Elliptical Trainers for Weight Loss
Let’s face it, trying to lose weight is a *****. So if you’re serious about losing weight and keeping the weight off, you need to exercise on a regular basis. An exercise machine that is recently surging in popularity is the elliptical trainer.
There are two factors that make an elliptical trainer so attractive. It offers low-impact exercising, and it works out both the upper and lower body simultaneously. The low impact function of an elliptical trainer reduces the strain and stress on your body, particularly your ankles, knees and lower back. Your legs work in an elliptical motion. They never leave the foot pedals and there never is any reverse action.
In contrast, when you walk or run your feet impact on every stride. For runners that impact can be as much as 2.5 times your weight. For people who are overweight, the impact from just walking can be very detrimental and result in injuries and strains. Elliptical trainers can substantially reduce the potential for injuries.
Weight Loss Benefits from Upper and Lower Body Workout
The other appealing feature of elliptical trainers is the upper and lower body workout. There are two benefits from working out your upper and lower body simultaneously. Not only do you build muscle density throughout your body, but you also burn calories more efficiently.
When you exercise on an elliptical trainer you utilize the chest, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, triceps and biceps. There is no other machine that offers this benefit. You are not only exercising more muscle groups, you are also optimizing your energy expenditure. That means it takes less time to achieve more results, like burning calories and increasing your cardio capacity.
It has also been suggested by certain experts that this dual action process reduces the perceived rate of exertion. In other words, you are burning more calories without a noticeable difference from a less strenuous workout.
Of course, it is important that you apply a reasonable amount of resistance when you exercise. It is also necessary to equally divide the exercise between the upper and lower body.
There is a tendency to let your arms follow the motion of the handlebars, and let your legs absorb most of the resistance. It is important to transfer some the resistance load to your arms and distribute the exercise more evenly. This once again will result in more efficiently burning calories and reducing your weight.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to try out an elliptical trainer I suggest you get to your local health club or fitness equipment store and give it a spin. You’ll be amazed how easy they are to use, and with regular use you’ll not only reduce your weight, but keep it off.
By: Fred Waters
About the Author:
There are two factors that make an elliptical trainer so attractive. It offers low-impact exercising, and it works out both the upper and lower body simultaneously. The low impact function of an elliptical trainer reduces the strain and stress on your body, particularly your ankles, knees and lower back. Your legs work in an elliptical motion. They never leave the foot pedals and there never is any reverse action.
In contrast, when you walk or run your feet impact on every stride. For runners that impact can be as much as 2.5 times your weight. For people who are overweight, the impact from just walking can be very detrimental and result in injuries and strains. Elliptical trainers can substantially reduce the potential for injuries.
Weight Loss Benefits from Upper and Lower Body Workout
The other appealing feature of elliptical trainers is the upper and lower body workout. There are two benefits from working out your upper and lower body simultaneously. Not only do you build muscle density throughout your body, but you also burn calories more efficiently.
When you exercise on an elliptical trainer you utilize the chest, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, triceps and biceps. There is no other machine that offers this benefit. You are not only exercising more muscle groups, you are also optimizing your energy expenditure. That means it takes less time to achieve more results, like burning calories and increasing your cardio capacity.
It has also been suggested by certain experts that this dual action process reduces the perceived rate of exertion. In other words, you are burning more calories without a noticeable difference from a less strenuous workout.
Of course, it is important that you apply a reasonable amount of resistance when you exercise. It is also necessary to equally divide the exercise between the upper and lower body.
There is a tendency to let your arms follow the motion of the handlebars, and let your legs absorb most of the resistance. It is important to transfer some the resistance load to your arms and distribute the exercise more evenly. This once again will result in more efficiently burning calories and reducing your weight.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to try out an elliptical trainer I suggest you get to your local health club or fitness equipment store and give it a spin. You’ll be amazed how easy they are to use, and with regular use you’ll not only reduce your weight, but keep it off.
By: Fred Waters
About the Author:
Fred Waters worked in the fitness equipment industry for a number of years, and is author of the Elliptical Trainer Review site. Check out the latest reviews on the most popular elliptical trainers, and get important buying tips from his Elliptical Trainer Buyer’s Guide.
Elliptical Trainers and Burning Calories
One of the most frequently asked questions is do the use of elliptical trainers help me burn calories compared to other cardio machines?
With our busy schedules it is completely understandable that you want to get the most results for the time you spend working out.
As you may know how many calories burned during a workout will vary depending upon your weight. A 150 pound woman may only burn 387 calories while a 180 pound man may burn 500 calories on the same machine for the same length of time.
Many elliptical trainer companies say you can burn around 800 calories per hour of elliptical training workout. The following factors dictate how many calories you will actually burn during your workout:
- Workout Duration – This is simply how much time you spend on the specific workout. It is usually recommended that you do it for a half hour to an hour.
- Interval Training – Taking small breaks, followed by a cool down period is recommended for extended workouts.
- Elliptical Tension Settings – These tension settings help you control the intensity of the workout. Using a higher intensity can improve the effects of the workout.
- Current weight – as stated earlier a heavier person will burn more calories than a smaller person.
Are you interested in a few more tips to burn more calories with your elliptical trainer? Below are a few suggestions you can follow to burn more calories.
- Built in interval settings:
Nearly all elliptical trainers offer an incline and or even tension that you are able to increase or even lessen while workout out.
