The Elliptical Trainer: A Great Way to Work Out!

For a great workout, trash the treadmill and embark on a calorie-burning workout with an elliptical trainer. To increase your cardiovascular health with aerobic exercise while maintaining muscle strength, the elliptical trainer is your fitness-friendly machine.

Originally developed as a low-impact exercise machine, the elliptical trainer is a stationary machine that allows the user to simulate walking or running without the bone-jarring impact received on the traditional treadmill. The user places his feet on the trainer's footpads and performs a walking or running stride. Fluid and smooth, this action allows the user to control the speed at which the machine moves. To intensify your workout, try an elliptical trainer that also features cross-training handlebars. With your arms, pump the handlebars in sync with your stride to include your upper body in the workout.

Although considered low or minimal impact, the elliptical trainer is still an example of weight-bearing exercise. The trainer is usually self-powered by the user but some machines require an electrical plug-in to supply current to the display console or resistance system. Other machines rely on D-cell batteries for the same function.

To get a great workout while on the elliptical trainer, consider the following tips:

Heart rate monitor is a must-have. Most machines feature handgrip sensors that monitor your heart rate while exercising. Some even come with a heart monitor strap. To get the full benefit of the exercise, knowing your heart rate will allow you to decrease or increase your pace to keep your heart rate in the optimum calorie-burning zone.

Spice up your workout with a variety of pre-programmed challenges. Some machines feature up to twenty different programs and resistance levels that allow you to focus on your individual fitness or weight loss program.

Reverse motion keeps muscles challenged and workout interesting. By using the reverse motion or backpedaling, you can help prevent muscle strain, encourage different muscles to get into the game, and keep boredom at bay.

Employ the adjustable incline and increase cardiovascular benefits. This is a great way to rev up your routine after you have been working on the elliptical trainer for a few weeks. Every other week, adjust the incline and feel the difference.

Lengthen your stride to burn more calories.

If you are using the elliptical trainer at the gym or health club, ask the trainer to demonstrate how their machine works. Have them teach you how to adjust the stride and incline. Take the time before you begin your workout to familiarize yourself with the settings and readouts.

If you have decided to purchase an elliptical trainer for your home there are several machines that can easily fit into your personal exercise area. Choosing the best machine for your personal fitness needs will depend on many factors. Before you purchase your elliptical trainer, take into account the size of your workout area. If it is limited, consider a machine that folds for space saving. If two or more people will be sharing the machine, make sure you choose one with an adjustable stride. A man that stands six foot three will have a much longer stride than a woman that stands five foot four. Remember that some elliptical machines have a weight limit of 250 pounds while others allow a limit of 400 pounds.

Several companies offer quality elliptical trainers including Healthrider, Nordictrack, Precor, Proform, Star Trac, and Weslo. Before purchasing an elliptical trainer for your home, check out the comparison website elliptical-machines-n-trainers.com.

Elliptical trainers offer a great workout for both the fitness fanatic and the novice. It can work both the upper and lower body while providing an energizing workout. Simple to use, affordable to purchase, and an effective fitness tool, the elliptical trainer pumps the hearts of workout warriors striving for a healthy and strong body.