Review of Elliptical Trainer

Category: Blog

  • Combining Elliptical Training With Other Workouts

    Combining Elliptical Training With Other Workouts

    Are you looking for ways to take your workouts to the next level?

    Combining elliptical training with other forms of exercise can have great benefits for your fitness.

    You’ll target different muscles, increase fat burn, and get the benefits of variety and cross-training.

    With the right tips and tools, you can create a balanced fitness routine to help you reach your goals.

    Strength Training Benefits

    You can boost your strength training gains by incorporating elliptical training into your routine. Elliptical workouts target different muscles than traditional strength training and provide a low-impact, cardio workout that activates the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. This helps in recovery and reduces the risk of injury, allowing you to make the most of your strength training efforts. Additionally, the cardio aspect of the elliptical can help in burning more calories and fat, accentuating the muscle definition achieved through strength training.

    Moreover, elliptical trainers are low-impact compared to other cardio exercises like running, reducing the stress on your joints while still providing a good cardio workout. This makes it a great form of cross-training that can help in preventing overuse injuries, provide a mental break, and challenge the body in new ways, promoting overall fitness.

    In order to create a balanced fitness routine, it’s important to have a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity a week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week. Additionally, it’s important to include rest days in your routine to allow muscles to recover, rebuild, and grow stronger. It’s also essential to ensure proper nutrition and hydration before and after workouts. Lastly, always listen to your body and take rest or change your routine if needed.

    Yoga Benefits

    Have you ever wondered how combining elliptical training with yoga can benefit your fitness routine? With its low-impact nature, the elliptical can be an excellent complement to yoga, as it can provide a cardiovascular boost while allowing your muscles to recover. Not only can it promote breath control and flexibility enhancement, but it can also help improve mental wellness and cardiovascular health.

    Cardio exercises like the elliptical machine can help increase your heart rate and burn more calories than yoga alone. This can aid in fat burn and muscle definition. Additionally, the elliptical can help increase your flexibility and range of motion, which can enhance your performance both on the elliptical and in yoga.

    The breathing techniques practiced in yoga are beneficial when applied to elliptical training, improving your stamina and endurance. This can help you get more out of each workout, allowing you to push yourself further and reach your fitness goals faster.

    Finally, combining elliptical training with yoga can help prevent overuse injuries and prevent plateaus. By alternating between the two forms of exercise, you can challenge your body in new ways and keep your workouts fresh and interesting.

    Other Cardio Benefits

    Other forms of cardio, such as running and cycling, can provide additional benefits when combined with elliptical training.

    Elliptical training can be a great way to improve overall fitness, burn fat, and support cardiovascular health. Here are some of the benefits of combining elliptical training with other cardio exercises:

    1. Variety: Different cardio exercises target different muscle groups. While running emphasizes the calves more, cycling focuses on the quads, and the elliptical provides a balanced activation of multiple leg muscles.
    2. Fat Burn: Cardio exercises, like the elliptical, can help in burning more calories and fat, which can accentuate the muscle definition achieved through other forms of cardio.
    3. Endurance: The breathing techniques practiced in other forms of cardio can be beneficial when applied to elliptical training, aiding in stamina and endurance.
    4. Joint Health: Elliptical trainers are low-impact compared to exercises like running, reducing the stress on the knees, hips, and back. This makes it a great alternative for those looking to reduce wear and tear on their joints.

    Incorporating elliptical training with other forms of cardio can enhance the overall fitness improvements achieved. It can help in weight loss, provide a strong cardiovascular workout, increase endurance, reduce stress, and protect the joints.

    With the right balance of exercise and recovery, a routine that includes elliptical training can help you reach your fitness goals.

    Creating a Balanced Routine

    To create a balanced routine, it’s essential to have a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises as part of your overall workout plan. Incorporating elliptical training with other forms of exercise can help to promote overall health and fitness. Here are some tips to create a balanced fitness routine:

    ImportanceBenefits
    Rest DaysRecovery and active rest, avoiding injury, reducing risk of overtraining
    HIIT WorkoutsBurn more calories and fat, optimizing muscle definition
    Flexibility TrainingImprove performance on the elliptical, reduce risk of strains or injuries
    Proper FormAvoid overuse injuries, improve posture and alignment
    Tracking ProgressSet achievable goals, monitor progress, and adjust workouts accordingly

    When creating a fitness routine, it’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. Ensure you’re hydrated and eating right to fuel your body before and after workouts. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity a week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week. Finally, don’t forget to incorporate rest days to allow your muscles to recover, rebuild, and grow stronger.

    Variety in Exercises

    Mix up your routine by incorporating other exercises into your elliptical training for optimal health and fitness. Variety is key, and you can get the most out of your workouts by combining different exercises. Here are some of the best exercises to pair with your elliptical training for better results:

    1. Elliptical and Pilates: Core Activation – Pilates is an excellent way to strengthen the core muscles, which can improve your balance and posture while on the elliptical. Practicing Pilates and elliptical training together will help you maintain correct form and maximize the benefits of both activities.
    2. Elliptical and HIIT: High Intensity Interval Training – HIIT is a great way to boost your metabolism and burn more calories. Doing interval training on the elliptical can help you push your limits and increase your endurance.
    3. Elliptical and Boxing: Cardiovascular Endurance – Boxing is a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that can be combined with elliptical training for a more intense workout. This combination will help improve your endurance and stamina.
    4. Elliptical and Barre: Muscle Toning – Barre is perfect for toning and sculpting muscles, while the elliptical will help you burn more calories and increase your heart rate for a more intense workout.
    5. Elliptical and Dance: Coordination and Rhythm – Adding dance to your elliptical routine can improve your coordination and rhythm, while also providing a great cardio workout.

    Mixing up your exercise routine with a combination of different exercises can help you reach your goals faster. Whether you’re looking to burn calories, tone up, or increase your endurance, the elliptical can be combined with other exercises for a complete workout.

    Joint Health

    Combining elliptical training with other exercises can also help to reduce the stress on your joints, making it a great alternative for those looking to minimize wear and tear. The low-impact nature of the elliptical means that it can be used to supplement high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping rope, and still offer joint health benefits.

    The elliptical machine helps to increase joint mobility, flexibility, and stability, which can reduce the risk of injury over time. The combination of strength and cardio exercises can improve joint health by providing a balanced workout that promotes healthy muscle and joint development.

    BenefitsExamples
    Joint MobilityElliptical, Yoga, Pilates
    Joint FlexibilityElliptical, Yoga, Swimming
    Injury PreventionElliptical, Strength Training, Yoga

    The elliptical is an excellent form of low impact exercise that can be combined with other exercises for a balanced and comprehensive fitness routine. By pairing the elliptical with strength and flexibility exercises, it is possible to achieve joint health goals while also getting a great cardio workout.

    The best way to use the elliptical is to incorporate it into your workout routine one to two times a week as part of a comprehensive program. This will help to ensure that you are getting enough aerobic activity while still giving your joints the time they need to rest and recover.

    Cross-Training Benefits

    Adding elliptical training to other workouts can provide a host of cross-training benefits. These include:

    1. Injury prevention: The low-impact nature of the elliptical reduces the risk of overuse injuries typically associated with high-impact activities like running.
    2. Improved endurance: Mixing up your routine can benefit your ability to sustain physical effort over a long period of time.
    3. Mental stimulation: Working out on different types of machines can provide a challenge and keep you motivated.
    4. Increased calorie burn: Cross-training can help you burn more calories, leading to greater fat loss.
    5. Enhanced overall fitness: Combining elliptical training with other forms of exercise can lead to improved strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health.

    Cross-training with the elliptical can be a great way to diversify your workout routine and achieve your desired results. It’s important to follow the guidelines of the American Heart Association, which recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week. Additionally, it’s wise to listen to your body and incorporate rest days to ensure proper recovery. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated are also essential for optimal performance.

    With these tips, you can enjoy the many benefits of cross-training with the elliptical and reach your fitness goals.

    Conclusion

    Combining elliptical training with other forms of exercise can be a great way to take your workouts to the next level. You can enjoy the benefits of strength training, yoga, cardio, and cross-training, all while promoting joint health and creating a balanced routine.

    Variety is key to getting the most out of your workouts, so don’t be afraid to switch it up and challenge yourself.

    With the right tips and tools, you can make the most of your exercise routine.

  • How Elliptical Training Works

    How Elliptical Training Works

    Are you looking to switch up your fitness routine? Look no further than elliptical training!

    This low-impact workout is an effective way to engage your upper and lower body. With adjustable resistance and incline settings, you can customize your workout to meet your goals.

