides to the user on the different kinds of exercises to perform and the duration for each. With these built-in workout programs, it is as if you have your own personal trainer. Moreover, these programs have been developed to minimize the possibility that the user will be bored with the exercises.
The heart rate monitor is an important component of an elliptical cross trainer because it permits the user to remain within the optimum range. This is a convenient feature because it does not require the user to connect sensors to the body. Another important feature of an elliptical cross trainer is the ability to adjust the pedals so that it fits the user’s height. This does not only provide a more comfortable workout but it also minimizes the possibility of injury due to poor posture because the machine would move in such a way that does not go against the natural movement of the body.
Another important characteristic of the elliptical cross trainer is the ability to adjust the difficulty of the workout. This can be done by altering the magnetic resistance or the steepness of an adjustable ramp. This is essential because it permits the user to begin the training at a relatively easy level with the ramp set at zero steepness and the magnetic resistance adjusted to the lowest level. This avoids the situation where the user finds the exercises too difficult and gets discouraged. And as the physical fitness of the user improves, he or she can make the ramp steeper or increase the magnetic resistance gradually.
Some elliptical cross trainers are also provided with a saddle and other features that allow their use as a stationary bike. The footpads permit the feet to follow a natural elliptical motion. Arm poles are also provided to allow the user to exercise the upper body. These body movements permit the user to tone the legs, hips, glutes, back, check and arms. Some machines are equipped with a built-in computer to keep track of the speed, distance, and time spend on the machine and then calculate the calories that have been burned as a result of the body movements.
Thus, elliptical cross trainers are low-impact exercise machines for effective cardiovascular workouts. Depending on the user’s budget, various accessories can be made available to make workouts more fun and less boring. An important feature to consider when buying one of these machines is the adjustability of the incline and the resistance so that you can start at an easy level.
