Elliptical Cross Trainer Buying Guide Part 1
What is an elliptical cross trainer?
Well, in essence elliptical cross trainer is an exercise machine that simulates the same motions as walking, jogging and skiing. Other phrases you may have heard are “elliptical”, “strider”, “cross trainers”, or “elliptical trainer”. The name is is given because of the elliptical like range of movement by the arms and legs as they move back and forth. The design is such that you are in an upright skiing position with two large footplates (the skis) for you to stand on and two poles or long handles (your ski poles).
Benefits of elliptical cross trainers
Cross trainers are designed to give you a low impact, full-body, cardiovascular or calorie-burning workout.
Low impact
Thanks to the support of the footplates there is no pounding or impact on your bones and muscles that you may find with running on concrete or a treadmill. This can either prevent injury or make it more comfortable for those people who do have injuries. The workout is also weight-bearing and can help protect bones against osteoporosis.
Full body workout
Most elliptical crosstrainers provide you with a full body workout as they have both upper and lower body movement machinery. Handles are connected to the foot pads giving the user the control to push and pull with both arms and legs. Primarily the driving force is provided via the legs and the secondary motion via the arms as a consequence. The full motions work the muscles all over the body including the thighs, glutimus maximus, biceps, triceps and abdomen and others.
Cardiovascular and calorie burning benefits
Elliptical cross trainers provide a great way to burn calories, lose weight and increase your cardiovascular health. There have been numerous studies that show that the dual action and full body exercise provides a more intense workout in a short time than running. As well as this, the user feels
How much do elliptical cross trainers cost?
Elliptical cross trainers typically cost from around as little as £70. Obviously the cheaper cross trainers aren’t as good quality as some of the more expensive ones and you get what you pay for but there are a few out there that are good enough if you’re on a budget. The more expensive elliptical trainers cost anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand of pounds. Many of these will be have very smooth motion and due to bigger flywheels and magnetic resistance as well more advanced computers, and other features that will make your workout more enjoyable. You will also find that the better designed and more expensive machines provide a more synchronised and congruent combination of leg and arm effort in the right proportions.