    So if you’re curious to learn more about elliptical training, read on to discover how it works, the versatility of its programs, and the benefits for balance and core stability.

    Biomechanics

    Frequently, elliptical motion is designed to emulate natural human gait with minimal impact. This reduces strain on joints while still engaging major muscle groups for a complete workout. Dual-action handlebars also engage the upper body. Thus, elliptical training offers a host of benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to increased muscle mass.

    To ensure you’re getting the most out of your elliptical session, proper form is key. Start by standing tall and maintain a neutral posture throughout your workout. This will help you engage your core and keep your spine in a healthy position. Additionally, try to keep your legs in line with your torso throughout the entire motion. Be sure to keep a steady, even pace and avoid jerky movements.

    Common mistakes to avoid on the elliptical include leaning too far forward, pushing too hard and too fast, and using too much resistance. Leaning too far forward can put strain on your back and legs, while pushing too hard and too fast can be counterproductive to your goal. Lastly, using too much resistance will reduce your range of motion and tire you out quickly.

    To maximize your elliptical workout, aim for a combination of resistance and incline to target different muscle groups. Interval training is also an effective way to get the most out of your session. Try alternating between high-intensity bursts and low-intensity rest periods and you’ll be burning calories in no time.

    Finally, incorporating HIIT training on the elliptical can be a great way to build endurance and strength. Start by setting your machine to a moderately challenging resistance and incline. Then, push yourself as hard as you can for 30 seconds before returning to a low-intensity pace for a minute. Repeat this cycle for the duration of your workout and you’ll be feeling the burn in no time.

    Workout Programs

    Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular fitness, or build strength, modern elliptical machines offer a range of preset and customizable workout programs to help you reach your goals. Interval training, hill climb simulations, and customizable settings can provide dynamic and effective workouts. With the right program, you can target specific fitness goals, such as endurance, strength, or calorie burn.

    Benefits of interval training include burning more calories in a shorter amount of time, increasing aerobic capacity, and improving body composition. Hill climb simulations can replicate the challenge of an incline, engaging different leg muscles and providing a full-body workout. With customizable settings, you can adjust resistance levels to increase muscle engagement and intensity.

    Connectivity to apps can help you track your progress and tailor your workouts. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, tracking your progress is a great way to stay motivated and reach your goals. With the right program, you can get the most out of your workouts and see the results you’ve been aiming for.

    Elliptical machines provide a low-impact alternative to treadmills, reducing strain on joints while still engaging major muscle groups. Dual-action handlebars can also engage the upper body while you work out. Balancing without holding the handlebars can further enhance stability and coordination.

    Choosing the right workout program for your needs can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of your elliptical training. With preset and customizable options, you can tailor your workouts to your individual fitness goals and track your progress with apps.

    Resistance and Incline

    After honing in on the right program to suit your individual needs, you can also adjust the resistance and incline levels of your elliptical to target specific muscles and challenge your workout. Adjusting the intensity of your workout via resistance and incline levels can help you reach your desired fitness goals, whether you’re looking to build endurance or shred calories.

    The benefits of varying your resistance and incline levels include:

    • Interval training: You can mix up your routine by incorporating intervals of high and low resistance/incline to increase your strength and endurance.
    • Targeted muscle engagement: Adjusting your resistance and incline levels can shift your focus between different muscle groups, such as your quads, glutes, or hamstrings.
    • Improved calorie burn: Increasing incline levels can help burn more calories and build stamina.

    Higher resistance levels engage and strengthen your muscles more intensely and can be used to reach your strength goals. However, it’s important to adjust both your resistance and incline levels in order to maximize the effectiveness of your workout. By using the correct combination of resistance and incline, you can create a dynamic and efficient workout that can help you reach your goals.

    Whether you’re looking for a low-impact approach to building strength or a high-intensity calorie burning session, adjusting resistance and incline levels can help you achieve your desired results. With a variety of workout programs and adjustable settings, the elliptical can be used to target specific muscles and reach your fitness goals.

    Balance and Core

    Beyond engaging the lower body, elliptical workouts can also target core muscles and improve balance. The upright posture required to maintain balance on the machine engages the abdominal muscles, helping to strengthen the core. Additionally, the machine offers stability benefits, helping to improve posture and coordination. By balancing without the use of the handlebars, users can also enhance their stability and coordination. As a result, the elliptical can be a great tool for strengthening the abdominals, improving posture, and enhancing coordination.

    The versatility of elliptical workouts offers users the opportunity to mix up their workouts in order to challenge their core muscles. For instance, alternating between different levels of incline can shift the focus between different leg muscles, while adjusting resistance levels can help engage and strengthen the abdominal muscles more intensely. By combining varied resistance and incline, users can create dynamic workouts that challenge their core muscles and enhance their balance.

    The benefits of elliptical training go beyond just engaging the lower body. By providing stability benefits and targeting core muscles, ellipticals can be a great tool for strengthening the abdominals and improving coordination. Additionally, by adjusting resistance and incline levels, users can create dynamic workouts that challenge their core muscles and enhance their balance. With all these benefits, the elliptical can be a great addition to any fitness routine.

    Elliptical Vs. Other Cardio

    By comparing its unique motion to other popular cardio machines, elliptical training’s advantages become more clear. Ellipticals provide a low-impact alternative to treadmills, reducing strain on the joints without sacrificing intensity. Dual-action handlebars also engage the upper body, allowing users to target different muscle groups for a full-body workout. The versatile programming options of modern ellipticals offer a variety of workouts, from interval training to hill climb simulations, while customization settings can be used to track and tailor workouts for specific fitness goals.

    Adjusting resistance and incline levels can drastically change the workout’s intensity and targeted muscles. Higher resistance engages and strengthens muscles more intensely, while incline can shift focus between different leg muscles. Combining varied resistance and incline can create dynamic and effective workouts.

    In addition to its cardiovascular and strength benefits, elliptical training can also help improve balance and core stability. Maintaining an upright posture on the elliptical engages the core muscles, while balancing without the handlebars can enhance coordination and stability. Regular training can lead to improved posture and core strength, even outside of workouts.

    Conclusion

    Elliptical training is an excellent way to get a full-body workout with low impact on your joints. It’s a versatile exercise that can be tailored to your fitness goals with adjustable resistance and incline settings.

    Whether you’re looking to build endurance, strength, or burn calories, the elliptical can help you reach your goals. Plus, its biomechanics and balance and core stability benefits make it a great choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded exercise program.

    So give it a try and you’re sure to see the results!

  • Elliptical Machine Terminology

    Elliptical Machine Terminology

    Are you ready to get the most out of your elliptical experience?

    Knowing the components and features of an elliptical machine can help you customize your workouts and take them to the next level.

    In this article, we’ll break down the different parts and functions of an elliptical machine, so you can get the most out of your workout.

    Get ready to maximize your elliptical experience with this comprehensive guide to elliptical machine terminology.

    Components

    Frequently, understanding the components of an elliptical machine can help you make the most of your workouts. Pedals and their associated movement patterns are important to consider, as the joint stress they create can be significant. Handlebars can be either static or moving and can have a significant impact on upper body engagement. Also, a stable base is essential for safety and longevity of the machine.

    When looking at the drive system, there are two main types: front-drive and rear-drive. The former has a more compact design, while the latter typically offers a smoother motion. The flywheel plays a key role in the fluidity of the elliptical motion as well.

    Equally as important is the digital display and console. The type of display is usually either LED or LCD, and it can show metrics such as RPM, Watts, or METs. Many elliptical machines also offer built-in programs, user profiles, and connectivity options to track progress.

    The brake and resistance systems are also important to consider. Manual and electronic braking systems are available, and magnetic resistance can provide a smoother experience. Tension belts are another factor to consider when setting the resistance levels.

    Drive Systems

    When it comes to drive systems, there are two main types of elliptical machines: front-drive and rear-drive. Front-drive machines have pedals located in front of the flywheel, while rear-drive models have the pedals behind. The motion of a front-drive elliptical is more direct and can be felt more in the legs, while a rear-drive machine is smoother and more fluid.

    Additionally, center-drive ellipticals feature a compact design with the flywheel located in the center of the machine.

    The flywheel plays an important role in the smoothness of the elliptical motion. A larger flywheel offers more momentum and a more natural feel, while a smaller flywheel leads to a more jerky motion.

    The type of drive system will also determine how much space the machine takes up, as front-drive machines tend to be larger than rear-drive or center-drive models.

