Elliptical Exercise

Elliptical exercise means to train or exercise on a stationary exerciser which is a combination stair climber/cross country ski in one unit known as an elliptical machine. The word elliptical means oval or egg shaped which is the motion your feet move in when on the pedals. You stand straight up with your feet on the movable plates (pedals) and your arms move back and forth grasping the handles. Arm exercise is coordinated with the pedal motion where the arm levers guide the foot pedals.

Elliptical exercise machines are gaining in popularity as they offer a no-impact alternative to treadmills but with the same intensity. Another reason they are popular is that they can be used easily in your own home.

Other benefits of owning or using one are:

- that they’re used to mimic the walking or running actions without causing excessive pressure to the joints. This in turn decreases the risk of impact injuries.

- Elliptical exercise machines are hard to beat for improving cardiovascular health as they provide an efficient calorie burning work out at a rate of around 13 calories per minute.

- Elliptical exercise equipment works the upper body similar to a cross country ski machine.

- The impact on your body is reduced because your feet never leave the pads and therefore results in less orthopaedic injuries.

- Elliptical exercise is also a weight bearing exercise unlike the stationary biking (weight-bearing exercise promotes bone density) and it’s harder to obtain the same calorie burn rate on a bike.

- Elliptical exercise machines are suitable for beginners to seasoned athletes even though the equipment is so advanced with its combination of a treadmill, stair climber and cross country skiing unit all rolled into one.

When it comes to providing a great total body workout with a single machine, almost nothing can compare to working out on elliptical machines. Depending on the machine the resistance levels and stride length can be changed to increase your workout intensity.

Try one today to reduce your belly fat to show your 6 pack abs.