If you’ve jumped on an elliptical trainer, you know how great a workout you can



have on this newer fitness machine. With its smooth, rhythmic motions, the

elliptical trainer is the ideal workout for anyone looking for a high

cardiovascular exercise—without the impact of stress and pressure on your joints

and back.

Purchasing an elliptical trainer can be tricky, but with a little help, you can

make the right decision for you. Knowing will influence which style you purchase—as well as which model you are willing to buy.

Similar to most stationary bikes, when you get onto the elliptical trainer and

begin to move, the program will immediately start. Underneath the foot platform

is an array of mechanical accoutrements that make your workout experience a

great one. As you push the pedals in an oval, or elliptical, pattern, the

machine starts, offering an array of fitness programs. You can adjust the

fitness level with a mere push of a button on the display panel in front of you.

The pedal position gives you a choice of moving strokes to work out various

muscle groups on your body.

Manual resistance is the key component in an elliptical trainer. As you glide

methodically along, you can control fitness levels that offer more resistance

for a higher-intensity training experience. A user’s body is placed over the

center of the drive wheel for the most natural ergonomic positioning possible.

This natural position leads to extended times on the machine, as well as a more

comfortable experience throughout the length of the workout.

The base of the machine is a crank arm attached to a bar. The bar moves in a

linear fashion, side-to-side, on one end, while moving in a circular pattern on

the other. This results in an exercise that is elliptical. The motion of the

pedals is similar to the stationary bike, but feels more natural and less

jarring.

Because the movements are so natural, the fitness user can easily reach a heart

rate of 160-175 bpm (beats per minute), which encourages high cardiovascular

activity and ultimately, a rewarding workout. A heavy flywheel magnetic system

offers a very smooth, frictionless movement and virtually silent operation. The

upper body handles move in pattern with the lower-body base and bars to give you

a great workout. Minute after minute, the upper body works in tandem with the

lower body pedals to give you a full body workout and smooth, rewarding fitness

experience.

Since the pedals are available to be used in two different fashions, a fitness

user can enjoy two distinct types of exercise routines. If you pedal forward,

you will feel a strong workout in the glutes, quadriceps, calf muscles and more.

Pedal backwards, however, and you can feel a stronger burn in your quadriceps

and calf muscles within minutes. Either way, the elliptical trainer is versatile

and strong enough to handle the routine and the user can experience a

challenging and rewarding workout.

The elliptical trainer has only been around for a few years, so we can expect to

see great advantages in the years ahead. The fitness industry is a demanding and

competitive industry, which is excellent news for fitness enthusiasts. As the

competition grows, the need for greater and greater machines is imperative.

Already, we have seen more fitness programs, smoother workouts on pedals and

increased resistance for a more intense workout.

From beginners to advanced fitness buffs, the elliptical trainer provides an

outstanding workout each time the user jumps on board. Although critics

initially scoffed at the elliptical trainer, saying that the machine would only

be around temporarily, the prediction has not come true. This so-called “fad"

trainer has evolved, grown and exerted its influence into public gyms and

private home gym environments alike.

Where will the machine go from here? Today, the range of benefits and features

are limited only by what a user is willing to pay to purchase his or her own

machine. Fitness manufacturers, such as the original Precor, are helping to set

the stage to bring more and more exciting features to the fitness landscape.

Next time you jump on an elliptical trainer, you will be able to experience a

great workout—and have a better understanding of the intricacies of the

machinery underneath your body. Enjoy a strong workout and a leaner body when

you work your lower and upper body muscles simultaneously. Jump on board an

elliptical machine for your next fitness workout today!

About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular

contributor to - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,

guides, product descriptions and articles.