    Here are a few points to consider when it comes to drive systems:

    • Front-drive vs. rear-drive: differences in motion and machine layout.
    • Center-drive ellipticals and their compact design.
    • The role of the flywheel in determining the fluidity of the elliptical motion.
    • The importance of a larger flywheel for a more natural feel.
    • Considerations for space and layout when choosing a drive system.

    Understanding the various drive systems and their features can help you make an informed decision when choosing an elliptical machine. Whether you prefer a front-drive machine with a direct motion, or a rear-drive model with a smoother motion, the right drive system can make all the difference in your workout.

    Digital Displays

    Building on the discussion of drive systems, digital displays offer a range of features that can enhance your elliptical machine experience. Many modern elliptical machines come with LED or LCD displays that provide clear visuals for metrics, console options, and other features. Display features vary from machine to machine, but they typically provide metrics such as RPM, Watts, METs, and more. Console options may include built-in programs, user profiles, and connectivity options such as Bluetooth or ANT+ for tracking your workout data.

    It is important to understand the metrics displayed on the digital displays. RPM, for example, refers to revolutions per minute and is a measure of how quickly the pedals are moving. Watts measures the amount of power generated by the user, while METs (metabolic equivalents) measure the intensity of the workout. By understanding these metrics, you can more accurately gauge your performance and adjust your workout accordingly.

    In addition to metrics, many digital displays offer connectivity options to track your workout data. Bluetooth and ANT+ are the most common, allowing users to connect to apps and sync data to monitor progress. Some machines also offer user profiles, allowing multiple users to store individual settings for each workout.

    Digital displays are an important part of modern elliptical machines, offering features that can help users make the most of their workouts. By understanding the display features, console options, metrics, and connectivity options, you can ensure that you get the most out of your machine.

    Resistance Systems

    You’ll find two types of resistance systems in ellipticals: manual and electronic. Manual braking systems use a lever or a knob to adjust the tension and resistance levels of the machine. They’re usually found in lower-end models and require more effort to use. Electronic braking systems use a built-in motor to adjust the resistance levels. These systems are typically found in higher-end models and provide a smoother, more consistent experience.

    Magnetic resistance is a popular type of resistance system that uses magnets to adjust the tension. It’s known for its smooth motion and durability, as there are no physical parts to wear down. Tension belts are also used in some models, and they work by controlling the tension of the drive system. This type of system can provide a wide range of resistance levels.

    Adjustable stride length is an important feature for many users, as it allows them to customize the machine to their body type and comfort level. Adjustable pedal angles can also be beneficial, as they reduce foot fatigue and make it easier to maintain the correct form.

    When it comes to resistance systems, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type before making a purchase. Manual braking systems may require more effort, but they tend to be cheaper. Electronic braking systems provide a smoother experience, but they may be more expensive. Magnetic resistance is known for its smoothness and durability, while tension belts offer more flexibility in terms of resistance levels. Lastly, adjustable stride length and pedal angles can provide a more comfortable and effective workout.

    Adjustable Features

    Beyond resistance systems, adjustable features can also improve your elliptical experience. Many machines feature adjustable stride length, pedal angle, and handlebar positions, allowing users to tailor their workout to their individual preferences and body type.

    Adjustable stride length is particularly important for user comfort, as it allows users to find a stride length that fits their legs and reduces fatigue. Likewise, adjustable pedal angles can help reduce foot fatigue, while adjustable handlebars provide more options for targeting different upper body muscles.

    In addition to physical comfort, adjustable features can also provide a more personalized workout. For example, if a user wants to focus on lower body muscles, they can adjust the stride length and pedal angle accordingly. On the other hand, if a user is looking to put more emphasis on upper body muscle groups, they can adjust the handlebar positions to provide more resistance.

    Regardless of the user’s goals, adjustable features can help them customize their workout for maximum effectiveness. Overall, adjustable features can greatly enhance a user’s elliptical experience. By allowing users to personalize their workout to their own preferences and body type, adjustable features can provide a more comfortable and effective experience.

    With the right combination of adjustable features, users can optimize their elliptical workout and reach their fitness goals more quickly.

    Personalization

    With adjustable features and personalization, you can make your elliptical workout more comfortable and effective. Elliptical machines offer various adjustable features that allow users to tailor their workouts to their body type and preferences. Adjustable stride length, pedal angles, and handlebars can all be used to reduce foot fatigue, target the upper body, and enhance user comfort and workout effectiveness.

    Here are some key points to consider when personalizing your elliptical experience:

    • Adjustable stride length helps ensure that your workout is both comfortable and effective.
    • Pedal angles can be adjusted to reduce foot fatigue and improve overall comfort.
    • Moving handlebars can engage the upper body and target different muscle groups.
    • User profiles and connectivity options can be used to track progress and set goals.
    • Adjustable resistance levels help you customize your workout intensity.

    Conclusion

    Now that you know the different components and features of an elliptical machine, you can customize your workout to suit your fitness goals.

    With the right drive system, resistance system, digital displays, and adjustable features, you’re sure to get the most out of your workout.

    Get ready to take your elliptical workouts to the next level with this comprehensive guide to elliptical machine terminology.

  • Elliptical Excellence: The Low-Impact Solution for Joint Health and Fitness

    Elliptical Excellence: The Low-Impact Solution for Joint Health and Fitness

    Are you suffering from joint pain that’s keeping you from exercising? Look no further than an elliptical trainer! This low-impact solution is perfect for those looking to get fit without putting extra strain on their joints.

    Learn the benefits of using an elliptical machine for joint health and fitness, plus tips for a safe and effective workout.

    And don’t forget to consult a physical therapist for arthritis exercise.

    Get ready to experience the ultimate joint-friendly workout with elliptical excellence!

    Low-Impact Benefits

    Elliptical machines offer a low-impact workout solution that can help reduce joint stress and improve overall fitness. When compared to a treadmill, an elliptical puts less strain on the knees and hips, allowing you to engage in low intensity workouts while still getting a good cardiovascular workout. This makes it an ideal option for people with arthritis or other joint issues.

    Elliptical trainers provide a full-body workout, helping to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joints, reducing strain on the joints themselves. Plus, the weight is evenly distributed, which further reduces the impact on the knees. With customizable speed and resistance settings, you can find the perfect intensity level to suit your needs.

    For those with arthritis, low-impact cardio activities such as swimming, walking, and using an elliptical can be beneficial. Forward motions on an elliptical strengthen the quads and calves, while reverse-stride settings work the hamstrings and back of the thighs. These joint-friendly exercises can help improve overall joint function and range of motion.

    In addition, consulting a physical therapist is recommended for anyone with arthritis, as they can help ensure exercises are performed safely and correctly. Supplementing with strengthening and flexibility exercises can also help improve joint health and reduce the risk of injury.

    Benefits for Arthritis

    Using an elliptical machine offers many advantages for those with arthritis, including improved joint function, reduced strain on the joints, and a low-impact workout. Elliptical machines are ideal for those looking for joint-friendly exercises that will help keep their arthritis in check. This low-impact cardio option is gentle on the joints, making it an ideal choice for those who suffer from arthritis.

    The elliptical trainer is an effective way to get a full-body workout without putting too much stress on the joints. The low-impact motions of the elliptical help to reduce the strain on the hips, knees, and ankles, as well as providing a cardiovascular workout. Additionally, the customizable speed and resistance settings allow for a comfortable workout tailored to individual needs.

    The Arthritis Foundation recommends using an elliptical in a forward motion and at an incline to help strengthen the quadriceps, which extend the knee. This helps to reduce the strain on the knee joint and improve overall joint function. Additionally, the reverse motion and lower incline settings can be beneficial for those with arthritis. This helps to strengthen the hamstrings and back of the thighs, as well as reducing strain on the knee.

    It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine. A physical therapist can help to ensure that exercises are performed safely and can recommend the best exercises for each stage of the disease. Additionally, regular stretching and warm-up exercises are important for reducing strain on the joints and improving overall joint function.

    Precautions for Joint Concerns

    When it comes to protecting your joints, it’s important to take the right precautions when using an elliptical machine. Joint protection should be a priority for those with arthritis and other joint concerns. Exercise modifications, pain management strategies, and alternative workout options are all important for those with joint issues.

    It’s important to start slow and gradually increase workout duration when using an elliptical machine. Focus on maintaining good posture, grip the handlebars lightly, and adjust the speed and resistance settings as needed. If pain is present, reduce the intensity and frequency of workouts.

    For those with joint concerns, it’s important to consider certain modifications. Reverse-stride settings are beneficial for working the hamstrings and back of thighs. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and using an elliptical can be beneficial for joint health.

