ELLIPTICAL TRAINER

 Hear me out. What I am saying is this: if you have a specific goal to drop your pace so you can achieve a better result at your next 5k, and you put some logical thought into accomplishing that goal and formulate a plan of action, you might say to me, “I really need something with a pacer function so I can monitor where I am at all times.” Or, if you are trying to lose a pound a week and keep it off, and you know how you are going to accomplish that goal, you might say, “I really need something that has a calorie goal program.” What if you are trying to lower your resting heart rate? You would say, “I really need to monitor my heart rate and do intelligent workouts designed to strengthen my heart.”

 Point being, all of the options that are integrated into an elliptical's console are not fluff; each program and feature has a specific purpose designed around your specific goals, and to also motivate you.

 Commodity shoppers will commonly look at these console features as the first expendable option when the cost of the machine is their primary focus. When my client starts to dismiss the console as a pretext to get the best value for their money, it is very important to me that I ask them follow-up questions to make sure that they aren't falling into the stigmatized “bells and whistles” trap and that they are not sabotaging their own goals before they even get started. Some of the most common feedback statements I receive when I ask for their thoughts are:

 These are not made up statements to fit the agenda of my argument, these are actual deflections from clients that I hear all of the time. And believe me when I say I know they aren't being unreasonable. I empathize with my clients. I want them to use their machines and get the most out of them. I want the machines to improve their lives and their health. I'd never argue with a client about their objections. All I try to do, really, is to fit them with a machine that best fits their needs before they automatically dismiss anything for the wrong reasons. And most of the time, I can help by asking one very simple question:

 I am just as busy as anyone and I can tell you with honesty that I wouldn't be able to get through the day if I did not optimize my time. A common reason (but not the only reason) why our clients are shopping for equipment for their home is because they don't have time to go to the gym. If this is also the case for you, and you told me this when I asked why you are shopping for an elliptical, I already know your time is valuable before I even ask!

 “You told me you want to burn 500 calories five days per week to lose a pound per week and keep it off. Instead of hitting Quick Start and working out for one hour, what if you tried this comprehensive interval program instead and finished in 30 minutes? Would an extra 30 minutes a day to get some other stuff done help you out?”

 “I know you said you don't monitor your heart rate, but by doing this target heart rate program, you could really focus on torching fat first and foremost, and by staying in that zone the entire time, you could shave a few minutes off that traditional steady state workout in which it sounds like you have conditioned yourself.”

 “I know you said it's just you using the machine and you don't need any user profiles, however if you save your information into a profile, you won't have to type in your age and weight every single time you start to exercise, which will save you lots of time.”

 My contention really, is that the more options you have at your disposal, the more likely you will be to hit your goals, and the more you will use your elliptical for years to come. A fitness goal is a journey, and it's going to have ups and downs, and anything that will help you use the machine more frequently, and go longer, faster and harder . . . will shorten that journey.

 The best advice I can give you is to reach out to your local fitness equipment specialty dealer and speak with a reputable fitness consultant. Trust me, they want to hear from you and they want to talk about you and your fitness goals. Tell them what you are trying to achieve and let them work with you to create a plan of action to get you there. Fitness consultants are exceptional at gathering information about you, your career, your lifestyle, your family, your habits and your strengths and weaknesses and designing an optimal plan that is realistic and one that you will enjoy doing. And sometimes, that plan relies on specific and comprehensive workout programs that are integrated on the machine. Programs designed to optimize the benefits of using the elliptical. Programs designed to save you time. Not a bell. Not a whistle.

 Life Fitness EllipticalThe majority of ellipticals out there have moveable arms that are inter-connected to the pedals and resistance system to provide a fluid, dual-action upper body workout. There are two main types of arms: those which are considered to be standard, which protrude straight ahead of the body when pushed and/or pulled. Non-standard converging arms, which converge toward the center of the body, tend to mimic a more natural walking or running motion.

 Fixed arm elliptical trainers have no moving arms at all, and are a little less common nowadays. They are primarily lower-body workouts, and people who don't like to use the arms regularly and have them move back and forth tend to gravitate toward fixed-arm machines.

 Hybrid armed elliptical trainers are the least common. These ellipticals are optimal for workout variety because the arms can be docked in place so they do not automatically move back and forth if you don't want to use them.

 The linkages, where two pieces of steel are joined, make up a considerable amount of integrity of the machine. More cost-effective machines will use bushings, which use two pieces of material (typically brass, steel or plastic) which pivot on each other. Bushings wear over time, and will increase in noise and friction with more and more use.

 Bearings are significantly smoother and require very little maintenance. You will usually find bearings on ellipticals in specialty stores, as opposed to department stores. Instead of having two flat pieces rub against one another, rounded bearings reduce the coefficient of friction, which results in less heat, noise and wear.

 Some elliptical manufacturers utilize wheels that are directly connected to the pedals, which roll up and down a grooved track. Sometimes, these wheels are curved and other times they are not. Also, some companies use a single track for each pedal, and others use a dual track for curved wheels. For the most part, the idea is centrally the same: for the machine to provide the elliptical motion, it is dependent on the wheels moving back and forth, up and down the track(s).