Midway through your workout try increasing the tension or incline to give you an extra push at burning more calories. This can also help raise your calorie burn for a few hours after your workout.
- Utilize Upper Body Arms
Many ellipticals offer you upper body arm blocks that you are able to utilize to build your arms muscles into your workout. Even more muscles worked = even more calories burned. If there are no upper body arms, grab a few of two – five pounds handweights and swing your arms while striding.
-Split your work outs:
Experts are today telling us that two smaller “mini-workouts” can even be better than one long workout as far as how many calories are burned.
Exercise with speed up your metabolism, doing one workout in the morning and one in the evening will give you two metabolism “boosts.”
All in all an elliptical trainer is a great way to burn a ton of calories.
By: Toby Pizur
About the Author:
With our busy schedules it is completely understandable that you want to get the most results for the time you spend working out.
As you may know how many calories burned during a workout will vary depending upon your weight. A 150 pound woman may only burn 387 calories while a 180 pound man may burn 500 calories on the same machine for the same length of time.
Many elliptical trainer companies say you can burn around 800 calories per hour of elliptical training workout. The following factors dictate how many calories you will actually burn during your workout:
- Workout Duration – This is simply how much time you spend on the specific workout. It is usually recommended that you do it for a half hour to an hour.
- Interval Training – Taking small breaks, followed by a cool down period is recommended for extended workouts.
- Elliptical Tension Settings – These tension settings help you control the intensity of the workout. Using a higher intensity can improve the effects of the workout.
- Current weight – as stated earlier a heavier person will burn more calories than a smaller person.
Are you interested in a few more tips to burn more calories with your elliptical trainer? Below are a few suggestions you can follow to burn more calories.
- Built in interval settings:
Nearly all elliptical trainers offer an incline and or even tension that you are able to increase or even lessen while workout out.
Midway through your workout try increasing the tension or incline to give you an extra push at burning more calories. This can also help raise your calorie burn for a few hours after your workout.
- Utilize Upper Body Arms
Many ellipticals offer you upper body arm blocks that you are able to utilize to build your arms muscles into your workout. Even more muscles worked = even more calories burned. If there are no upper body arms, grab a few of two – five pounds handweights and swing your arms while striding.
-Split your work outs:
Experts are today telling us that two smaller “mini-workouts” can even be better than one long workout as far as how many calories are burned.
Exercise with speed up your metabolism, doing one workout in the morning and one in the evening will give you two metabolism “boosts.”
All in all an elliptical trainer is a great way to burn a ton of calories.
By: Toby Pizur
About the Author:
For more information about elliptical trainers view our website below:
http://www.onlyellipticalreviews.com/compact-elliptical.html
Elliptical Trainer Maintenance – 5 Keys To Trouble-Free Ownership
If you are lucky enough to own an elliptical trainer then you know the benefits it brings you in both fitness and hopefully enjoyment. I’m assuming that your elliptical trainer workouts are something you look forward to.
However, with elliptical trainer ownership there comes the responsibility of using it in a safe manner and keeping up with its maintenance. This article will take a look at what’s involved with proper elliptical trainer maintenance.
Below is a list of the key points of elliptical trainer maintenance:
1. Start from a solid foundation –- a reliable elliptical trainer starts from when you first assemble it. Regardless whether you do the job yourself or you contract to have the assembly done for you, make sure that the job gets done right.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter and make sure that everything fits together properly and that there is no left over parts or hardware. Sometimes components may not fit properly. If it appears that there is a problem with the parts, then contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Do not proceed until everything fits together as it should and your elliptical functions without problems.
2. Grease is your friend –- most elliptical trainers come supplied with a small tube of grease and instructions where to apply it. Don’t be stingy with the grease! Apply it liberally. If you run out then don’t be afraid to make a trip to your local hardware store to pick up more.
Grease will break down over time so it may become necessary to reapply it. Sometimes you can get by with spraying some WD40 to squeaky joints on the arm handles and foot rails, but it may be necessary to unbolt these parts and reapply some grease to the attachment bolts.
3. A little protection goes a long way –- spend the little extra to get a rubber floor mat to place under your elliptical trainer. This will both protect the flooring or carpet underneath the elliptical as well as keep dust from the floor from getting into the drive mechanism of your elliptical trainer.
Elliptical trainer covers are about as rare as hen’s teeth, but they are great for keeping moisture and dust off your elliptical. They also deter small children from playing on the elliptical trainer and possibly injuring themselves.
A workable substitute for an elliptical trainer cover is an outdoor grill cover. Just make sure that its dimensions will adequately cover your elliptical trainer.
4. Be alert to signs of trouble — If you notice strange noises like squeaks and groans from your elliptical trainer or it feels wobbly or otherwise unstable, then investigate immediately.
5. Know when to DIY and when to call in the pros –- many problems that may arise
with your elliptical trainer you can probably remedy yourself. Nuts and screws should be periodically checked and tightened if necessary. You can also apply lubrication to squeaky joints. You can also replace worn or snapped bolts yourself. Just be sure to order them from the manufacturer. This is especially true if your elliptical trainer is still under warranty. Always check with the manufacturer before doing any repairs yourself in order to protect your warranty.
Some repairs will require a factory-authorized technician. The manufacturer’s customer support department will make this determination when you call for help.
