TOP 5 TYPES OF ELLIPTICAL MACHINES FOR FITNESS

Elliptical Machines have become increasingly popular and more technically advanced. Surveys will indicate that as many as six million people prefer elliptical machines as their choice for home exercise equipment.

If you are looking for an effective and thorough indoor workout, then look no further than an elliptical machine. There are many benefits to having ellipticals; when you use one, you will notice how impact-free your workout will be.
Also, a total body workout on one of these machines is challenging enough for serious athletes but at the same time safe enough for beginners and even mothers to be.
Of course, like with any physical activity, expert advice should be sought from your doctor before using any exercise equipment.

There is no impact on the ground with the elliptical machine, so lower body joints are free from abuse you may get with other workout machines.
Exercising with the elliptical, you are sure to get an excellent cardiovascular workout with maximum efficiency. Most of these machines will give you a total body workout if your device has dual action handlebars for your arms and foot pedals for your legs.

The Elliptical Vs. The Treadmill? Which one is the leader of the pack?

“According to studies, if you exercise on an elliptical machine, the impact on the joints is low, or it has no impact, and the user will burn roughly the same amount of calories as a more strenuous machine like a treadmill. So you get the same results for less effort.”
Many of these activities sometimes involve vigorous movement of the bones and muscles, inflaming old injuries, and maybe cause new ones. The joints commonly affected by an impact form of exercise are usually the knees, ankles, hips, and back.
These little statistics probably tell us why elder exercisers with knee problems and rehabilitating users go for an elliptical machine rather than a more vigorous machine like a treadmill. Here are a few of the benefits an elliptical offers:

Research has shown that to maintain healthy bone density, and it is necessary to participate in weight-bearing activities such as running, squash, football, and other sports where you remain on your feet.
Elliptical workouts may not seem to be routines that are as beneficial as more strenuous, high-impact ones on a treadmill. But in fact, the whole way is a weight-bearing activity, as your feet are placed on two pedals throughout the workout. So as well as avoiding the toil that comes with a treadmill routine, it is also suitable for bone density.

Pregnant women, those with arthritis, and recovering accident victims often require a low-impact routine, which is precisely what the elliptical machine provides.
The elliptical pedaling motion of the machine, as you step up and down on the pedals or platforms, is smooth and flowing. Interestingly. This motion follows the same elliptical movement that the human foot follows when we walk or run.
Although the movement created is similar to these activities, all the strain and vigorous action associated with them is taken away. The beauty is in the simplicity; your feet never leave the footpad, and this being a safer workout reduces the stress on your joints.
The elliptical motion feels natural and is easy to sustain. You will find that elliptical machines complement and enhance normal body movements, making your workouts feel less exertive and more penetrative. Focusing on particular and general muscle groups and giving you an extensive overall body workout.
Studies have also shown that ellipticals work the cardio muscles and burn calories on the same par as Treadmills, if not greater, stair steppers. The bonus is that it feels a lot easier to use an elliptical.

The elliptical has some truly unique features, setting it apart from its rivals. A good quality that an elliptical has over some machines is the variety it adds to the workout. One of the biggest challenges that you as a user faces is to stay motivated and interested in your training program.
With the dual-action handlebars we mentioned earlier, the exerciser can choose not to use them and focus just on the lower body. With the Precor models, it is possible to change the cross ramp incline and to vary the intensity.

However, there is a feature on these machines that separates the elliptical trainer from many other exercise machines when it comes to variety. That feature is the forward and reversible feature on the foot pedals.
Most elliptical machines have a setting that allows you to “go backward” and work additional muscles that many other exercise workouts do not target. Because you are standing and walking or running in place, the leg muscles and those in your buttocks, back, and abdomen are worked effortlessly.
Many ellipticals will allow you to adjust the resistance and change the incline. These adjustments are increased at your convenience and will enable you to increase the resistance and continuously challenge your limits gradually.

He recommended the top five elliptical machines to buy.

Precor – Although Precor is generally known for its commercial machines in gyms worldwide, they also make some less expensive trainers for the home exerciser. They can be quite pricey, starting from $2,000 and upwards; however, the quality you get makes up for the cost. What sets them apart is that Precor machines have adjustable ramps; they are sturdy and well built, with which cheaper trainers cannot compete.
ProForm 700 – This trainer features dual-action engineering. In real terms, it’s got arm handles to work both your upper and lower body simultaneously. At around $400, it’s a good buy and includes iFit.com technology so you can hook it up to your computer for new workouts. You also get six workouts for maximum calorie burning.

Nordic Track Elliptical – This one is very competitively priced, at around $700. You get six different exercise programs for your money, Custom Stride pedals, iFit.com technology, and magnetic resistance. You also get dual action arm handles, a book and water bottle holder, and an exceptionally quiet workout. Similar to the ProForm above, except for the adjustable stride…which is excellent if more than one person uses it.
Reebok Elliptical Trainers – Like the other trainers listed here, apart from the Precor, the Reebok Elliptical offers dual-arm and leg movement and comes pre-programmed with various workouts. Between $400 and $500, this is a good choice for someone on a budget, although you will not get some of the extras offered by other trainers.
Fitness Quest Eclipse 4000 – The eclipse offers a smooth workout with an electric magnetic system. A nice little bonus is that it has arm handles through which the heart rate is measured for ease of use. It also features reverse motion and programs that cover all fitness goals, from fat-burning to cardiovascular routines.