Elliptical trainer
Multisports® Elliptix 880 Elliptical Trainer Brand:Multisports Details The Multisports® Elliptix 880 Elliptical Trainer is a self-generating, ...
Keys Ironman 250E Elliptical Trainer Brand:TimexFitness Type:Elliptical and Cross TrainersSports Type:Personal Fitness Details The IronMan 250e...
An elliptical trainer (also cross trainer or simply elliptical) is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries.
Elliptical trainers offer a non-impact cardiovascular workout that can vary from light to high intensity based on the resistance preference. Most elliptical trainers work the user’s upper and lower body (although some models do not have moving upper body components). Using an elliptical trainer is designed to elevate the heart rate more than building muscles.
They can be powered with AC electricity for adjustment of motion and/or for supplying their electronic consoles and resistance systems. Current models incorporate adjustable resistance via friction belt (obsolete), magnetic or electromagnetic devices.
On some models, the incline of sloping roller ramps beneath the pedal-links can be adjusted to produce varying pedal motion paths. The result of such adjustment changes the burdens on various muscle groups in the legs. Some mechatronic models can vary both the incline and resistance over the course of a workout according to a preset program. Some trainers can be driven in a reverse and forwards direction.
Ellipticals are primarily driven via the legs, and most are combination designs having handle-levers attached to each pedal-link for the purpose of enabling a burden on the arms to provide a secondary source of driving power. The user grips the handles below shoulder height and pushes/pulls them while shuffling the feet back and forth within their “elliptically” (misnomer) shaped paths. Thus the oscillating handle motions are dependently coordinated with the constrained pedal motions. Poorly designed machines are too dependent on the user’s leg power, producing excessive handle speeds as a result of mechanical ratios that do not provide enough advantage to the handle-levers. Consequently such machines feel to the user like their arms are simply going along for the ride, rather than sharing in the work. The better models offer a harmonious combination of arm and leg exercise in the correct ratios.
Some manufacturers produce commercial models which focus on durability and are made to withstand the more frequent use of the fitness club environment. These units typically sell for well over $4,000 (US) and offer greater durability and programming than the typical home user would ever need.
An elliptical cross trainer is comparable to a treadmill in its exertion of leg muscles and the heart. Ellipticals produce an intermediate range of leg motion between that of stationary bikes and treadmills.
There are claims that the dual action exercise of an elliptical trainers can actually be more efficient in burning calories. The logic is that by exercising more muscle groups simultaneously, a more intense workout can be achieved in less time. It is also suggested that the perceived rate of exertion is lower. However, other studies have shown that the rate in which calories are burned on an elliptical trainer is similar to that on a treadmill. [1] Regardless, elliptical trainers are growing in popularity. One reason may be that because the person who is exercising is not taking his or her feet off of the pedals, an exercise can be done at a gentler rate, still getting the same amount of results as a treadmill.
A recent study by the University of Idaho shows that varying the stride length on the elliptical trainer can recruit a larger variety of muscle groups. The study also showed that as the stride is lengthened, more calories are burned without any higher rate of perceived exertion by the user. This study lends credibility to the claims made about the adjustable stride length feature on some newer ellipticals.
Best entry-level elliptical trainer.
If you’re looking for a lot of features, but a Precor elliptical trainer is beyond your budget, reviews recommend the Spirit XE 350. This elliptical trainer has ten customizable programs and an included wireless heart-rate monitor. Unlike the Precor EFX, it includes an upper body workout. Articulated foot pedals help decrease ankle strain, and there’s a weight capacity of 325 pounds. The stride length is 20 inches, so it should be plenty comfortable for taller users. Best of all, Spirit includes a five-year warranty on parts, a lifetime warranty on the frame and an unheard-of two years of labor coverage, far better than other manufacturers.
?? Precor EFX 5.17i
(*est. $2,700)
>> Where to buy
Best elliptical trainer.
Reviewers say Precor makes the best elliptical trainers on the market. The EFX 5.17i is Precor’s entry-level elliptical trainer, but reviews say that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most durable options. It has four programs, and there are 20 resistance levels. One feature that sets it apart from cheaper elliptical machines is an incline that adjusts from 12 to 25 degrees. Its long, 19-inch stride makes it comfortable even for tall users. According to the manufacturer, Precor’s elliptical trainers don’t have a weight limit, so they’re appropriate and stable for heavier individuals. The EFX 5.17i doesn’t have moving handles for an upper body workout. (compare prices)
?? Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A
(*est. $400)
>> Where to buy
Budget elliptical trainer.
The Fitness Quest elliptical trainer has one huge advantage over other models in its price range — it has a one-year warranty on parts and labor, longer than other models, which usually have only a 90-day warranty. The Fitness Quest elliptical trainer has ten preset programs and two heart-rate-controlled programs (it has handgrip heart-rate sensors) and can support up to 275 pounds. However, this model weighs only 90 pounds, so it’s not as heavy or stable as pricier models. (compare prices)
?? Precor EFX 5.33
(*est. $3,800)
>> Where to buy
Club-quality elliptical trainer.
Precor’s health-club-quality EFX 5.33 elliptical trainer adds moving handlebars for an upper body workout. There are 14 programs (including manual), along with 20 resistance levels. The incline is fixed at 20 degrees. With Precor elliptical trainers, you must choose between an adjustable incline or an upper body workout. (compare prices)
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