Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Comparison of Treadmills and Elliptical Machines

By John Andrews

Elliptical machines are slowly taking the place of the treadmill. These machines provide a person with a complete cardiovascular workout. They are sold in all different price ranges; some are as low as 400 dollars and some as high as 4 thousand.

Elliptical machines combine walking, skiing, and bicycling in one machine. They usually have devices attached to them that calculate a person's heart rate while exercising. Depending on the machine, it can also calculate the calories burned.

One of the best factors of the elliptical machine is that it does not put pressure upon the joints of the feet while using. It is different from the treadmill in that aspect, walking on a treadmill put constant pressure on the feet. There is little to no impact on the ankles and feet when using an elliptical machine.

The elderly or people who have been injured can use elliptical machines. People who have experienced ankle injuries may find it difficult to use a treadmill because of the pressure that is put on their feet. They will not feel this pressure when using the elliptical.

Some seniors may find it hard to walk on the treadmill due to a fear of falling or sliding off of it. On an elliptical machine their feet are set in one place and it is impossible to slide off, and falling is unlikely. Most elliptical machines have different programs that a person can pick from.

Some elliptical machines have up to 20 different programs to pick from, these are usually the more expensive ones; the cheaper ones usually have fewer than 10 programs. Ellipticals provide a person with a better workout then a treadmill, because they affect more muscles. Elliptical machines have resistance levels that can be altered; this way, more than one person can use the elliptical machine.

The word elliptical means oval, this is due to the motion that the legs form when using the machine. The bigger the strides, the more room a person will have to move around when using the machine. Most elliptical machines normally are designed with 10 to 20 inch strides.

Elliptical machines come in many different shapes and sizes. Some can fold up but most have to put together in the spot, which they are meant to stay. When a person purchases an elliptical machine three questions should be asked, will it fit my budget, my house, and me?

Elliptical machines are found in all gyms nowadays and are frequently used by gym guests. Elliptical machines focus more on cardio and will help a person shed those unwanted pounds by burning fat without building too much muscle. Although ellipticals help to burn fat, they can be programmed to help build muscle if that is what the person wishes.

Another wonderful factor about elliptical machines is that they can be used without electricity. A person may not be able to see how many calories that they burned, but they could still use the machine and get a good workout. A treadmill can only work if it is plugged in to the wall.

Elliptical machines provide a person with a better workout than treadmills do. They will run with out power, work more muscles, and they do not affect the joints of the feet and ankles like treadmills do. All in all they are a better way of exercising than the use of a treadmill. - 17274

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