Today’s world is so much more fast-paced than prior generations. This is especially true for families who, on top of their own work responsibilities, have to deal with a myriad of activities for their children. All of these things together can make it difficult to find the time and convenience to exercise.
So, what’s the best option for people who understand the need for regular physical activity but have minimal time for it? An elliptical workout can be one of the best exercises for a number of reasons, mainly because it’s time-effective and can target the entire body. Here are just a few of the many benefits of elliptical training:
1. Low Impact Exercises
Ellipticals offer a smooth and gentle workout, which makes them ideal for those who are recovering from lower body injuries or who have joint problems. The gliding motion, rather than a step-motion, greatly reduces stress on the lower back, hips, knees, and ankles, unlike other exercises such as jogging, running, or aerobics.
2. Numerous Cardiovascular Benefits
Another thing that elliptical training offers is fantastic cardiovascular results. By providing a full-body workout simultaneously, your heart rate is elevated, improving cardio function while also lowering the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and many other internal health issues.
3. A Total Body Engagement
Unlike most cardio equipment that focuses solely on the lower body, elliptical machines involve the entire body, engaging both the upper and lower body muscle groups. The pushing and pulling motion with your arms, while simultaneously working the lower body, creates an effective, all-in-one workout solution. These machines target the following areas, along with many others:
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Upper Body
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Back
Lower Body
- Quads
- Hamstrings
- Glutes
- Calves
4. Max Calorie Burning
Elliptical workout provide one of the most effective means of burning calories there is. And, the full-body motion, while also offering adjustable levels of resistance training in the upper body, means that in addition to the fat loss benefits, you will also enjoy muscle growth. And just as with any other exercise or piece of equipment, the more effort you put in, the better your individual results.
5. Enhanced Coordination and Balance
Frequent use of elliptical machines can help improve balance and coordination, as it requires the simultaneous movement of both the lower and upper body. This is especially beneficial for older users who would like to maintain not only their mobility, but also their independence in some cases. And since the elliptical movement is a smooth, gliding motion, it greatly reduces the risk of injury.
Getting the Best Out of Your Elliptical Workout
As you can see, elliptical machines offer a superior workout to many other cardiovascular exercises. Between the low-impact motion and full-body benefits, it’s easy to understand why so many people prefer this method of physical activity. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, you should be able to find whatever you are looking for with the variety of options these machines provide.