The single most important thing in life is our health, something we often don't appreciate until we've lost it. One of the key factors in maintaining a healthy body and positive outlook is proper exercise. Exercise keeps us feeling young, our joint supple, and our hearts pumping good oxygenated blood, fueling those with energy.

The question most would ask is this, "What type of exercise is most beneficial to our body, will a simple walk suffice or should we go to the gym, or possibly invest in the latest exercise equipment. While walking is always beneficial, and a gym membership works for some people and not others, owning the right piece of exercise equipment allow you to exercise in the privacy of your home, at your own convenience, and without concern to weather is outside.

Some may already be using a treadmill, is this sufficient or should you consider elliptical exercise equipment? Here is the key difference between a treadmill and elliptical exercise equipment, the impact is placed on your joints. Elliptical exercise was designed from the beginning, to provide a vigorous workout, combined with low impact. This simply means that there is very little or no stress, placed upon your legs, hips or knees. While this may seem like a dream come true, it's simply good exercise equipment design. A elliptical training uses a gentle motion allowing an overall beneficial workout, while keeping stress on your body to a minimum.

If you're not familiar with elliptical exercise equipment, let me give you a brief introduction. I'll compare elliptical exercise, with the traditional treadmill, which has been around for generations. While a treadmill is very effective and can provide a good cardiovascular session, elliptical exercise equipment can do the same and even more. Elliptical exercise equipment is gentle on your body, eliminating the stress of constantly pounding the ground or a hard gym floor.

You've probably seen a stair climber, certainly an exercise bike, and we've already discussed a treadmill; elliptical exercise equipment combines all three, with a couple of additions, allowing a good cardio workout also. There is certainly nothing wrong with a treadmill, however elliptical exercise equipment allows an overall better workout session, one that can have you feeling wonderful, and full of a zest for life.

Another benefit of the elliptical training equipment, is the fact that you're exercising your entire body, not simply your legs and your lungs, but also your upper body. This is accomplished with special handlebars, integrated into the equipment, allowing you to target your arms and upper body. Additionally, there are foot pedals, which allow you to zero in on the muscles in your lower body, specifically your calves and thighs and quadriceps.

FACTOID: Studies have proven that elliptical exercise equipment allows you to burn more calories than treadmills. This is based on virtual no impact exercise, allowing the user to exercise longer and with greater intensity.

Since variety is indeed the spice of life, few of us enjoy the tedium of a boring work out, and without stimulation many fail to continue. This has been addressed and implemented with elliptical exercise equipment, allowing the user to alter the intensity and incline, tailoring each workout to your mood and fitness level, however elliptical training does not stop there.

This is easily accomplished since the incline can be adjusted, the petals can be made to run backwards, specifically targeting and quadriceps, as well as adjustments made to the handlebars. While normally you would have a forward motion much like a skier, when you set the petals to run backwards. Your targeting a specific area of your body, but still a lemonade in impact.

ELIPTICAL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT vs. JOGGING

While jogging has been a staple of exercise routines for decades, it is very stressful on a person's lower back and joints, no matter their age or fitness level. It's a proven fact that jogging can adversely affect your knees, ankles and back. And of course, let's not forget shin splints, if you've never experienced shin splints, I'd never wish it on you, it can be very painful.

While everyone's exercise routine is different, here are a few thoughts that may be of benefit in making a decision about elliptical exercise equipment.

1. First and foremost, always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen, this is extremely important.

2. Elliptical exercise equipment allows you to combine traditional training, such as stair climbers, upper body exercise, and cardiovascular training into one good session.

3. Elliptical training equipment has been proven to burn more calories than a traditional treadmill.

Of course the final decision will always be yours, and no matter whether you choose eliptical training equipment or another form of exercise, we encourage you to take the first step toward overall health and fitness.