    The importance of rest and recovery shouldn’t be overlooked. Make sure to give your body time to recover between workouts. Consider consulting a physical therapist for advice on arthritis exercise and to ensure exercises are performed safely.

    Proper Form and Posture

    Although proper form and posture are important when using an elliptical, it’s also important to take other precautions for joint concerns. To maximize the benefits of your elliptical workout and ensure your safety, use the following tips for an ergonomic positioning:

    1. Engage all major muscle groups by keeping your shoulders back and core engaged.
    2. Maintain good posture and maintain an upright position to prevent injury.
    3. Consciously engage your core muscles to ensure core stability.
    4. Focus on a slow, controlled breathing technique.

    When using the elliptical, it’s important to be mindful of your form and positioning to prevent injury and to maximize the benefits of your workout. Proper form and posture helps ensure that the muscles are engaged properly and that the joints are protected. Keep your shoulders back and your core engaged throughout the workout. Maintain a good posture and stand upright to prevent injury. Consciously engage your core muscles to ensure core stability. Finally, focus on a slow, controlled breathing technique to help maximize your performance.

    Comparing to Cardio Equipment

    Frequently comparing elliptical machines to treadmill and other cardio equipment is essential for those with arthritis or other joint health concerns. For those looking for alternative cardio options that are joint friendly, the elliptical machine can be a great choice. It offers many cardiovascular benefits with less impact on the joints compared to other exercises, while still providing a great workout. The incline settings and customizable resistance levels also make it a great tool for weight management, as it allows you to adjust the intensity of your workout depending on your fitness goals.

    When it comes to choosing the right equipment, it’s important to consider your own individual needs. For those with joint conditions, it may be beneficial to opt for an elliptical machine, as it exerts less force on the joints than other equipment. Additionally, the forward and reverse stride settings can help target different muscles, strengthening and toning the body.

    It is also important to speak with a physical therapist or healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine. They can provide personalized advice on the best exercises for your condition and help you set realistic goals.

    Cross-Training Benefits

    For those looking to further improve joint health and fitness, frequently cross-training with other low-impact activities can be beneficial. Cross-training combines various joint friendly exercises, such as walking, cycling, and using the elliptical machine, to provide a comprehensive workout.

    Here are 4 key benefits of incorporating cross-training into your routine:

    1. Cardiovascular conditioning: Cross-training helps to improve your overall cardiovascular health by alternating between low-impact activities. This allows for a sustained increase in heart rate, allowing for better conditioning over time.
    2. Muscle strengthening: Cross-training helps to strengthen and tone muscles throughout the body, focusing on different muscle groups each day. This helps to reduce joint pain and improve balance and posture.
    3. Injury prevention: By alternating between different exercises, your body is less likely to become overworked. This helps to reduce the risk of injuries due to overuse.
    4. Improved performance: Cross-training provides a balance of aerobic and anaerobic activities that can help to improve your overall performance and endurance.

    Cross-training is an effective way to improve joint health and fitness without putting too much strain on the body. By varying the types of activities, you can maintain a healthy level of fitness while preventing injury and improving performance.

    Conclusion

    An elliptical trainer is a great way to get a low-impact workout while also taking care of your joints. With proper form and posture, you can enjoy the benefits of a great workout while reducing the risk of injury.

    Plus, with the help of a physical therapist, you can customize your exercise regimen to meet your individual needs.

    So get on the elliptical and experience the ultimate joint-friendly workout with elliptical excellence!

  • Choosing the Right Resistance and Incline for your Elliptical Trainer

    Choosing the Right Resistance and Incline for your Elliptical Trainer

    Are you looking to get the most out of your elliptical workouts? Choosing the right resistance and incline can make a world of difference in helping you reach your goals.

    From targeting specific muscle groups to improving your endurance, you can maximize your workouts and get closer to your fitness goals.

    Let’s explore how to customize your elliptical resistance and incline to get the most out of your workouts!

    Understanding Resistance Levels and Their Impact on Workouts

    By understanding resistance levels and their impact on your workouts, you can customize your elliptical routine for maximum results.

    Resistance vs Incline: Which is more effective? Increasing resistance on the elliptical requires more effort to move the pedals, resulting in greater calorie burn and muscle toning. The adjustable incline raises the slope, also contributing to calorie burn and strengthening the hamstrings and glutes.

    While resistance doesn’t typically change the muscle emphasis, it can be a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness. For an optimal workout, choose settings that allow for moderate-to-vigorous exercise. Remember to maintain proper posture and to adjust the resistance and incline as needed.

    Finding the right balance of resistance and incline can help you reach your fitness goals.

    Benefits of Adjustable Incline Settings

    By adjusting the incline on your elliptical, you can target different muscle groups and increase the intensity of your workout. Higher incline levels require more effort to move, activating more muscle groups and elevating your heart rate. This leads to greater calorie burning, enhancing your cardiovascular benefits.

    Adding variety to your workout with incline settings can help prevent plateaus and monotony. You can also adjust the resistance to create short, intense intervals, helping you reach your fitness goals faster.

    With the right combination of incline and resistance, you can overcome any fitness challenge.

    Customizing Workouts for Specific Goals

    With adjustable resistance and incline settings, have you ever wondered how to customize your elliptical workouts for specific goals?

    Depending on your purpose, the resistance and incline levels should be adjusted accordingly. To lose weight, combine high resistance and moderate incline with interval training.

    To improve endurance, opt for longer sessions with varying resistance and incline levels. For muscle toning, use higher resistance with periodic incline changes.

    Always make sure to use proper technique and posture, and monitor your target heart rate. Adjusting the resistance level is also important in order to stay within the aerobic zone, providing maximum health benefits.

    With the right settings, elliptical workouts can be tailored to fit any goal.

    Importance of Stride Length in Elliptical Trainers

    In addition to adjusting resistance and incline levels, another important factor for your elliptical workout is stride length. Customizing your stride length can make your workout more comfortable and effective. For optimal stride length, it’s important to match it to your natural gait, as striding too far can cause strain.

    Some elliptical trainers offer adjustable stride lengths, allowing you to customize the stride length to your needs. The benefit of adjustable stride length is that it can provide a fuller range of motion and improved comfort, enabling you to get the most out of your workout.

    Safety Features and Ergonomic Design

    Building on the importance of stride length, it’s also important to consider the safety features and ergonomic design of your elliptical trainer when choosing the right resistance and incline.

    Heart rate monitoring, proper posture, non slip pedals, and ergonomic handlebars are all essential for a safe and effective workout.

    In addition to these features, it’s important to pay attention to your grip technique. If weight is placed on the railings, increase the resistance and slow down the speed.

    Incorrect posture can lead to injury and prevent you from reaching your fitness goals. Make sure to use the features available to you to ensure a safe and effective elliptical session.

    Conclusion

    Using the right resistance and incline levels on your elliptical trainer can help you customize your workouts to meet your fitness goals.

    Knowing how to adjust the stride length and other features of your elliptical can help you get the most out of your workouts safely and effectively.

    So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the right settings for you!

  • Elliptical Trainer Buyer’s Guide

    Elliptical Trainer Buyer’s Guide

    Over the years, elliptical trainers have made a significant impact by being reliable machines for intense workouts. It looks deceptively comfortable to use, and you might find yourself wondering,

    “Hmm, does that thing even burn calories?”
    Trust us, it does!

    A long workout on even a budget elliptical can have you trying to catch your breath like a coyote chasing a roadrunner. 

    Ellipticals became popular because they burn as many calories (if not more) as treadmills, without hurting your joints. These machines come power packed with built-in workouts that challenge you. Inclining features that hit every muscle in your body and different resistance levels that push yourself even further.

    And that is exactly why we love these machines. You can get an elliptical that can whoop your ass and keep your joints safe at the same time with even a flimsy budget of about $500 dollars.

    While we do not promise you that by the time you have finished this article, we’ll identify the perfect elliptical that was ever designed, but we do promise you that you’ll be imbued with all the knowledge to know when to swipe right when you come across a top rated elliptical.

    How come other machines don’t do as much?

    Working out on an elliptical is kind of like going to a disco in the 70s, minus the shiny clothes — it really moves your body.

    Elliptical cross trainers ensure that you work your hands, feet and upper body against the force of the machine. The resistance from the flywheel forces you to push yourself consistently. All of this happens with you maintaining a good posture and having the pressure equally distributed throughout your entire body.

    The outcome? A total body workout.

