Buying Elliptical Trainer? Know the Pros and Cons

Elliptical machines are the second-highest selling fitness machine, second only to treadmills. But why? What is so great about the elliptical trainer? Who can benefit from this mode of aerobic exercise? Why is it not for everyone? I hope to at least begin to answer some of these questions through the following list of “pros” and “cons”.

So here in this article, we are trying to explain the Pros and Cons of Elliptical Trainer.

Now without wasting much more time, Let’s Get Started with the Article.

PROS

Low impact

The elliptical puts less stress on the joints of the ankle, knee, and spine. It is therefore appropriate for people with pain and people who are sensitive to impact activities.

Increased upper body muscle activation 

The elliptical is a whole-body workout. It encourages simultaneous resistive movements of the upper and lower extremities, which means more muscles are working. 

A recent study (Sozen H, 2010) demonstrated that muscle activation of the biceps, triceps, pecs, and trapezius was all greater in people using an elliptical than in people using a treadmill (makes sense). 

People working out on an elliptical need to involve both upper and lower extremities to get the best results.

Cardiovascular endurance and weight loss 

The elliptical is an appropriate mode of exercise for improving cardiovascular endurance and burning calories.

Rehabilitation

The elliptical is appropriate earlier in many rehabilitation protocols than an impact activity such as running or agility exercises.

CONS

Low impact 

I know, we said this was a “pro”.  However, impact activities are a stimulus for bone growth and increasing bone density.  This is important as a means of preventing osteoporosis.

There is a place for the “impact” in an exercise program, assuming that pain is not limiting the activity.

Not sport-specific

Unless you are a cross-country skier, there is little carry-over from using the treadmill at the gym and playing soccer, basketball, or any other sports. Training has a huge bearing on how you perform.

Decreased lower body muscle activation

-The same study I mentioned above also found increased activation of the gastrocnemius (calf) and gluteus maximus while running on the treadmill vs. using the elliptical. However, the elliptical did show increased activation of the rectus femoris (one of 4 “quad” muscles). 

The elliptical places more of an emphasis on hip flexion compared to running, which emphasizes hip extension.

Rigid

The elliptical removes some of the degrees of freedom of movement that running and other activities allow. This can limit compensations and assist in cases of poor stabilization, but improving stabilization and moving without compensations should be addressed through other means if not through this mode of exercise.

What machine will provide a better workout, and what machine will help burn more calories? 

Another study (Brown et al, 2010) showed when subjects exercised at the same rating of perceived exertion on a treadmill and an elliptical, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure were roughly equal, although heart rate was higher for those people using the elliptical.  

This means that if you are working out at the same intensity on a treadmill and on an elliptical, you will be burning about the same number of calories.  Burning calories and getting a good workout is more about the intensity with which you exercise compared to what equipment you use.

The elliptical is an acceptable alternative to a treadmill.  It just depends on your goals of training.

Conclusion or the Final Words

Although, the treadmill is the best highest selling fitness tool in the world. But when we talk about safety, then the elliptical trainer is much safer than the treadmill. During workouts, it prevents you from having any kind of injury.  

In his article, we have successfully shared the pros cons of Elliptical Trainer that will help you to understand the actual benefit and drawbacks of having an elliptical trainer

Now if you have any query or question related to this article. You are very welcome to ask us in the comment section of the Gedgetsworld website. We will definitely solve your query. And feel free to share this article with your loved one. So that they can also get aware of the pros and cons of Elliptical trainer.

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