Elliptical Machine Problems

Before working out with an elliptical machine for the first time, learn about proper form to avoid injury. Hold on to a stationary part of the elliptical machine as you mount it, then stand-up straight looking forward. Adjust the stride length to fit your normal stride and maintain contact with the entire bottom of your foot as you exercise.

Lose Weight Faster with Strength Training: Cardio exercise on the elliptical machine helps you retain muscle as your percentage of body fat drops. However, individuals looking to lose weight fast and keep it off long-term will attain better results with strength training than cardio training on the elliptical machine, says Jeffrey Janot, PhD, an assistant professor of exercise physiology at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

Low Resistance: Setting your elliptical machine to a low resistance during your cardiovascular workout may not give you the calorie burning results you desire. To burn more calories in the same amount of time, turn up the resistance level on the elliptical machine. To prevent injury build up to a higher resistance over a period of weeks or months depending on the rate of your strength and cardiovascular development.

Tall and Short People: The overall fit of an elliptical machine is important to optimizing the efficacy and safety of your workout. A tall and short person should take care when selecting and elliptical machine because this piece of fitness equipment requires proper adjustments to accommodate a proper stride length. An economical model may not allow you to adjust the stride length to fit your body. High-end models generally allow for a wide range of adjustments to accommodate individuals who are taller or shorter than the average person.

Adequate Space: An elliptical machine requires more space than some cardiovascular equipment like a stationary bicycle. Aside from the space required for the machine itself, additional space is required to accommodate stride length and headroom, especially for tall people.

Difficult to Mount: Some individuals with physical disabilities or injuries have difficulty mounting the elliptical machine. In a study conducted by Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and presented at the 2010 Resna Annual Conference out of 10 participants with chronic diseases or physical limitations three people required one to four examiners to physically assist them and one person could not get on the elliptical machine even with assistance.

Resources:

1 Nine Common Fitness Myths & Misconceptions
2 What's the Best Piece of Cardio Equipment to Use?
3 Selecting and Effectively Using an Elliptical Trainer?