    Price Tags: you get what you pay for

    The prices of ellipticals vary from around $80 to up to even around the $8000 mark. Don’t get too excited seeing reading those elliptical machine reviews when you finally find out how low you can actually go. Eventually, you tend to get what you pay for. If you go too cheap with the wrong brand, don’t be surprised if the metal frame casually falls off without warning.

    We’re not kidding.

    Let’s talk a bit about the budget machines – they are mostly risky buys, but not all of them. Some models by Schwinn and ProForm offer great products at impressive prices. However, at these low-end prices, you will find it impossible to get a combination of ALL the features a proper machine can offer you. Such as incline options, extensive workout libraries, high resistance levels, tablet connectivity, etc. Just make sure you do your research and read some elliptical reviews before you go flying into a store.

    Moving on to the more pricier machines, you start getting decent ones above the $300 mark. If you are serious about fitness and want to get the best elliptical for home, we definitely recommend you start at this range.

    Inspired by Sia’s 2016 hit single Cheap Thrills, the year 2017 has seen a large influx of cheap ellipticals in the market. Low-end units are getting better, and at the same time, solid ellipticals are also becoming more affordable. Brands like Exerpeutic, Xterra, and Body Champ all have great home ellipticals under the $500 price point.

    At the end of the day, the challenge is to make the right compromises towards getting that perfect gear for yourself- hitting that sweet spot between affordability and features. A feature that is important to you may not be to another person, which essentially means that there is no one elliptical to rule them all.

    So what are the major factors that you should consider?

    The Deal Breaker: Stride Shape

    Ellipticals are called ellipticals for a reason – the two footbeds that you rest your feet during a workout are supposed to move in an elliptical shape. This is an imitation of how you would normally lift and move your feet when walking and running. It should neither be circular like a bicycle nor linear like when you’re skiing.

    In the same way that a tofu burger is not a real burger, ellipticals which have their footpads attached directly to the flywheel are not really ellipticals (the motion is strictly circular). The stride on these machines will be so humped that it makes it ergonomically bad, resulting in a bad workout experience where you’ll find difficult to get a good rhythm. We can take note from the ProForm StrideSelect series- a series which was eventually discontinued due to poor review and poor sales. As you may guess, the units in this series all suffered from having the footpad attached directly to the flywheel.

    You’ll know you’re looking at a good machine when you see that there is some sort of space/track to distance the footpads from the flywheel. This effectively reduces the amount of lift you make on each motion, meaning that your movement is more of an elongated oval. This is the mark of a real elliptical. The strides are more natural,and you’ll have an overall smoother experience with your workouts.

    You might be asking yourself- why would someone then even think about attaching the footpad directly to the flywheel? The answer is simple- this makes these units VERY compact. This basically means that in a general sense, good elliptical are not the most compact of machines, and at the same time, not the cheapest either.

    If you are looking for ellipticals that don’t take up as much space as Jabba the Hutt, you can look into side-flywheel variants as well.

    Size Matters – 16″ or else you’re a bit short.

    The stride length on an elliptical is basically dependent on the size of the flywheel. When you’re walking, your stride length is roughly 1-2 feet. This becomes longer when you run. Ellipticals come with a defined footpad, which basically means that you can’t adjust your stride length freely as you could, let’s say, on a conventional treadmill or cross country ski machine. This means that having an adequate stride length is vital in ensuring your legs have enough freedom.

    Elliptical cross trainer, as you know by now, should have a signature oval motion, or you’ll have a pretty un-fun experience on your unit.

    So unless you’re one of the 7 dwarves in Sleeping Beauty, you should always consider a 16” stride length the bare minimum. If you are over 6” tall, you should ideally be looking for 20” strides, but 18” work nicely as well. The Sole, Spirit, and Pecor lines cater to tall people very well with a good range of 18” and 20” units.

    Closer Footpads plez

    When you run, you’ll notice that your feet stay pretty close to each other as they take turns to move you forward. On an elliptical machine, you have the flywheel sitting between, so it is difficult to come up with a machine with footpads that can keep your feet that close together.

    You can potentially risk straining your ankles, knees and hips when that footpad on your machine is spaced too far apart. In the long run, this can be painful and unwanted.

    Larger people tend to be able to tolerate greater distances than smaller people. We suggest buying ellipticals with footpads no more than 6 inches apart, give or take. Theoretically, models with side flywheels can offer you the shortest distance for your feet to be apart, but you will find other units in the market that offer designs with footpads that are close enough for you to say close enough.

    The Curious Case of the Flywheel Location

    A flywheel is the main source of resistance for your workouts, and it can either sit at the front, back or on the side. If you don’t know which one to take, let us help you.

    A flywheel on the back supposedly offers better geometry for having a good stride shape. For this to be true, however, the design implementation has to be on point. You’ll find rear flywheels on brands such as Precor, Life, and Body Champ.

    Sole and Spirit trainers are good examples of how the front flywheel can be nicely implemented. What makes these a good implementation is that the curved footpad rod facilitates the stride shapes to be more level and oval-esque.

    The key takeaway is that the location of the flywheel is not as nearly important as to how well they are engineered into the devices. The geometry of the flywheel’s connecting rods is also critical.

    A rather recent technique is having two separate flywheels on either side. This has two positives that come with it. One, your feet get to be closer together when working out (discussed above). Two, these units can sit much lower compared to the other variants, making them ideal to be placed in a basement or any room with low ceilings. The downside, though, is that the two flywheels will not have the same resistance levels as you’d find on a front/rear-based singular flywheel.

    Check out:

    • A high-end side-flywheel elliptical: Endurance E5000 [2199]
    • A mid-priced widely distributed side-flywheel elliptical: Endurance Endurance E400 Elliptical Trainer [1789]
    • A lower cost lighter weight side-flywheel elliptical: FreeMotion F5.6 FreeStrider [1398]

    See products from this section at the bottom of the page.

    Warranty

    When you’re dating someone new, it’s a good indicator when they share their fries with you. When you’re shopping for a new elliptical, it’s a good indicator that the brand offers at least a year’s warranty. In both cases, there’s a good probability that things will work out in the long run.

    In general, the longer the warranty, the more confidence the manufacturer has in their products. 90 days warranties are quite common, but are super risky, and you should look for at least a year. Trust me, you’re worth it.

    If you want to know more about warranties and what each kind of warranty entails, you can read about it here.

    Other features to look out for

    The weight capacity of a unit is a general testament to its build quality and how solid the machine is. If you’re on the heavy side, then go for machines that have a higher weight capacity, or else be ready to feel like you’re running on oversized strawberry jello.

    Top-rated ellipticals are usually equipped with a good electronics head; this head should have clear display quality, and you should also expect to find some programmability options with a good choice of preset routines pre-loaded. How good the head is can make a huge difference to how much fun you’re having on your machine 😉 Programmable routines allow you to customize your sessions. This means that if you have a budget machine that doesn’t offer HIIT workouts, but still has at least one programmable routine, that means you can define it to imitate a HIIT. Hashtag winning at life.

    Calorie counters on such machines are highly unreliable in general, and some also come with fans, TV screens, and ports for plugging in your musical devices. Some of these are nice to haves, but fans, even though sounds great, are usually small (80-120mm) and can never really cool down a bad boy/girl like you when you’re working out hard.

    Adjustable footpad angle is a nice ergonomic enhancement to have on your elliptical and is offered on some models by Sole and Schwinn.

    The build quality of the rods that connect the flywheel and the footpads is also something you should consider. Brands such as Sole, Precor, Spirit and Schwinn have some models that come with traveler wheels, so you must pay attention to the build quality of the wheels and rails. Ideally, they should be big and sturdy. Superior models, such as the Sole E95, come with two rails for each rod which offers the user greater stability. These rollers are common problem areas on cheaper models. For models without traveler wheels, a lot of the weight is carried on the hinges connecting the rods (as seen in Life Fitness and Smooth Fitness models), and hence the strength and durability of these hinges should be your main concern.

    Beyond these two solutions, you could also simply buy a Polar H7 (or any good HRM) and track your heart with your smartphone. You could try chest straps initially and see how you feel about them. Knowing your heart rate and calibrating your workout to an appropriate level of challenge is essential in ensuring a quality cardio workout.

    Generally, the bigger the flywheel, the smoother the motion and (potentially) the longer the stride length. A big flywheel unit is usually a good sign. Magnetic resistance is much smoother and more mechanically reliable than mechanical resistance. The more resistance levels, the more customizable the workout. Resistance levels are of utmost importance if you want your machine to keep pushing you.

    If you like to drink during a long workout, you should also lookout for a nifty water bottle holder. It is advisable not to use this feature to keep a cool can of beer, which will be counter-productive.