 Suspension ellipticals have no wheels. Instead, The pedals have their own independent pivot points (some also independently articulate) which are connected directly to linkages, which in turn are directly connected to the flywheel. They are called suspension systems because you are “suspended” in the air as you pedal the machine. Manufacturers design machines this way because they want the machine to have less maintenance required, and have them be significantly quieter than a wheel-on-ramp design.

 I am an advocate that whatever machine is most comfortable and fits you best is likely to be the machine you will get the most benefits from, and that biomechanics and ergonomics trump mostly everything else. Still, there are a couple significant differences between the two types of systems that you should consider, and while I don't think one is “better” than the other, I think that by taking these things into consideration, it will help make you decision making process a bit less convoluted.

 A wheel-on-ramp system is going to require more preventative maintenance from you, because you are going to have to keep the tracks clean and free of debris. In addition, the wheels are a wear item.

Elliptical

 A suspension system is quieter than a wheel-on-ramp system and does not have the wear items or require the preventative maintenance. However, the catch is that now regarding energy displacement, the machine is being stressed more. When you use an elliptical that has wheels moving back and forth on a track, you are evenly distributing the energy you are outputting along the entire track and/or ramp. However on a suspension elliptical, all of that energy has nowhere to go except for the linkages, so there is more stress being applied to those pivot points. Also, because most ellipticals use bolts to connect the arm masts, there is additional pressure being applied, and the bolts will likely loosen over time and need tightened again.

 To help you understand this better, a good analogy would be if you were standing in the middle of a frozen lake, and the ice starts to crack under your feet. If you want to avoid falling through the ice, you should lay down and spread out your arms and legs, making yourself take up as much surface area as possible. This way, you are spreading your weight and energy out as far away from the fracture as you possibly can, which will minimize the pressure required for the crack to spread. This is similar to the energy displacement of a wheel-on-ramp elliptical: you aren't focusing all of that kinetic energy on a single point or points. With a suspension system however, that force is being directed to the linkages that suspend you up in the air to give you that quieter, smoother experience.

 HIIT involves short bursts of intense activity followed by brief periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. For instance, you can alternate between 30 seconds of all-out effort and 30 seconds of recovery. HIIT is a time-efficient way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.

 Many cross-trainers allow you to adjust the incline. Incline training simulates uphill climbs, engaging your leg muscles more and increasing the overall intensity of your workout. This is an excellent way to build lower-body strength and endurance.

 For those seeking endurance and stamina improvements, you can extend your workouts to 45 minutes or even an hour. Maintain a steady pace and focus on consistent breathing to build your aerobic capacity.

 The cross trainer is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts alike. Its low-impact, full-body workout offers numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, muscle engagement, and calorie burn. By following this beginner’s guide and incorporating the tips mentioned, you can make the most of your cross-trainer. Remember, consistency and patience are key to achieving your fitness goals, so enjoy your journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle with this versatile piece of exercise equipment. With dedication and the right approach, you will be well on your way to achieving the best.

 Are you looking to switch up your workout routine? Consider trying an elliptical machine. These machines are a popular choice for getting a full-body workout with minimal impact on the joints.

 In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what exactly an elliptical machine is, how it works, and the many benefits it offers. We’ll also explore key factors to consider when selecting an elliptical machine and provide tips for using it effectively.

 Additionally, we’ll recommend some top-rated elliptical machines to help you get started on your fitness journey. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just starting out, this guide has something for everyone. So, let’s get started and discover the world of elliptical machine training!

 An elliptical machine, also known as a cross-trainer, is a stationary exercise machine used for simulated walking, running, or stair climbing without causing excessive pressure to the joints. This provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

 Users can adjust the resistance levels and incline settings to tailor their workout intensity to their fitness goals. The machine’s digital display tracks metrics such as speed, distance, time, and calories burned, making it an effective tool for monitoring progress and maintaining motivation during workouts.

 The elliptical provides a smooth, gliding motion that reduces stress on the joints, making it ideal for those with joint pain or injuries. It engages the upper and lower body muscles simultaneously, offering a comprehensive workout.

 The cardiovascular benefits are also substantial, as it helps improve heart health by increasing endurance and stamina. Additionally, with adjustable resistance levels, it caters to various fitness levels, ensuring a challenging workout for all users.

 This versatile machine targets the arms, chest, back, and legs, providing a comprehensive exercise session. By altering the incline and resistance settings, users can further challenge themselves and stimulate different muscle groups, making it suitable for individuals at various fitness levels.

 This low-impact yet effective exercise provides a full-body workout, engaging both upper and lower body muscles, resulting in elevated heart rate and increased blood circulation. Regular use of the elliptical can lead to improved cardiovascular endurance, making daily activities feel less strenuous.

 Its calorie-burning efficiency helps in weight management, reducing the risk of heart disease and strengthening the heart muscle. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to prioritize cardiovascular health and overall fitness.