As you can see, the maintenance for an elliptical trainer is somewhere between owning a car and a toaster. It doesn’t require oil changes every 3000 miles and periodic tire rotation, but it needs a little more attention than emptying out the breadcrumbs once a year.
The single most important thing you can do as an elliptical trainer owner is make certain that you educate yourself before making a purchase. Then armed with this knowledge, purchase a high-quality, well-designed elliptical trainer that will provide you with many years of trouble-free use.
By: Rich Rojas
About the Author:
However, with elliptical trainer ownership there comes the responsibility of using it in a safe manner and keeping up with its maintenance. This article will take a look at what’s involved with proper elliptical trainer maintenance.
Below is a list of the key points of elliptical trainer maintenance:
1. Start from a solid foundation –- a reliable elliptical trainer starts from when you first assemble it. Regardless whether you do the job yourself or you contract to have the assembly done for you, make sure that the job gets done right.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter and make sure that everything fits together properly and that there is no left over parts or hardware. Sometimes components may not fit properly. If it appears that there is a problem with the parts, then contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Do not proceed until everything fits together as it should and your elliptical functions without problems.
2. Grease is your friend –- most elliptical trainers come supplied with a small tube of grease and instructions where to apply it. Don’t be stingy with the grease! Apply it liberally. If you run out then don’t be afraid to make a trip to your local hardware store to pick up more.
Grease will break down over time so it may become necessary to reapply it. Sometimes you can get by with spraying some WD40 to squeaky joints on the arm handles and foot rails, but it may be necessary to unbolt these parts and reapply some grease to the attachment bolts.
3. A little protection goes a long way –- spend the little extra to get a rubber floor mat to place under your elliptical trainer. This will both protect the flooring or carpet underneath the elliptical as well as keep dust from the floor from getting into the drive mechanism of your elliptical trainer.
Elliptical trainer covers are about as rare as hen’s teeth, but they are great for keeping moisture and dust off your elliptical. They also deter small children from playing on the elliptical trainer and possibly injuring themselves.
A workable substitute for an elliptical trainer cover is an outdoor grill cover. Just make sure that its dimensions will adequately cover your elliptical trainer.
4. Be alert to signs of trouble — If you notice strange noises like squeaks and groans from your elliptical trainer or it feels wobbly or otherwise unstable, then investigate immediately.
5. Know when to DIY and when to call in the pros –- many problems that may arise
with your elliptical trainer you can probably remedy yourself. Nuts and screws should be periodically checked and tightened if necessary. You can also apply lubrication to squeaky joints. You can also replace worn or snapped bolts yourself. Just be sure to order them from the manufacturer. This is especially true if your elliptical trainer is still under warranty. Always check with the manufacturer before doing any repairs yourself in order to protect your warranty.
Some repairs will require a factory-authorized technician. The manufacturer’s customer support department will make this determination when you call for help.
As you can see, the maintenance for an elliptical trainer is somewhere between owning a car and a toaster. It doesn’t require oil changes every 3000 miles and periodic tire rotation, but it needs a little more attention than emptying out the breadcrumbs once a year.
The single most important thing you can do as an elliptical trainer owner is make certain that you educate yourself before making a purchase. Then armed with this knowledge, purchase a high-quality, well-designed elliptical trainer that will provide you with many years of trouble-free use.
By: Rich Rojas
About the Author:
Rich Rojas writes Elliptical Reviews and articles on health and fitness. Take a look at the top-rated elliptical trainers: http://www.ellipticalhome.com/best-buys.html
Elliptical Trainers on a Budget
If you are new to fitness and exercise, if you are overweight, if you are older, or if you have weak joints, chronic pain, or other injuries, then you probably want to find a machine that’s affordable, comfortable to use, and easy to work with. Elliptical trainers can meet all of those criteria, and help you lose weight, tone your muscles, and get into better shape. But elliptical trainers can also be very expensive, because they are relatively new to the market, and they come in different categories with different available features. You want to spend a reasonable amount of money to get the exercise machine that you need and want, but you don’t want to be overcharged, or worse, pay too little and ultimately be disappointed in your machine.
First, sort out your budget. If you could never afford an elliptical trainer over two thousand dollars, then you don’t even want to consider them when you do your shopping. The second thing to consider is if you have ever used an elliptical trainer before. Some people purchase their trainers based on the idea of the trainer and the promises certain advertisements make. If you are going to be a more casual user, it doesn’t make sense to start with a machine designed for an athlete in training. If you’ve never used one at all, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a very expensive machine you might not even like. Finally, determine in advance what sort of features you are looking for. If you know exactly what you want to buy, you can’t be manipulated into buying a machine that offers something you don’t need and has a higher price tag.
Once you’ve considered those areas, you can set your elliptical trainer budget and find a machine within your pre-determined parameters.
By: Alexander Sutton
About the Author:
First, sort out your budget. If you could never afford an elliptical trainer over two thousand dollars, then you don’t even want to consider them when you do your shopping. The second thing to consider is if you have ever used an elliptical trainer before. Some people purchase their trainers based on the idea of the trainer and the promises certain advertisements make. If you are going to be a more casual user, it doesn’t make sense to start with a machine designed for an athlete in training. If you’ve never used one at all, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a very expensive machine you might not even like. Finally, determine in advance what sort of features you are looking for. If you know exactly what you want to buy, you can’t be manipulated into buying a machine that offers something you don’t need and has a higher price tag.