    Ellipticals are cardio machines, and the ability to monitor your heart rate can be important information for your workout. You can always choose to have an external HRM on your wrists, but it is far more convenient to have one built into your machine. Heart monitoring on a device can be accomplished through either a chest strap or a pair of handgrip sensors, and sometimes both in conjunction. Grip-mounted sensors are usually stationary grips that stem from the middle of your machine. This effectively means that you can no longer keep your arm on the moving handles, which is necessary to ensure upper body workout. Chest straps, for that reason, are a better alternative, but people who sweat a lot find it a tad annoying since you need a moment to take them on or off.

    Ellipticals are cardio machines, and the ability to monitor your heart rate can be important information for your workout. You can always choose to have an external HRM on your wrists, but it is far more convenient to have one built into your machine. Heart monitoring on a device can be accomplished through either a chest strap or a pair of handgrip sensors, and sometimes both in conjunction. Grip-mounted sensors are usually stationary grips that stem from the middle of your machine. This effectively means that you can no longer keep your arm on the moving handles, which is necessary to ensure upper body workout. Chest straps, for that reason, are a better alternative, but people who sweat a lot find it a tad annoying since you need a moment to take them on or off.

  • What Elliptical Stride Length Is Best for Your Height?

    What Elliptical Stride Length Is Best for Your Height?

    Stride length is the length between the pedals on an elliptical when they are at their farthest distance from one another. That may seem like an insignificant factor when buying an elliptical trainer, but stride length is one of the most important specifications that is often overlooked. Ideal stride length plays a key role in whether you get a proper workout.

    For the best workout experience in any exercise machine, this length should correlate with your natural walking stride. This number depends on the user’s height. A taller person will have a longer stride length while shorter individuals have a shorter stride length.

    Optimal Elliptical Stride Length Chart

    When Buying an elliptical cross trainer, you should feel comfortable with the gaps between foot pedals. Usually, center drive elliptical machines come with a shorter stride. The length of elliptical trainers also directly relates to its stride length. Compact elliptical usually has less than 14-inch stride. Here is an “ideal stride length of elliptical chart” based on popular brands of elliptical cross-trainers.

    YOUR HEIGHTOPTIMAL STRIDE LENGTHRECOMMENDED ELLIPTICAL
    Under 5′13″-14″Exerpeutic 1000Xl
    5’0″ – 5’3″14″-16″ProForm Hybrid Trainer
    5’4″ – 5’6″15″-17″Exerpeutic 2000XLST
    5’7″ – 5’8″15″-17″ProForm 150i, Sunny Health SF-E3912
    5’9″ – 5’10”15″-18″Schwinn 411, Schwinn A40
    5’11” – 6’2″16″-19″Schwinn A40, Nautilus E614
    Over 6’2″19″+Schwinn 430, Nautilus E618

    Some ellipticals have a fixed stride length while others have adjustable strides (for example, NordicTrack free strider trainer) to accommodate multiple users of varying heights. If effective workouts are what you’re after, trainers with either the corresponding stride length for your height or an adjustable stride length are the only machines worth considering. Continue reading to learn exactly why stride length is so important.

    The Importance of Determining Your Stride Length

    Determining the correct stride length for your height is important because it plays a key role in both the comfort and safety of each workout. In terms of safety, elliptical training delivers low-impact cardio, and it’s safe to say that anything considered low-impact generally carries a low risk of an exercise-related injury. First and foremost, everyone wants to be comfortable when they exercise, and when stride length is either too short or too long, comfort is the first thing to go.

    Every stride either becomes staggered and choppy or so exhaustively wide that you feel as if you may pull a muscle. When you exercise on a machine with the incorrect stride length, both form and technique suffer, and the result of that is an increased risk of injury. Furthermore, having these key factors thrown off considerably decreases the effectiveness of elliptical training. In addition to shortening the duration of workouts, muscles in the lower body cannot be targeted properly since form and technique are off.

    How Is Stride Length Calculated?

    Stride length can be calculated in many ways, but the easiest and most accurate way is a height based formula. Yes, this involves a bit of math, but it is super simple. First, measure your height in inches. Then, multiply that number by 0.25. If the product is a decimal, round up to the next whole number and voila, you have calculated your stride length. Easy, right?

    Alternatively, you can go the more involved route by marking a starting line on the ground with some chalk before taking ten natural steps forward. Then make a mark in front of your right foot after taking those ten steps. From there, measure the distance between your start and endpoints in inches, and divide the distance by 10 to determine your stride length. If you use this method, measuring a few times is recommended to determine an accurate average.

    What Stride Length is Best for Your Height?

    Now that you have your stride length, we’re going to go over what stride lengths best correspond with which heights so you can make sure you did your calculations correctly. Consider this a helpful resource to double-check your work. Also, keep in mind that despite your calculations, allow a 1-2 inch margin of error.

    People are different, and you may have to make a few slight adjustments to find what suits your natural stride best. Individuals under 5 feet tall will have an optimal stride length of 14 to 16 inches while those between 5′ 3″ and 5′ 7″ need a stride length of 16 to 20 inches. The optimal stride length for those who are 5’7 ″ to 6′ is about 20 inches, while a 20 to 22-inch stride length works best for those over 6 feet tall. In some cases, extremely tall individuals exceed 22-inch stride length. If this applies, you will have to find a special elliptical that works for you.

    Benefits of Determining Your Stride Length

    There are several benefits of taking the time to determine your stride length. First and foremost, it dictates the entire feel of your workout. If stride length is too short, your workout feels cramped and choppy, and if stride length is too long, you feel overstretched and uncomfortable. Furthermore, you’re going to get the best workout possible when you determine the correct stride length for your height.

    Once you’re able to stride with ease, optimal calorie burn is possible, plus you can properly work the muscles in the lower body, including the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Additionally, proper stride length makes it easy to make elliptical workouts more challenging. For example, you can let go of the handles and incorporate some light weightlifting to your elliptical training without feeling off-balance.

    Final Thoughts

    Stride length is a key consideration whether you plan to purchase an elliptical or use one at your local gym. Finding the correct stride length is incredibly important, especially if your goal is safe low-impact workouts with optimal results. Long interval workout in an uncomfortable cross trainer may result in pain and will require physical therapy for recovery.

    Once you have that length, try it out, but don’t hesitate to make a 1-2 inch adjustment. Little tweaks enhance comfort and help target muscles differently. As long as you don’t feel like strides are cramped, overstretched, or have difficulty maintaining proper form, you’re in the right range for you.

  • 11 Best Overall Exercise Equipment for Home

    11 Best Overall Exercise Equipment for Home

    Gym memberships are expensive. It’s also very difficult to manage time during busy days. So, even if we have membership cards, we sort of always end up wasting it. However, taking care of our body and mind is essential, so it’s also not an option to skip a workout, is it? For that, home exercises are a must. When you have the mind to do it, they can be just as effective as the gym.

    There are so many home exercise equipments you can buy online, and these are very cost-effective for most people. For example- ellipticals, exercise bikes, treadmills, dumbbells, steppers are some of the top choices. Whatever your goal is to reduce weight, build abs, or complete your daily cardio, you’ll find the ideal equipment you need to achieve it.

    There are some aspects you should always keep in mind before buying exercise equipment, and one of them is- your aim. You have to select equipment that serves that purpose, so you don’t end up wasting your time and money. Therefore, in this article, I have listed the best overall exercise equipment for home use, along with their purpose and how they work.

    The Best 11 Home Workout Equipment

    Remember one thing, our bodies are different, and so are our needs. Hence, always be sure of what your goals are and how to achieve them.

    If you are confused, you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by all the different types of equipment out there. Read the following list to understand what each piece of equipment does to your body, and how they work. Hopefully, it will be beneficial to you!

    1. Elliptical Machines

    You may have noticed the lines people make to use the elliptical machines when you have been to a gym. A big part of the reason is, this machine is among the most effective cardio equipment you can think of. It’s low impact but works amazingly in a small amount of time. It’s perfect for all kinds of users, and that includes beginners too.

    Ellipticals work on your legs and arms mainly. The constant movement of your lower body and upper body ensures a full-body workout. It’s quite similar to walking, running, and baking altogether, and as you know, these are all aerobic exercises. You can increase your resistance and incline levels to burn more calories, within a short period.

    Apart from legs, arms, and joints, ellipticals also work on your abdominal muscles and hips. Your abs would burn when your legs move in a constant motion for a while, so this would also target belly fats. Again, when your hands are moving, you’d feel the burn on the sides of your back, and hips. So, technically the elliptical works for your whole body.

