Elliptical exercise machines are quickly catching on as one of the most popular home fitness equipment machines that you can buy. If you have been to any fitness center or gym lately, you may have noticed that these machines are becoming more and more commonly used. And the same is happening at home, as more and more people are choosing to buy an elliptical trainer for themselves.
But let’s start with defining what an elliptical machine really is. At fist glance it may look a little odd, and that’s because it’s a combination of different machines put together. The best way to describe an elliptical workout trainer is to think of it as a cross between a stair-stepper and a cross-country ski machine. An elliptical provides the benefits of both of these machines and combines them together into one unit.
Benefit #1. Low Impact Workout
For many people the greatest advantage of the elliptical workout is that it is low impact, so it won’t put undue pressure on your joints. 
This is because unlike treadmills you don’t actually walk or run on an elliptical trainer. Instead, both your feet rest on steps that move in an elliptical circle (hence the name of the machine). What you do is just keep shifting your body weight from one step to another, and the faster you do this the faster the machine goes. You can vary the intensity of the workout by going faster or slower, and by adjusting the resistance settings of the machine.
So for all of you exercisers that have sensitive joints, this may just be the machine that you need. And that is a welcome relief for those with arthritis or who may have suffered injuries to their joints in the past.
Benefit #2. Full Body Exercise
Another benefit of elliptical trainers is that even though they are low impact exercisers, they still provide an excellent all-around cardio workout. Especially those that have handles to help you work out your upper body as well. In fact, even though there is little impact during the exercise, they seem to be able to burn almost as many calories as treadmills do.
Benefit #3. Convenient Workout At The Comfort of Your Home
No need to go out in the dark, cold or rainy weather. You can stay at home and exercise while watching your favorite show on TV or keeping an eye on your kids.
What about the drawbacks?
Price. These machines aren’t cheap either, but you can find good deals on in many online retail stores and – of course – on Ebay. You may also choose to go for the less expensive models, such as a Gazelle Edge airwalker, which you can purchase new for under $100.
Size. These machines aren’t small. The truth is they can occupy as much space as a large piece of furniture in a room. So if you are thinking about getting one of these, first take measurements of the space where you plan to put it in to avoid unpleasant surprises, when you find out the space is too tight. You certainly don’t want to find that out after you purchased it!
Even though size and price are major factors to consider, the advantages of elliptical exercise machine still outweigh these drawbacks. As with all fitness equipment, be sure to shop around for best prices and try out any elliptical trainer before you decide to buy it. Nothing beats actually using one of these machines to help you decide if it will work for you.
But if you are looking for an exercise machine that is easy to use and provides great results, why not consider getting an elliptical trainer for yourself to get great aerobic workout at home.
Read more about selecting an elliptical trainer that’s right for you and elliptical machine versus threadmill.
And a huge benefit is that these machines are NON IMPACT on the joints. As a physio, we are always looking for new equipment to put our patients on. The ellipticals are very popular
.-= Kirst@ Tunturi Rowing Machine´s last blog ..Best Rowing Machine =-.
Elliptical trainers are great non weight bearing fitness exercise machines. But you must be careful not to over exert your stride with the walking machines especially if you are a short person. I have one and use it a lot. however my mother is short and she strained her hip using one. Over all I love my machine though and its a great addition to my home gym.
.-= Kirsten@ Tunturi Rowing Machine´s last blog ..Best Rowing Machine =-.
I especially love benefit number 1, low impact workout, when I’m cutting weight. My joints tend to dry up and ache just from scratching my head. The elliptical allows me a semi-painfree, comfortable cardio session.
.-= Daniel@compare ellipticals´s last blog ..Save 100′s- Possibly Even 1000′s- When You Compare Ellipticals with Our Elliptical Trainer Reviews! =-.
I HATE ELLIPTICALS WOOO
The Gazelle trainer is nice for starters or a small apartment. But its so much nicer to have the full elliptical so you get the resistance as part of your workout.
elliptical machine may even surpass the ever-popular treadmill someday!this is the equipment that many people need these days!
.-= douglas@bootcamp marketing´s last blog ..10 Easy Steps To Keeping Your Clients Forever =-.