Once you’ve considered those areas, you can set your elliptical trainer budget and find a machine within your pre-determined parameters.
By: Alexander Sutton
About the Author:
Alex Sutton has worked in the health and fitness industry for nearly 11 years. For more information please visit elliptical trainers.
Discount Elliptical Trainer – How to Get a Bargain Elliptical Trainer For Home
If you want to get your hands on a discount elliptical trainer, then here is the inside scoop on how you can do it. Ellipticals are popular pieces of exercise equipment but they come at a cost. Luckily there are ways to buy one so that you are not paying top dollar.
Remember a discount elliptical trainer is just a product that is available at a good price. It is not a shoddy or substandard machine. The first place that you can start looking is online. Visit each of the manufacturers websites and see what the current inventory is. Look to see if there are any special offers going. This may be to clear room for new stock. Even if you don’t find what you were looking for here, you will have done some good research for our second website.
The next place to look is eBay. This place is just full of discount elliptical trainers. Some of it is surplus stock and brand new, other equipment has been used by a customer but is no longer required. Your earlier research will have shown you the selling price of various models so you will now know what prices you should be offering in an auction so you are not paying over the odds. If you don’t like the auction format, there are plenty of models that are offered for a ‘buy it now’ price. These tend to be from professional sellers.
Another place to look is your local area. Be proactive. Don’t just scan through your local paper looking for adverts, get out there and start asking for folks that may have surplus equipment. Ask at your local gym whether they are looking to upgrade their ellipticals and will be getting rid of their existing equipment. Put a ‘wanted’ ad in your local paper detailing that you want an elliptical trainer. Many people have a model that they bought and now do not want. Put some postcards in local shop windows saying that you want an elliptical machine.
These are the best ways that you can get a discount elliptical trainer. It may take a little time but the results are worth it. So get out there and start hunting. You may be surprised by the results that you get.
By: Paul Elms
About the Author:
Remember a discount elliptical trainer is just a product that is available at a good price. It is not a shoddy or substandard machine. The first place that you can start looking is online. Visit each of the manufacturers websites and see what the current inventory is. Look to see if there are any special offers going. This may be to clear room for new stock. Even if you don’t find what you were looking for here, you will have done some good research for our second website.
The next place to look is eBay. This place is just full of discount elliptical trainers. Some of it is surplus stock and brand new, other equipment has been used by a customer but is no longer required. Your earlier research will have shown you the selling price of various models so you will now know what prices you should be offering in an auction so you are not paying over the odds. If you don’t like the auction format, there are plenty of models that are offered for a ‘buy it now’ price. These tend to be from professional sellers.
Another place to look is your local area. Be proactive. Don’t just scan through your local paper looking for adverts, get out there and start asking for folks that may have surplus equipment. Ask at your local gym whether they are looking to upgrade their ellipticals and will be getting rid of their existing equipment. Put a ‘wanted’ ad in your local paper detailing that you want an elliptical trainer. Many people have a model that they bought and now do not want. Put some postcards in local shop windows saying that you want an elliptical machine.
These are the best ways that you can get a discount elliptical trainer. It may take a little time but the results are worth it. So get out there and start hunting. You may be surprised by the results that you get.
By: Paul Elms
About the Author:
Looking for a quality home elliptical trainer? Check out our free guide to see whether you should buy Proform elliptical or a Nautilus elliptical machine.
Elliptical Trainer Reviews Don’t Get The Facts Straight
There are many misconceptions regarding elliptical trainers. I believe this is a result of the large number of elliptical trainer reviews Websites popping up on the Internet each and every day. In an effort to tout the benefits of elliptical training, Webmasters post the usual laundry list of the well-publicized advantages of elliptical trainers. In the process, like the old game of “Telephone”, each time the message is repeated, it gets slightly or sometimes significantly garbled in the retelling.
To make matters even worse, sometimes medical and fitness professionals along with the manufacturers of elliptical trainers will give out unproven or even incorrect information. This article will address the most common misconceptions and inaccuracies regarding elliptical trainers.
1. Elliptical trainers are zero impact fitness machines — Since back here on the planet Earth where all mass is subject to the Law of Gravity you will still experience some impact when using an elliptical trainer. There’s just no way around this. Not even in the zero gravity environment of outer space, since an elliptical requires gravity in order to work. I’m sure Sir Isaac Newton would be spinning in his grave if he knew how many times this misconception gets propagated.
Yes, elliptical trainers are LOW-impact machines and the impact is noticeably less than running on a treadmill, but there is still a small degree of impact. People who have knee injuries or chronic tendonitis in their knees may find that even the low impact forces of an elliptical trainer to be uncomfortable.
2. Elliptical trainers are not weight bearing — This is a corollary to Misconception #1. The fact that you are standing up on the foot pedals when using an elliptical trainer makes it a weight bearing exercise. Again the force of gravity is acting upon the mass of your body, which is supported by your legs. It’s not the same as when you are seated on a stationary bike or rowing machine. Weight bearing exercises such as elliptical training are a good way to strengthen the bones in your lower back and hips.