    Ellipticals are also very good for boosting your stamina and metabolism. This workout will help you be more active throughout your daily life by assisting your heart and lungs to work harder, and therefore it supplies your body with more blood flow and oxygen. If you are injured, ellipticals can also help you to get on track with your exercises, due to their low effort system.

    Don’t worry about this exercise machine hovering over all your home extra space, because there are very compact ellipticals, for example, Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905. You can store them anywhere in your house. They also come with digital monitors and pulse sensors, that can track your heart rate, speed, and burnt calories.

    2. Treadmills

    Running is one of the most beneficial exercises you can do. You can lose weight, increase stamina and take advantage of the crisp air as well when you run outside. Even so, it is understandable that not everyone can run outside every day. So, if you love running, you can invest in a treadmill.

    The benefits of a treadmill include weight loss, good heart health, and stronger muscles. When you are running on a treadmill, the bottom surface is a comparatively softer material than the pavements, so it doesn’t put too much pressure back on your ankles and joints. So, even if you are running fast, it won’t hurt your legs later. Muscle pain for beginners is natural, however.

    Treadmills are also very user-friendly for their preset workout programs. You can choose the inclines and resistance levels as per your need, and body type. It will provide you a sense of running in a marathon and makes the workout more fun and exciting. Most treadmills will also have the option to make customized programs, so you can also take the advantage of that.

    The digital monitors attached to the machine let you keep a track of your progress, where you can see how many miles you’ve run, and how many calories you’ve burnt. It’s very easy to lose weight, as only 20 minutes at 10km/h would burn approximately 200 calories. You can create multiple user profiles if your entire family uses the treadmill, to check everyone’s progress.

    For home use, you need a treadmill that is compact and has all the options mentioned above. So, if you want to buy a treadmill, you can go for NordicTrack T Series treadmills, because it’s foldable, and the size is perfect for small apartment settings. It is very easy to assemble and provides you the best service.

    3. Exercise Bikes

    Exercise bikes are best for muscle toning and strengthening. The machine is very simple to use and ideal for those who would like to tone their whole leg, hip, and thigh muscles. This has become extremely popular throughout the time, for both gym and home use. Moreover, it is ideal for people who prefer working out with cardio exercises over aerobics.

    You can easily burn 300-400 calories (depending on your weight) by only biking for 30 minutes. That is an insane amount of calories, if you understand how difficult it is so shed some extra pounds. Have you noticed how amazing cyclists’ legs are? The reason for that is, they pedal regularly, which strengthens muscles in their glutes, thighs, and quads as well as their skin.

    If your posture is right, you can use these stationary bikes for the joint pains on your back, legs, and thighs. When you push the pedal, it strengthens your quads, making them more flexible at the same time. Then when you pull the pedal, it stimulates your hamstrings. If you want to put less pressure on your knees, you can hold the handles to support your body weight.

    The best part about an exercise bike would be, that you can use it whenever you want; when you have it at home. Running, jogging, and walking will be so much easier, and you can even use it while you watch your favorite shows on TV, or listen to music. As it’s a small machine, you can store it anywhere, including your patio.

    While buying, look for a comfortable seat with a cushion, and longer handles with pulse sensors. Make sure your exercise bike’s monitor is digital, so you can keep track of your gains, and burnt calories. XTERRA Fitness FB150 is one of the best in the market right now and has all the attachments you’d need for safe and effective home workouts.

    4. Rowing Machines

    Rowing machines are multipurpose aerobics workout equipment. Many people struggle with this because it’s quite complicated in the earlier stages of use. However, don’t worry, as it gets easier with time and practice if you can understand the proper system. Remember, if you do it incorrectly, then the exercise will not be as effective as it claims to be.

    So, let me break it for you- when you are in the catch position, you should pull the handle towards your chest with your arms, extend your legs, and strengthen your core. The next step is to reverse this exact system, till you are in your previous position. The most power (60%) during this exercise comes from your legs, so expect your leg muscles to hurt the following morning.

    Even if it seems quite complex than the other exercises, it has its added benefits too. A full-body rowing exercise engages 86% muscles of your body. It’s remarkable! A 40-minute session on this machine would burn between 500-550 calories. This would also improve your cardiovascular health in 15 minutes, while also intensifying your aerobic fitness in general.

    Other added benefits include- lesser injury risks and better lower torso conditioning. As this exercise engages your legs more, so you can say, your lower body does the majority of the work. Therefore, it makes it stronger, while also improving your posture. For better results, your back muscles should be aligned with your legs when you are exercising. 

    You can also adjust your speed, resistance, and distance as per your needs. This way, you wouldn’t have to put too much strain on yourself if you don’t want it. Concept2 Model D has all the features you’d need for effective workouts. Plus, the size is small, so you won’t have a hard time storing it either. It comes with transportation wheels; hence, it’s easier to manage.

    5. Squat Machines

    Squat machines are used for users who are focused more on their legs, thighs, and bottoms. It is more effective to do squats with weights, than to do it normally with other cardio exercises during a workout session. So, naturally, a squat machine works much more effectively than both of those methods.

    A proper form during a squat is very important, as this engages our desired muscles. If not done correctly, it can cause leg cramps and other back injuries. It takes practice and a strong core to hold on to a squat for more than 2 -3 minutes. You have to remain stable during this time, as the muscles need time to activate.

    In this manner, a squat machine facilitates developing the correct form while maintaining balance. Additionally, it adds extra resistance, so you would sense the burn in your lower body. This equipment would benefit beginner bodybuilders who are working to strengthen their core muscles. It provides the same effort as weight lifting, minus the fear of dropping the weight.

    To build more endurance, this machine can be an excellent choice, and you’d sure see the outcomes very quickly. Sunny Health & Fitness Row-N-Ride 007 would be a wonderful addition to your home. It’s small in size and very inexpensive in comparison to other models available. This squat assist machine can also be used as a row and ride exercise machine.

    6. Suspension Trainers

    Suspension trainers are not as traditional exercise machines; neither are they machines. However, I am sure you’ve seen them around the gym. These trainers usually come with straps with handles that can be attached anywhere vertically. Then you can literally do any exercises with it as you like.

    The stapes should be attached 7-9 feet above the ground, or according to your height. The higher, the better. Then you would have to grip the straps, and like that you can do pull-ups, squats, or any other exercises. You can even place your feet on the straps and do push-ups, planks, and yoga. During these exercises, most of your weight would be supported by your legs.

    One Clue: The closer you are to the floor, the harder the exercises would become for you. There are so many health benefits to suspension trainers, and one of them is- high versatility. This means, there’s nothing you can’t do with a suspension trainer. As, you have to stop moving while using it to keep your position, hence, naturally, you’d have to engage your muscles.

    Another amazing advantage is, you can store this anywhere you want because it’s just a couple of straps. You can use it anywhere in your home, and even in your backyard, by attaching it to a tree. Lifeline Jungle LLJGXT is one of the best. It’s durable and quite handy. It also comes with 3 set workout straps, and other attachments, so it’s quite good for its price.

    7. Kettlebells

    Kettlebells are very versatile and contain all aspects of an ideal workout, which are- strength, flexibility, balance, and resilience. And the most fun part is, it’s just a small piece of equipment. A perfect fit for home environments and compact settings. Unfortunately, people are still very skeptical about this, because it doesn’t look that efficient as other equipment per se.

    Let’s see what else a kettlebell is effective for, shall we? Firstly, it will improve your core muscle strength and your overall balance. All of your core muscles, as well as your back and hip muscles, will be targeted during the exercise. That helps you to be more aware of your body because you will have to focus on maintaining your balance.

    Not to mention, you will feel your core muscles burning while you hold on to your positions. It’s very effective for burning that extra belly fat you want to get rid of. It burns approximately 20 calories in only one minute! Kettlebells are also astonishing because you can burn fat even after you are done exercising. After all, it increases your metabolism capacity.

    Likewise, it will also improve your posture. There are some specific exercises that you can do all alone in the comfort of your home, for example- ballistic movements. This means, you will be running faster, jumping higher and your kicks will become stronger with time. It is also great for users who have previous injuries because it puts a small amount of pressure on your joints!

    While buying a kettlebell remember to check its weight, and if it’s compatible with you. Various companies are selling these, and for that, it’s just not that easy to choose from them. However, keep in mind, there is nothing fancy about this equipment, so any of them would do. One example is-  Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell.

    8. Stepper Machines

    Stepper machines simulate steps or climbing stairs. It’s more like a walking exercise to be clear. This will also work as toning your legs and hip muscles. For its low-impact aerobic exercise pattern, steppers lead to good cardiovascular exercise. This means the health benefits include improved heart, lungs, and kidney performance.

