Train for the Game on an Elliptical Cross Trainer

The elliptical cross trainer is the exercise equipment most recommended for athletes who want to build up their strength and stamina when they are in sports training. It is also the most used piece of fitness equipment at gyms and fitness centers all over the country. Elliptical trainers are new to the fitness market and have taken over the top spot, once enjoyed by treadmills.

Treadmills vs. ellipticals

Although treadmills do give you a good workout, with various incline and resistance levels, they cannot match the appeal of the low impact workout that the elliptical equipment offers. Both machines help to raise your heart rate so that you get a good cardio workout. But there are significant differences which accounts for the appeal of the elliptical equipment, such as:

• Ellipticals give you a total body workout with the moveable arms, whereas treadmills focus on your lower body muscles.
• With ellipticals, your feet never leave the foot pedals, so your bones and joints are not subject to the jarring motion of pounding with each step you take on a treadmill.
• The elliptical machine tends to provide a smoother workout that closely simulates cross country skiing.

The nature of elliptical equipment

The type of workout you get when you use elliptical fitness equipment combines the action of stair stepping, running and cross country skiing all in one action. You feel as if you're climbing a low hill and the longer stride of the foot pedals is similar to running. The upper arms on the machine bear close resemblance to the actions you use when cross country skiing with their back and forth movements. These arms move simultaneously with the foot pedals, so when you are exercising on this type of machine, you target every major muscle group in the body.