Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

A Comparison of Treadmills and Elliptical Machines

By John Andrews

Elliptical machines are slowly but surely becoming the new treadmill. These machines give a person a complete workout, using multiple muscles. They are sold worldwide; some are as low as 400 dollars and some as high as 4 thousand.

The elliptical machine combines skiing, walking, and bicycling in its design. These machines typically have screens on them that will display a person's heart rate while they are working out. Some elliptical machine screens display the calories that they have burned as well.

The best factor about an elliptical machine versus a treadmill is that they do not put pressure on the joints while exercising. When a person walks or runs it is constant pressure on the ankles and feet. With an elliptical machine this impact on the feet does not exist.

Elliptical machines can be used by seniors, or by injured people. People who have had feet or ankle injuries may find it difficult to run or put too much pressure on there feet. These people may find it hard to use a treadmill, but they could use an elliptical because it will not strain them.

Some seniors find it difficult to walk on the treadmill due to a fear of falling or rolling off of it. On an elliptical machine their feet are set in one place and rolling off or falling in unlikely. Most elliptical machines have different programs that a person can choose from.

Some ellipticals have up to 20 programs to choose from, but have fewer than 10 programs. The resistance levels can be changed so that more than one person can use the same elliptical machine. Ellipticals are said to provide a more efficient workout then a treadmill.

The word elliptical means oval, this is due to the motion that the legs form when using the machine. The bigger the strides, the more room a person will have to move around when using the machine. Most elliptical machines normally are designed with 10 to 20 inch strides.

Elliptical machines come in many different forms. Some can fold up to give ma person more space, but most should be put together in the spot, which they are supposed to stay. When a person purchases an elliptical machine, they should ask themselves three questions, will it fit my budget, my house, and me?

Elliptical machines can be found in most gyms nowadays and are being used frequently by gym guest. They focus more on cardio and can help a person shed the pounds off by burning fat without building too much muscle. Ellipticals can be programmed to help build muscle if that is what the person wishes.

Another great factor about elliptical machines is that they can run without the use of electricity. A person will not be able to see their heart rate, but they could still use the machine and get a workout. A treadmill will only work off electricity.

Ellipticals provide a better workout then treadmills. They do not need to be powered in order to use them, and they do not affect the joints of the feet like treadmills do. All in all they better in many different ways than the treadmill. - 17273

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