01 Apr Seven benefits of using an elliptical machine

Elliptical cross trainers

are a low-impact, fun way to exercise.
Depending on if you use the arm handles, too, you’ll tone your lower and upper body. Thanks to the aerobic benefits, they can also help you get more heart healthy and lose weight.
Here are seven more benefits of using an elliptical machine:
1. Get used to the gliding sensation and then exercise at your own pace.
2. Elliptical machines provide an excellent low-impact way to get a great cardio workout without the wear and tear of high-impact activities such as running.
3. Ergonomically correct designs of an elliptical machines can reduce strain on the legs and back.
4. Some people even say using an elliptical machine puts less stress on their knees than walking for a workout.
5. Elliptical machines are simple to use. All you have to do is stand with your feet inside the foot pedals and begin moving back and forth as your hands and arms move along with the moving handlebars. When you stop, the machine will stop, too.
6. Most ellipticals come with preset programs that allow you to choose a workout routine. You can adjust the incline level to increase the difficulty of your workouts.
7. Since elliptical machines can work out both the upper and lower body at the same time, you can get a quality full-body workout in as little as 20 minutes.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com