Benefits of an Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer (or cross-trainer) is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints. If you’re trying to decide between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment, here are the top unique elliptical trainer benefits to help you decide:
No Impact Workout
Elliptical trainer workouts are safe on the joints and provide a no impact workout. This is ideal for people with back, knee, hips and joint problems, as well as older people looking for a no-impact workout.
Weight-Bearing Exercise
While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise still helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis. Hence, it helps you burn calories much more efficiently.
Time Saver
Because most elliptical trainers incorporate upper body arms, elliptical workouts tend to involve the whole body and give you an overall better workout. This means you burn more calories in less time. That’s always a benefit.
Elliptical trainers have also been proven to offer a lower ‘Perceived Rate of Exertion’ when working out. This means that you’re doing more work and burning more calories while feeling like you put out less effort.
Great For Cross-training
Because elliptical trainers are a mix between the treadmill and a stair climber, you have a great opportunity to cross-train. When you are going forward, you feel like a cross country skier hitting the long slopes. However, when you reverse your pedal motion, you can target your lower body in a completely different way. Thus, it beats boredom too.
Space Efficient
Most elliptical trainers are smaller than a treadmill and can be more easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming. If you are cramped for space or have a smaller home gym, an elliptical trainer can be a great way to save space while getting an overall body workout.
Cardiovascular Improvements
An elliptical workout is important to prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to preventing heart disease, it also improves heart functions, helps to lose weight, burns off body fat, improves oxygen intake and flow, improves lung functions, lowers blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol and tones muscles.
Core Strengthening
Performing the elliptical motion, without holding onto any handlebars, calls upon the core muscles to be constantly contracted. The core muscles (rectus abdominus, transverse abdominus, internal and external obliques and the lower back) provide stability and balance to perform this movement.
No Skill Needed
You don’t need special instructions to use the machine. You merely step on the pedals, select how long you want to work out, at what intensity and start right away.
Conclusion:
Keep in mind that elliptical trainers are not for everyone. However they do offer some great workout features that would benefit any athlete, from beginners to elites!

