The History of Elliptical Machines

The presence of elliptical trainers has grown more and more prevalent in last few years. Go into any public gym and you will see that number of elliptical trainers is more than number of treadmills! While treadmill is a popular method of exercise, fitness enthusiasts have grown to love and look forward to a rewarding hour on elliptical trainer.

With each year, more and more people realize how important it is to stay fit. Obesity, high cholesterol and more are increasing among our population, year after year. Children are now getting diseases formerly seen in elderly adults—all due to fact that they are in poor health. With increased aerobic activity, an individual will add years to their life, as well as appreciate a stronger body, higher self-confidence and so much more!

Elliptical trainers are a direct result of individuals wanting a superior fitness workout. For years, fitness experts have encouraged cardiovascular exercise to help circulation, burn fat, build stronger bones and muscles and more. The best results were garnered from hiking, running and other weight-bearing activities. Fitness equipment mimicked these natural exercises with creation of treadmill, stepper and others. Unfortunately, these exercises also contributed to additional stress on back, knees and other joints. There was a need for a machine that could generate maximum cardiovascular exercise—with minimal stress and pressure on back and joints.

Enter elliptical machine. Like many other fitness equipment pieces, when elliptical first arrived, it was a huge success. Some in fitness industry, however, questioned its staying power. How long would this one last? The elliptical machine (and its manufacturers) has silenced those critics. Year after year, popularity of elliptical trainers shines. The goal to create a machine that helped a body expend maximum calories through minimal pressure was complete.

How Elliptical Machines Work

If you’ve jumped on an elliptical trainer, you know how great a workout you can have on this newer fitness machine. With its smooth, rhythmic motions, elliptical trainer is ideal workout for anyone looking for a high cardiovascular exercise—without impact of stress and pressure on your joints and back.

Purchasing an elliptical trainer can be tricky, but with a little help, you can make right decision for you. Knowing how an elliptical works will influence which style you purchase—as well as which model you are willing to buy.

Similar to most stationary bikes, when you get onto elliptical trainer and begin to move, program will immediately start. Underneath foot platform is an array of mechanical accoutrements that make your workout experience a great one. As you push pedals in an oval, or elliptical, pattern, machine starts, offering an array of fitness programs. You can adjust fitness level with a mere push of a button on display panel in front of you. The pedal position gives you a choice of moving strokes to work out various muscle groups on your body.

Manual resistance is key component in an elliptical trainer. As you glide methodically along, you can control fitness levels that offer more resistance for a higher-intensity training experience. A user’s body is placed over center of drive wheel for most natural ergonomic positioning possible. This natural position leads to extended times on machine, as well as a more comfortable experience throughout length of workout.

The base of machine is a crank arm attached to a bar. The bar moves in a linear fashion, side-to-side, on one end, while moving in a circular pattern on other. This results in an exercise that is elliptical. The motion of pedals is similar to stationary bike, but feels more natural and less jarring.