3. You need to workout longer on an elliptical trainer than on a treadmill because the higher impact of the treadmill causes you to expend more energy — The goal of any aerobic exercise is to get your heart rate into an elevated state — either in a fat-burning or cardio-conditioning zone and keep it there for the duration of your training session. Subjecting your joints to excessive impact in order to get there is just plain crazy! The way to do this is to get the large muscles of your lower body in motion and if you can also involve the muscles of your upper body by using the moveable handles of an elliptical trainer then so much the better.
4. The upper body handles of an elliptical trainer are meant to build up the muscles of your upper body — There is actually a small bit of truth to this belief, but the thing to remember is that cardio machines are aerobic in nature and are not very effective at building muscle. Save muscle building for your weight training sessions.
The real benefit of upper body handles on an elliptical trainer is to involve the muscles of your upper body in the exercise in order to get your heart rate up quicker. The more pieces you get working at the same time the more efficient the whole process becomes.
5. It’s possible to build a high-quality elliptical trainer using cheap components and cheap labor — This is hands down the biggest misconception out there. It’s mostly put forth by the fitness equipment manufacturers, but unfortunately many consumers fool themselves into believing it’s true.
People certainly can’t be faulted for wanting to save money and when faced with better quality ellipticals that sell for upwards of $800 and beyond, they settle for the $150 special from Wal-Mart. In most cases this turns out to be a purchasing decision they soon come to regret. The machine is unsteady and creaky and then just self-destructs after a short period of time.
The best advice is to take your time, do your homework and make an informed decision after weighing all of the risks against all of the benefits.
By: Rich Rojas
About the Author:
To make matters even worse, sometimes medical and fitness professionals along with the manufacturers of elliptical trainers will give out unproven or even incorrect information. This article will address the most common misconceptions and inaccuracies regarding elliptical trainers.
1. Elliptical trainers are zero impact fitness machines — Since back here on the planet Earth where all mass is subject to the Law of Gravity you will still experience some impact when using an elliptical trainer. There’s just no way around this. Not even in the zero gravity environment of outer space, since an elliptical requires gravity in order to work. I’m sure Sir Isaac Newton would be spinning in his grave if he knew how many times this misconception gets propagated.
Yes, elliptical trainers are LOW-impact machines and the impact is noticeably less than running on a treadmill, but there is still a small degree of impact. People who have knee injuries or chronic tendonitis in their knees may find that even the low impact forces of an elliptical trainer to be uncomfortable.
2. Elliptical trainers are not weight bearing — This is a corollary to Misconception #1. The fact that you are standing up on the foot pedals when using an elliptical trainer makes it a weight bearing exercise. Again the force of gravity is acting upon the mass of your body, which is supported by your legs. It’s not the same as when you are seated on a stationary bike or rowing machine. Weight bearing exercises such as elliptical training are a good way to strengthen the bones in your lower back and hips.
3. You need to workout longer on an elliptical trainer than on a treadmill because the higher impact of the treadmill causes you to expend more energy — The goal of any aerobic exercise is to get your heart rate into an elevated state — either in a fat-burning or cardio-conditioning zone and keep it there for the duration of your training session. Subjecting your joints to excessive impact in order to get there is just plain crazy! The way to do this is to get the large muscles of your lower body in motion and if you can also involve the muscles of your upper body by using the moveable handles of an elliptical trainer then so much the better.
4. The upper body handles of an elliptical trainer are meant to build up the muscles of your upper body — There is actually a small bit of truth to this belief, but the thing to remember is that cardio machines are aerobic in nature and are not very effective at building muscle. Save muscle building for your weight training sessions.
The real benefit of upper body handles on an elliptical trainer is to involve the muscles of your upper body in the exercise in order to get your heart rate up quicker. The more pieces you get working at the same time the more efficient the whole process becomes.
5. It’s possible to build a high-quality elliptical trainer using cheap components and cheap labor — This is hands down the biggest misconception out there. It’s mostly put forth by the fitness equipment manufacturers, but unfortunately many consumers fool themselves into believing it’s true.
People certainly can’t be faulted for wanting to save money and when faced with better quality ellipticals that sell for upwards of $800 and beyond, they settle for the $150 special from Wal-Mart. In most cases this turns out to be a purchasing decision they soon come to regret. The machine is unsteady and creaky and then just self-destructs after a short period of time.
The best advice is to take your time, do your homework and make an informed decision after weighing all of the risks against all of the benefits.
By: Rich Rojas
About the Author:
Rich Rojas gives you the straight facts on elliptical trainer reviews at http://www.ellipticalhome.com
Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome
Have you ever been striding away on your elliptical trainer, getting into a great workout, and then realize that one of your feet has gone numb all of a sudden? It’s no fun and is a great way to break your concentration and ruin what was otherwise a terrific workout. Sometimes your foot throbs so much you need to cut your elliptical trainer workout short to walk off the numbness. This article will reveal why this happens and give you some tips for dealing with it.
It does seem unusual that your foot would fall asleep while you’re standing upright. This usually happens while either lying or sitting, but have you ever stood in the same position in a line that isn’t moving? This is the perfect condition for getting numb feet. It’s all about circulation. The simple act of wiggling your toes or flexing your foot will usually be enough to relieve the tingling and numbness.
Using an elliptical trainer is very similar to standing motionless in one place. Well, at least with respect to your feet. The low impact nature of an elliptical trainer is the result of your feet never leaving the foot pedals. While great for your knees and other joints, it’s what can cause your feet to lose sensation.
