Elliptical Trainer

 All You Need To Know About an Elliptical Trainer

An elliptical trainer is one of your best weapons when it comes to weight loss and weight maintenance. But before we explore what one of these devices can do we should take a closer look at what they are and what some of their features are.

The Beginning of Elliptical Trainers…

In simple terms an elliptical trainer closely mimics the motions of running and allows you to do this without stepping outside and with little or no impact. The machine itself dates back to about the 1990s and became wildly popular because it allowed runners and non-runners a safe and effective way to lose weight. It also meant that for many who switched to using an elliptical machine, they didn’t really need a home gym stocked with all kinds of weights and gadgets. The elliptical trainer provided an overall body workout without taking up much more space than a treadmill – and removed the pounding action experienced on a treadmill. As well as elliptical trainers, you can also choose from the best folding treadmills  and recumbent bikes for low impact exercise for home use.

The early models were somewhat different to the sleek designer style that exists today, although the basics have remained the same. The upper handles did not move in the first few models as they were actually expected to be used to provide balance but they eventually became movable which increased the popularity and demand of these machines. With handles that move, you can accomplish a more natural ‘running stance and motion’ with swinging arms. This design change introduced an upper body exercise that was not available in the original elliptical trainer and ultimately increased the potential calories burned per workout. An increase in calories burned translates into faster weight loss.

Extras and Features of An Elliptical Trainer…

Exerpeutic 1000Xl Heavy Duty Magnetic Ellipticals with Pulse

In order for the average elliptical trainer to work it needs two key elements – a drive and resistance. The drive system is what you move when you start pushing up or down on the foot pedals and pushing or pulling the handles with your hands. The drive is usually located at the rear of the machine and may look like a large covered wheel shape.

Front drives are not as good as rear drives nor do they mimic the running motion as smoothly. The position of the drive also assists in identifying the quality of the product. While most higher end models feature the drive at the rear of the machine, the less expensive models often have it positioned at the front of the device.

The resistance comes from a simple braking system. The braking system loosens or tightens on the belts moved by the drive. The tighter the brakes, the harder it is to make the drive move – or the higher the resistance.

It can be adjusted automatically or manually depending on the model and the more resistance applied, more effort is required to push the drive system. Essentially this makes the workout harder but provides more benefits. Resistance is also used on an elliptical trainer to simulate hills or different types of terrain to add to a work out session.

The stride length comes into play with each and every model with a more natural ‘run’ experienced if the stride length can be adjusted to create a personalized fit for a user. It is important to actually ‘test drive’ an elliptical exercise machine before purchasing one to determine if the stride length is going to work for you if it is on a model that does not feature an adjustable stride option.

Even More Features of Elliptical Trainers…

The control panel on the higher end models of elliptical trainers contains a wealth of information. Typically it includes a battery-powered LCD screen and there may be a number of push buttons that will tell you a lot of different facts about your workout. They can include such things as distance travelled, time of use, heart rate, calories burned and many other pieces of information to assist you as you monitor individual progress. Some are even programmable to add elements to your workout such as resistance and incline in models that have these options.

The Different Styles Available in Elliptical Trainers …

Elliptical training machines come in a few different styles to address different kinds of workout and the fitness abilities of the user. Most commonly the elliptical trainer is a machine that you use while standing on it. A cross trainer is similar but is closer in motion to that of a stair climber than a fluid running motion. There’s also recumbent or seated elliptical trainers which are used in a seated position and still work the arms and legs.

Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Benefits of Using an Elliptical Trainer…

Probably the most important benefit to using one of these machines is that they are simple to operate. You step on to pedals, grip the upper handles and start a back and forth gliding motion. Once you get the rhythm of the timing you will be able to ‘run’ on one. As there is no special training required before using an elliptical exercise machine so you can begin your workout as soon as you step onto it.

The fitness benefits to using an elliptical machine are many. The one benefit that attracts a lot of attention to the use of this device is that you can actually increase your aerobic capacity. In other words, you are strengthening your lungs. The stronger your lungs are, the more oxygen they can hold and the more efficiently they use that oxygen. With an increased aerobic capacity you will be able to do most any activity for a longer period of time without having to rest. Because your lungs will be using oxygen more efficiently, you will not tire as easily as a result.

Another huge bonus to exercising on an elliptical trainer is that it is a non-impact activity. Long distance runners, sprinters and cross country runners typically experience injuries involving knees, ankles and various other joints and ligaments resulting from the jarring they experience from the pounding motion while running on grass, pavement or a track. With an elliptical machine there is no impact which allows you to receive a great workout without the pain.

PreviewBest Elliptical TrainersStar RatingsMore Details
Stamina In-Motion Elliptical TrainerStamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
3.9 / 5More details!
Click Here



Exerpeutic 1000Xl Heavy Duty Magnetic Ellipticals with Pulse3.7 / 5More details!
Click Here



Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Dual Trainer with Seat3.7 / 5More details!
Click Here



Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine4 / 5More details!
Click Here



Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper4.3 / 5More details!
Click Here




ProForm Hybrid Trainer
4 / 5 ProForm Hybrid Trainer “>More details!
Click Here



Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine4.3 / 5More details!
Click Here


Speaking of Elliptical Trainers Workouts…

One of the most amazing benefits available to you from using an elliptical exercise machine is a total body workout. It may be hard to believe at first, but with the legs moving and arms keeping up in rhythm you can not only improve your cardiovascular system but you can also work most of the muscles in your upper and lower body. All of this is possible with one machine that takes little space to use or store.

Because of the potential full body workout from an elliptical trainer, you can burn a number of calories with each session. The Harvard Health Publications Department has determined that in a thirty minute workout you can burn up to four hundred calories. The numbers vary depending on your weight and fitness level but it is correct to say any amount of exercise on one of these machines will help you to lose weight and to keep it off. Involving your complete body in such a workout also strengthens muscles and ligaments that would otherwise require a number of different exercise machines to properly address.

And There’s More…

Because elliptical trainers are so popular and have been proven to bring results to those who use them, a number of quality brands and models are available. Companies including Schwinn, Proform, Stamina, Exerpeutic and Body Rider all have designed machines for use as cross trainers. Schwinn is probably best known as the manufacturer of quality bicycles and bicycle parts with the others having experience in the fitness world.

[fourcol_one]Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine[/fourcol_one] [fourcol_one]Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer[/fourcol_one] [fourcol_one]Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine Trainer[/fourcol_one] [fourcol_one_last]Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer Dashboard[/fourcol_one_last]

The Elliptical Trainer Bottom Line…

There is no doubt that either adding or exclusively using an elliptical trainer as part of your regular workout routine will produce results. Not only can you burn calories which results in weight loss, you can do it easily and quickly with one of these machines. In addition, you will experience increased lung capacity which builds stamina and allows you to engage in other activities for longer periods of time.

Elliptical trainer benefits also include ease of use and more importantly the ability to receive a full body workout without the pain or potential injuries that can occur from impact style exercises. The full body workout benefits also mean that for users with little space or are not able to create a home gym they can still exercise in the fraction of the room required nor do they have to risk weather conditions to run outdoors.

Another elliptical trainer benefit is the many features available with the most impressive and useful being a control panel that not only tells you information about your workout, some can be programmed to increase or decrease the intensity of your exercise session depending on your fitness goals. They also provide you with valuable information to allow you to track your progress as well as have options to assist you in personalizing a workout. For a total body workout you must take a look at elliptical trainers to reach your fitness goals.