Do Elliptical Machines Work

People who exercise regularly want to know -- do elliptical machines work. They find it hard to believe that fitness equipment that provides a low impact work out will really help tone up muscles and provide a good cardiovascular workout for the heart. The elliptical trainers are becoming the fitness equipment chosen for aerobic weight bearing exercises because of the advantages they offer over treadmills and stair steppers.

Elliptical machines have long pedals that run the length of the machine. They work in a manner similar to a bicycle in that when you push on one pedal it rotates causing the other pedal to move. This movement causes an elliptical motion that varies depending on the location where the motion occurs. Pushing on the pedals close to the front of the machine results in short elliptical movements. While pushing from the back provides long elliptical movements. Most trainers have reverse movements so you can exercise by moving backwards as well.

Advantages of using elliptical machines as your choice in fitness equipment are:

• You get a total body workout that exercises all of the major muscle groups in your body. Treadmills and stair steppers concentrate on the leg and hip muscles.
• The workout on elliptical machines is low impact, which means it does not put as much stress on your joints and bones as the other fitness equipment does.
• There are various programs preset into the machines so that you won't get bored because you can vary the exercise routines.
• It requires less time to get the workout you need on an elliptical machine. 20 minutes a day will give you a great cardio workout.
• Cross trainers do not take up very much space. There are models that you can fold up and store in a closet and most models are light enough for you to carry to different rooms of the house.

When buying an elliptical machine, you need to look for certain features:

• Stride length – the ideal stride length is 21 inches.
• Adjustable machine incline – this increases the resistance level to maximize the amount of calories you burn.
• Smooth elliptical motion - the movements should be fluid, rather than jerky
• Heart rate monitor – this is important to keep you exercising within the range of your target heart rate.