It’s important to wear well-cushioned athletic footwear when exercising on an elliptical trainer, but this usually doesn’t do much to prevent numbness in your feet. The root cause of the problem is the constant pressure of your body weight on your feet and the restricted circulation that results.
The remedy is twofold:
1. Promote circulation –- remember to wiggle your toes every so often during your workout. Another technique is heel-to-toe flexion of your foot. Simply rock your foot from heel to toe on the foot pedal of the elliptical trainer as you exercise. Most people usually experience numbness in one of their feet, but if you’re having numbness with both, then perform these movements with both feet. Also try to remember to do these movements throughout your workout, before numbness sets in.
2. Avoid excessively long workouts –- the optimal range for fat burning and moderate cardio conditioning on an elliptical trainer is between 30 to 45 minutes. Longer than 45 minutes may be longer than most people need. It’s usually more productive to do two 30-minute workouts on an elliptical trainer spread out during the day than one extended workout for an hour.
The longer you stay on an elliptical trainer, the greater the chance that your feet may go numb from lack of circulation.
Though annoying, you can shake off the effects of Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome and in many cases avoid it altogether with these simple techniques.
By: Rich Rojas
About the Author:
It does seem unusual that your foot would fall asleep while you’re standing upright. This usually happens while either lying or sitting, but have you ever stood in the same position in a line that isn’t moving? This is the perfect condition for getting numb feet. It’s all about circulation. The simple act of wiggling your toes or flexing your foot will usually be enough to relieve the tingling and numbness.
Using an elliptical trainer is very similar to standing motionless in one place. Well, at least with respect to your feet. The low impact nature of an elliptical trainer is the result of your feet never leaving the foot pedals. While great for your knees and other joints, it’s what can cause your feet to lose sensation.
It’s important to wear well-cushioned athletic footwear when exercising on an elliptical trainer, but this usually doesn’t do much to prevent numbness in your feet. The root cause of the problem is the constant pressure of your body weight on your feet and the restricted circulation that results.
The remedy is twofold:
1. Promote circulation –- remember to wiggle your toes every so often during your workout. Another technique is heel-to-toe flexion of your foot. Simply rock your foot from heel to toe on the foot pedal of the elliptical trainer as you exercise. Most people usually experience numbness in one of their feet, but if you’re having numbness with both, then perform these movements with both feet. Also try to remember to do these movements throughout your workout, before numbness sets in.
2. Avoid excessively long workouts –- the optimal range for fat burning and moderate cardio conditioning on an elliptical trainer is between 30 to 45 minutes. Longer than 45 minutes may be longer than most people need. It’s usually more productive to do two 30-minute workouts on an elliptical trainer spread out during the day than one extended workout for an hour.
The longer you stay on an elliptical trainer, the greater the chance that your feet may go numb from lack of circulation.
Though annoying, you can shake off the effects of Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome and in many cases avoid it altogether with these simple techniques.
By: Rich Rojas
About the Author:
Rich Rojas writes unbiased elliptical trainer reviews and articles on health and fitness at http://www.ellipticalhome.com
Elliptical Trainer Review – 520e Elliptical Ironman Trainer
The Ironman 520e Elliptical Trainer is an awesome piece of equipment the overall quality is amazing and it has a fairly reasonable price at around $799. Now you may think that is a little expensive but for a quality piece of equipment you should expect to pay at least this much.
Now you may be asking where can I get the best deal on this elliptical trainer?
Walmart sells this trainer for a reasonable price. You should be able to view the product at Walmart.com and get additional information.
If you are happy to get a decent price break and are not concerned about not having a warranty, then purchasing a slightly used one off of Ebay.com might be best for you.
If money is not a problem then I would suggest buying a new Ironman Trainer for the simple fact that you know what you are getting, it is fully backed by a one year warranty and you can call the company for any support issues. If you purchase this machine used then they have absolutely zero obligation to help you since you technically are not their direct customer.
I have read many product reviews for different pieces of fitness equipment and I am very picky as to what I actually buy. One of the keys to success when making a rather large purchase like this is to do proper research prior to buying. Consumers often buy first then research. This is completely wrong!
One of the best features that people have reported is the ability for this elliptical trainer to fold up, this is great if you live in a small house or apartment where space is at a premium.
In conclusion, although Ironman is known for there home gyms, the 520e Ironman Elliptical Trainer is a great piece of fitness equipment.
By: Toby Pizur
About the Author:
Now you may be asking where can I get the best deal on this elliptical trainer?
Walmart sells this trainer for a reasonable price. You should be able to view the product at Walmart.com and get additional information.
If you are happy to get a decent price break and are not concerned about not having a warranty, then purchasing a slightly used one off of Ebay.com might be best for you.
If money is not a problem then I would suggest buying a new Ironman Trainer for the simple fact that you know what you are getting, it is fully backed by a one year warranty and you can call the company for any support issues. If you purchase this machine used then they have absolutely zero obligation to help you since you technically are not their direct customer.
I have read many product reviews for different pieces of fitness equipment and I am very picky as to what I actually buy. One of the keys to success when making a rather large purchase like this is to do proper research prior to buying. Consumers often buy first then research. This is completely wrong!
