Elliptical Exercise Equipment Examined

Elliptical Exercise Equipment Is Very Popular But Are They As Effective As Other Options?

Elliptical exercise equipment actually can give you just as good of a fat burning and cardiovascular workout as a treadmill, but also offers other benefits that you can't get from any other piece of cardio exercise equipment: A complete shock free, complete body workout.

Now, let's first go through an elliptical exercise equipment review.

Elliptical exercise equipment basically combine the movements of the stair climber, treadmill, rowing machine and stationary bike into one. Personally we love elliptical exercise equipment.

As mentioned above, elliptical exercise equipment is zero impact on your knees, ankles, hips and your entire body in general.

With elliptical exercise equipment, you use both your upper and lower body. The more muscle you use during your exercise session, the more fat calories you will burn.

Upper body muscles and muscle groups worked include:

• Chest
• Back
• Anterior Deltoids
• Posterior Deltoids
• Triceps
• Biceps
• Trapezius

Lower body muscles and muscle groups worked include:

• Quads
• Hamstrings
• Gastrocnemius
• Soleus
• Hip Flexors
• Glutes

One very important point to keep in mind when looking at purchasing elliptical equipment is that you get what you pay for. Some of the cheaper models do not provide for an upper body workout, which basically eliminates the over-all effectiveness of elliptical trainers.

Some cheaper models also have a manual set-up to adjust the tension - these simply do not work and cause the elliptical trainer to become very awkward to use.

The higher quality elliptical trainers are extremely comfortable to use as well as giving you a superior cardio and fat burning workout.

Buying elliptical trainers can be expensive, although still less than a good treadmill, and considering the benefits you get with it, it's more than worth it.

Important note! Do not get caught up in the T.V infomercial elliptical equipment. The elliptical trainers advertised on T.V. is extremely poor construction, very awkward to use and will give you more headaches and frustration than you could ever imagine.

Here are some tips when using elliptical equipment:

• When you first step on any elliptical trainers you will tend to go backwards. Just steady yourself, place your feet further ahead on the foot pedals and push forwards.

• Remember to stand up straight. Keep your head up and level otherwise you will start to put some strain on your lower back - similar to the strain you would get with a traditional stairclimber.

• For a change of pace and to put more emphasis on using different muscles in your legs, your can perform a reverse action or backwards pedalling motion. Don't do this too often however, as you will not burn quite as many calories this way.

• Like all exercise equipment it's better to start off slow and get a good feel for the motion. Don't try and do too much too soon, remember you will be using a greater amount of muscle on elliptical trainers than you would on other types of cardio exercise equipment.

• Each time you use elliptical trainers try to vary the resistance. This will ensure all muscles involved will be getting a maximum workout.

• Use the dual action handle bars each and every time your use your elliptical equipment. Some people are under the false impression that if you sometimes rest your arms on the handles you will target your lower body more.

  This is a wrong assumption. When you stop using your upper body you will be using less over-all muscle mass and in fact will be using your legs - Less! This is due to the fact that in order to maintain proper balance your body will lean forward somewhat meaning that less bodyweight will be directly over your leg muscles.

  A slight lean forward will also put your stance out of alignment and may cause some lower back pain. Always use your upper body at all times on elliptical trainers for a better workout and proper form.

The elliptical equipment, or any exercise equipment you use for that matter, is only part of the puzzle. You need to be able to effectively use your elliptical exercise equipment & nutrition plan properly and consistently to reach your goals.

Do you currently, or have you ever, used the type of exercise equipment mentioned on this page? What has been your experience with this type of equipment? What exercise equipment do you like the best or like the least? Tell us why you feel this way.

Or do you have some good information that we may have missed? Share your story and let others know what equipment to avoid or to invest in!

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