Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Saturday, May 2, 2009

A Side By Side Look at Elliptical Machines and Treadmills

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.

A great thing about elliptical machines is that it does not apply pressure on the joints of the feet while using it. This makes it different from the treadmill because walking on a treadmill puts constant pressure on a persons ankles and feet. There is very little impact on the ankles and feet when using an elliptical machine.

Another great aspect of the elliptical machine is that elderly people or people who have been injured can use them. People who have had ankle injuries may find it difficult to walk or run on a treadmill because of the pressure that is puts on their feet. They will not feel this pressure when using the elliptical machine, because it is not there.

Seniors may find it difficult to walk on the treadmill due to a fear of falling. On an elliptical machine their feet are set in place and falling in unlikely. Ellipticals also have a multitude or programs a person can choose from.

Some ellipticals have up to 20 programs to choose from, these are usually the more expensive ones; the cheaper ones have fewer than 10 programs. Elliptical machines have resistance levels that can be changed; this way more than one person can use the same elliptical machine. Ellipticals provide a person a more better workout then a treadmill, because they workout more muscles.

The word elliptical means oval, this is because the motion that the legs form when using the machine stride in an oval shape. The bigger the strides on an elliptical machine the more room a person will have to move around. Most ellipticals typically have 10 to 20 inch strides.

Elliptical machines come in many different shapes and sizes. Some can fold up but most have to put together in the spot, which they are meant to stay. When a person purchases an elliptical machine three questions should be asked, 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 wonderful factor about elliptical machines is that they can be used without electricity. A person may not be able to see how many calories that they burned, but they could still use the machine and get a good workout. A treadmill can only work if it is plugged in to the wall.

Elliptical machines provide a better, overall workout than treadmills. They will run with out power, and they do not affect the joints of the feet and ankles like treadmills do. All in all they are a better source for exercise than the treadmill. - 17273

About the Author:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home