One of the best features that people have reported is the ability for this elliptical trainer to fold up, this is great if you live in a small house or apartment where space is at a premium.
In conclusion, although Ironman is known for there home gyms, the 520e Ironman Elliptical Trainer is a great piece of fitness equipment.
By: Toby Pizur
About the Author:
Elliptical Trainer Review: Smooth Fitness
When it comes to elliptical trainers there is no one player who dominates the entire price range of models. There are different manufacturers who excel at different prices. For example, Icon Fitness rules the sub $1,000 price range through their various subsidiaries, including ProForm, Image, Weslo, Reebok and Nordic Track. The high-end is dominated by companies like Life Fitness and Precor.
In the mid-range category you have a number of contenders, but one company that is worth noting is Smooth Fitness. They are building quality elliptical trainers at a price that makes them a good value.
Selling Direct to the Consumer
For those unfamiliar with Smooth Fitness, they predominantly sell on the Internet. In fact, you cannot find their elliptical trainers at any stores. Their value proposition is to sell direct, thus cutting out the expenditure of the middleman.
Think about the expenses that are incurred when a company sells fitness equipment in a retail store. Besides the cost of the space, you also have to factor in the commissions paid to the salespeople. Selling online not only saves on retail costs, but also avoids the addition charge of local taxes. That can add up.
It should be noted that Smooth Fitness makes some exagerated claims regarding the reduction in price. That is typical marketing hype. And although you may not be saving over 40% on an elliptical trainer, you could be saving 5%-15% in comparison to purchasing through a retail store.
Smooth Fitness was one of the first businesses to sell high-end fitness equipment online. Initially they private labeled other brands like Spirit, Keys and Kettler. Approximately 5 years ago they started designing and manufacturing their own fitness equipment. In ten years they went from minor player to their recent inclusion in the Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide, 2006-07 Edition. SmoothFitness.com came in at number 277 on the overall list, and was ranked the 15th largest e-tailer in the Sporting Goods category.
Smooth Elliptical Trainers Offer Value
The line-up of Smooth elliptical trainers is a perfect example why they have become a major player in the fitness equipment industry in such a short period of time. Their machines are engineered to be durable and yet provide a rewarding workout. For example, the Smooth CE 3.2 offers one of the better values in the $1,500+ price range. It is designed with a rear drive, which many find preferable, and claim it provides a smoother motion.
The machine itself weighs a hefty 175 lbs, adding to the stability. You get ergonomic pivoting foot pedals, that further reduce strain and impact. It comes standard with wireless heart rate control, for those who like to control and optimize their workout through their heart rate. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and electromagnetic brake system, in addition to a 2 year parts and 1 year labor warranty.
One feature I particularly like is the built-in heart rate sensors in the upper handlebars. You will find that most elliptical trainers have heart rate monitors, but they are built into stationary handlebars. In order to get your heart rate you have to discontinue the upper body workout and hold onto the stationary handles, which defeats the purpose of the dual action workout.
Smooth Fitness currently has three elliptical trainers that are priced from $1,300-$2,000, they are the Smooth CE 2.1, 3.2 and 7.4. All their prices include shipping. Like other fitness equipment companies, the standard delivery is to your curbside. You may want to pay the extra few dollars to have their turnkey service, which includes inside delivery and set-up.
There is no question that there are better built elliptical trainers on the market. For example, Precor makes commercial grade elliptical trainers for the home. But they come with a commercial grade price, which is more than twice the cost of the Smooth Ellipticals. Of course, there are cheaper machines, but they are built with cheap components, which is reflected in a very limited warranty. The coverage is often 90 days parts and labor.
Combining quality and a moderate price, the Smooth elliptical trainers are one of the better values in the $1,000 – $2,000 price range.
By: Fred Waters
About the Author:
In the mid-range category you have a number of contenders, but one company that is worth noting is Smooth Fitness. They are building quality elliptical trainers at a price that makes them a good value.
Selling Direct to the Consumer
For those unfamiliar with Smooth Fitness, they predominantly sell on the Internet. In fact, you cannot find their elliptical trainers at any stores. Their value proposition is to sell direct, thus cutting out the expenditure of the middleman.
Think about the expenses that are incurred when a company sells fitness equipment in a retail store. Besides the cost of the space, you also have to factor in the commissions paid to the salespeople. Selling online not only saves on retail costs, but also avoids the addition charge of local taxes. That can add up.
It should be noted that Smooth Fitness makes some exagerated claims regarding the reduction in price. That is typical marketing hype. And although you may not be saving over 40% on an elliptical trainer, you could be saving 5%-15% in comparison to purchasing through a retail store.
Smooth Fitness was one of the first businesses to sell high-end fitness equipment online. Initially they private labeled other brands like Spirit, Keys and Kettler. Approximately 5 years ago they started designing and manufacturing their own fitness equipment. In ten years they went from minor player to their recent inclusion in the Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide, 2006-07 Edition. SmoothFitness.com came in at number 277 on the overall list, and was ranked the 15th largest e-tailer in the Sporting Goods category.
Smooth Elliptical Trainers Offer Value
The line-up of Smooth elliptical trainers is a perfect example why they have become a major player in the fitness equipment industry in such a short period of time. Their machines are engineered to be durable and yet provide a rewarding workout. For example, the Smooth CE 3.2 offers one of the better values in the $1,500+ price range. It is designed with a rear drive, which many find preferable, and claim it provides a smoother motion.
