Elliptical Unit

Elliptical trainers are still relatively new to exercise enthusiasts, but their benefits over other fitness equipment are contributing to their outstanding growth. These machines continue to gain in popularity and may even surpass the ever-popular treadmill someday!

Could the benefits of an elliptical trainer have something to do with this rise in popularity? Could it be that this particular device is worth looking into, if you haven't done so already?

What Makes an Elliptical Unit So Good?

Let's just say, for example, that you lead a very busy lifestyle! Squeezing in sufficient time for exercise is next to impossible. But, what if I told you that you could get an efficient workout in less time on an elliptical exercise machine?

That's right! Because ellipticals are capable of exercising both the upper AND lower body at the same time, you can get in a great exercise session in as little as 20 minutes. Now, 20 minutes is hardly anything out of a 24-hour day! Surely you can spare so little time for the sake of your body's fitness?

What other factors make an elliptical training machine beneficial? One fact that instantly comes to mind is that this type of equipment is VERY low-impact! For this reason, alone, the elliptical would be ideal for older individuals who want to get in shape or maintain their current level of fitness. It would also be good for those who are rehabilitating from running injuries.

'Low-impact' means practically NO risk of injuring the back, knees, ankles, or other joints during a workout on an elliptical unit. So, if you're at high risk of such injuries, this may be the perfect machine for you to train on!

Cardiovascular Benefits

Because elliptical equipment DOES work both upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate is quickly elevated, allowing for a great cardiovascular workout. Through consistent training on an elliptical, the heart muscle is strengthened. Thereby, the risk of heart attack, heart disease, or stroke is highly reduced.

Efficient for Weight-loss

Once that heart rate is increased during an elliptical workout, the body's metabolic rate is also increased. And, before you know it, you're burning those calories and working towards melting the fat away! The marvelous thing about jump-starting your metabolism with exercise is that, even when the exercise session is over, your body will continue to burn calories at an accelerated pace throughout the day.

Additional Elliptical Benefits

Elliptical exercise requires little skill. You simply put your feet into the foot pedals and begin pedaling, as your hands hold onto the moving handlebars. When you stop pedaling, the machine stops, too!

Most decent elliptical workout equipment comes with preset programs from which you can choose a workout routine. You can also adjust the incline level to increase the intensity of your workouts.

In addition to reducing your chance of heart problems and helping you shed those extra inches, elliptical training also strengthens and tones muscles in your legs and arms. The back and abdominal muscles also become stronger. You look better AND you feel better!