The machine itself weighs a hefty 175 lbs, adding to the stability. You get ergonomic pivoting foot pedals, that further reduce strain and impact. It comes standard with wireless heart rate control, for those who like to control and optimize their workout through their heart rate. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and electromagnetic brake system, in addition to a 2 year parts and 1 year labor warranty.
One feature I particularly like is the built-in heart rate sensors in the upper handlebars. You will find that most elliptical trainers have heart rate monitors, but they are built into stationary handlebars. In order to get your heart rate you have to discontinue the upper body workout and hold onto the stationary handles, which defeats the purpose of the dual action workout.
Smooth Fitness currently has three elliptical trainers that are priced from $1,300-$2,000, they are the Smooth CE 2.1, 3.2 and 7.4. All their prices include shipping. Like other fitness equipment companies, the standard delivery is to your curbside. You may want to pay the extra few dollars to have their turnkey service, which includes inside delivery and set-up.
There is no question that there are better built elliptical trainers on the market. For example, Precor makes commercial grade elliptical trainers for the home. But they come with a commercial grade price, which is more than twice the cost of the Smooth Ellipticals. Of course, there are cheaper machines, but they are built with cheap components, which is reflected in a very limited warranty. The coverage is often 90 days parts and labor.
Combining quality and a moderate price, the Smooth elliptical trainers are one of the better values in the $1,000 – $2,000 price range.
By: Fred Waters
About the Author:
Fred Waters is author of the Elliptical Trainer Review site, where you can get the latest Smooth Elliptical Trainer Reviews and Ratings.
Elliptical Trainers For Cardiovascular Workouts
It is absolutely true when we hear that health is wealth. Health is definitely the best asset a man can have in order to perform all the other tasks, duties and responsibilities in a far batter manner. There are some who think that food and the choice of food is pone way through which the goal of better health can be achieved and there are those who think certain types of exercises to be truly beneficial for a good health. Cardiovascular exercises in this regard are very important and these types of exercises are meant to have very good effects on the body besides taking and opting nutritional food choices. Elliptical trainers are a medium through which cardiovascular exercises can be performed in an effective and convenient manner.
Doing different types of exercises is said to be one of the most helpful option related to health concerns. There are other things as well that can be opted in exercising. Some like to go for jogging, swimming, walk, etc, some join the gym for cardiovascular exercises and some like to put the gym equipment in their home and do these workouts at the home. Elliptical machines are a sort of gym equipment machines that provide you with a chance to do a cardiovascular workout and that too at your home. It not only helps in reducing the weight, burning the extra fat and calories of the body but it also helps in maintaining a better level of health and fitness.
Elliptical trainers are a recent phenomenon that is working very effectively. These trainers have gathered a lot of prominence over a shorter span of time. Elliptical trainers or machines are not as old as the treadmills but they have managed to gather immense popularity over the recent period of time. These machines provide the full opportunity to do the whole body workout, where not only your lower body gets to be involved in the workout but the upper body as well. Doing a cardiovascular workout on this machine helps a lot in enhancing the metabolism as well which consequently helps in burning the extra fat and attaining a very slim trim physique. Elliptical trainer provides you with full body workout in contrast to many other gym machines. If your legs and lower portion in involved in a workout, it does not mean that your arms and hands will be in a very stationary move. Rather, doing a cardiovascular workout on an elliptical trainer means that your arms will also be in constant motion if you want to.
Elliptical trainer cardiovascular workouts are beneficial in another sense as well because this machine workout des not affect your joints and bones rather keep the stress off your joints and consequently minimize the risk of any sort of orthopedic injury that can occur on many other exercising equipment.
By: Mark Debastita
About the Author:
Doing different types of exercises is said to be one of the most helpful option related to health concerns. There are other things as well that can be opted in exercising. Some like to go for jogging, swimming, walk, etc, some join the gym for cardiovascular exercises and some like to put the gym equipment in their home and do these workouts at the home. Elliptical machines are a sort of gym equipment machines that provide you with a chance to do a cardiovascular workout and that too at your home. It not only helps in reducing the weight, burning the extra fat and calories of the body but it also helps in maintaining a better level of health and fitness.
Elliptical trainers are a recent phenomenon that is working very effectively. These trainers have gathered a lot of prominence over a shorter span of time. Elliptical trainers or machines are not as old as the treadmills but they have managed to gather immense popularity over the recent period of time. These machines provide the full opportunity to do the whole body workout, where not only your lower body gets to be involved in the workout but the upper body as well. Doing a cardiovascular workout on this machine helps a lot in enhancing the metabolism as well which consequently helps in burning the extra fat and attaining a very slim trim physique. Elliptical trainer provides you with full body workout in contrast to many other gym machines. If your legs and lower portion in involved in a workout, it does not mean that your arms and hands will be in a very stationary move. Rather, doing a cardiovascular workout on an elliptical trainer means that your arms will also be in constant motion if you want to.
Elliptical trainer cardiovascular workouts are beneficial in another sense as well because this machine workout des not affect your joints and bones rather keep the stress off your joints and consequently minimize the risk of any sort of orthopedic injury that can occur on many other exercising equipment.
By: Mark Debastita
About the Author:
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