    For home use, it’s ideal for its size, because it’s significantly smaller than a treadmill and ellipticals. So you can keep it anywhere around the house, and get it out when you want to use it. Another great advantage of this machine is, it works amazing for individuals who have knee problems, as it mainly focuses on your knee joints. You can set its resistance as per your needs.

    If you want to lose weight, it will serve you in that sector too. One hour on a stepper would burn 400 calories (varies on your weight). Over time, your glutes and legs would become more toned and stronger. Some of the steppers also come with added digital monitors that can track your pulse, heart rate, and burnt calories.

    Whenever you are purchasing a stepper, examine if its pedals are non-slip and big enough for everyone’s use. And as you will be using it at home, buying a small size would be perfect. For instance, Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper. It covers everything you will need from a stepper.

    9. Abdominal Roller Trainers

    The abdominal roller, also known as the ab roller, is a minimalistic piece of equipment. It’s practically a wheel with two handles on each side of it. This roller works as a core trainer, that forms abs way quicker than any other equipment or exercise there is. It’s perfect for home exercises because of its size, and easy-to-use nature.

    One of the few pieces of equipment that target all of your core muscles, including glutes, upper back, lower back, and pelvis, is ab trainers. This feature lets you get rid of the hours you spend on pushups, squats, planks, and other exercises that you do for forming the perfect 6 abs. With an ab roller, all you gotta do is, push and pull yourself while holding it.

    If you use an ab roller correctly, it will work all over your body, and not just on your stomach. As the positioning of the workout requires you to balance on the wheels, while only holding the handles, it forces you to put pressure on your upper body. It’s a great way to stretch, and strengthen back muscles. Also, people with back injuries can benefit a lot from this equipment.

    Additionally, since it’s mainly designed for your stomach, it’ll help reduce the belly fat you’ve been trying to lose for quite some time. It increases your metabolism too, and that makes you lose weight faster. By doing the exercise for a long time, your leg muscles will also get stronger, since you would be forced to keep your legs straight and balanced.

    So if you want to build the perfect abs while sitting at home, you can purchase one abdominal roller without any doubts. Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller is one of the best you can get for home workouts!

    10. Jump Ropes

    It is a classic, yet so underrated. Jump ropes are one of the most effective cardio workouts you can think of, that you can do easily at home. It’s such a simple technique but has a lot of health benefits. If you ever go to a dietitian, I’m sure they will recommend you to jump rope for at least 10 minutes every day.

    If you want to burn calories, then this can be your go-to easy exercise routine. Because jumping ropes can shed 250-300 calories in just 15 minutes. The reason why you can burn so many calories is, all your major muscles, which are- core, legs, arms, and back are engaged while you are jumping in a rhythm.

    It also improves your heart health, as while jumping, you will be exhausted in a small amount of time, and your heart would pump more blood. Hence, it will also increase your body’s oxygen level. Jump rope does not have to be your whole workout routine, you should just include this in your daily activities. For example- 15 minutes before or after any exercise you like doing.

    You can buy jump ropes almost anywhere, and it’s very affordable. Since it is so small, you won’t also have to worry about the amount of space it would need in your home. Before buying one, do look for non-slip grips and the proper length of the rope, here’s a great one- Ytnqd Jump Rope.

    11. Dumbbells

    Dumbbells are excellent for home workouts. People who prefer muscular hands should try it. However, it’s a misconception that dumbbells are only used for biceps exercises, whereas, using them would work on your triceps, back, and chest muscles altogether. With proper exercise, you’ll get rid of skinny hands, and have stronger bones.

    As dumbbell exercises produce both inter and intramuscular collaboration, it stimulates several muscles in a short time. This enables better exercise with a diminished risk of injury. It would help you to build more strength, gain proper balance, and would also lower your chances of muscle cramps after workouts.

    You can either workout with them on their own, or incorporate them with other cardio exercises you like doing. You can easily do lunges by holding one dumbbell in your hand. It would create pressure and weight on your lower body, which will end up helping you keep proper posture and balance.

    For home exercises, it’s better if you buy dumbbells that weigh 5-7 pounds. Or you can buy a set, which comes with a combination of different adjustments as per your needs, like this one – Portzon Neoprene Dumbbell. It comes in various colors too.

    Tips for Choosing Home Exercise Equipment

    Before you invest in purchasing an exercise machine for your home, you have to consider some aspects. Read the list below to know what they are!

    1. Available Space

    A piece of exercise equipment takes up a lot of space, so you need to decide where you are going to put it, once you buy it. Make sure that the available space is not too congested.

    If small space is the issue for you, then you can also try putting the equipment in your patio, or garage. If you decide to do it, then you’d also have to look for waterproof machines.

    2. Your Overall Budget

    Make a budget before you start looking at which equipment you want on the internet. It would make it easier for you to decide.

    Whatever price you see online, keep at least 10% extra than that amount, just to be on the safe size. You also might need to buy other attachments with the equipment.

    3. Your Goals

    Make a list of what you want to achieve by exercising. Not all exercise machines work the same way, nor do they serve the same purpose.

    So, buying a piece of equipment that would help you reach your goal makes more sense. So, don’t waste your money on buying random equipment that you won’t need or use.

    Conclusion

    Home equipment should be user-friendly, and comfortable. There are so many options available for you. So, choosing the right one or one for your specific needs shouldn’t be that much difficult.

    I hope this article has helped you to know the best overall exercise equipment for home. I believe it would be easier for you to shop now. Thanks for reading, and take care!

  • Low Impact Workout | An Ultimate Guide for Beginners

    Low Impact Workout | An Ultimate Guide for Beginners

    Working out is a must for maintaining a healthy and fit body. However, if you are new to the fitness world or have injuries or other health conditions, you might find it challenging to do high-impact workouts. In these cases, doing a low impact workout has to be your only option. In this article, I will teach everything there is to know about low impact workout.

    Low impact workout is a type of exercise that is gentler on your body and puts minimal pressure on your joints. It is a great starting point for beginners as it is suitable for people of all ages and sizes. Some forms of low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, step-ups, knee smashes, elliptical, exercise bikes, etc.

    Even if you are used to doing high-impact workouts, it is necessary to give your body a break while still working out. For doing so, there is no better option than low-impact workouts. As a beginner, you might want to learn more about low-impact exercises. Thus, this article will serve as a complete guide for you and help you understand everything about low-impact workouts.  

    What is Low Impact Workout?

    Any type of cardio exercise in which at least one foot remains in contact with the ground or equipment at all times is referred to as a low-impact workout. This is a form of exercise that has a low impact on your joints.

    Low-impact workouts are suitable for all fitness levels. This type of exercise is safe and gentle on the joints and smooth in motion. There are various types of low-impact exercises. You can try some of them at home, some on the outdoors, and some at the Gym.

    Apart from the beginners, athletes and professionals also do low-impact workouts while recovering from an injury. These workouts can also be done to aid in the performance of high-impact exercises.

    What Are the Benefits of Low Impact Workout?

    Low-impact workouts are highly beneficial for people with lower back problems and joint issues. This workout is excellent for burning calories, building strength and endurance, improving stability and balance, and increasing range of motion.

    The following are some of the benefits of low impact workout-

    • Lower risk of injury.
    • Improves your cardiovascular health.
    • Strengthen your muscles and burn calories.
    • It improves balance and flexibility.
    • It also increases your energy and body strength.
    • It doesn’t put strains on your joints.
    • Excellent for stress relief and increases feelings of relaxation and happiness.
    • It also helps in pain management.
    • Easy to adapt. Thus, great for beginners.

    Low-impact exercises help to give you an overall health benefit, including your physical and mental health. It prepares you for jumping into high-impact workouts. Even the people who are used to high-impact activities must include low-impact exercises in their routine for giving their joints a break.

    How to Prepare Yourself for Low Impact Workout?

    Before starting low-impact workouts, you have to set your goals. Warm-up before your workout session, and consider talking to a health professional before adding any exercise to your fitness routine.

    Even though low-impact workouts have a lower impact on your joints and a lower risk of injury, it is still necessary to prepare yourself before beginning the exercises. Let’s discuss a few things that will help you get ready for low-impact workouts-

    • Warm-up

    Warming up is necessary for every type of workout- high-impact or low-impact. It would be best if you warmed up before starting any exercise session. It helps your body prepare for the exercise and thus, prevent injuries and improve your performance.

    A healthy warm-up dilates your blood vessels before a workout, ensuring that your muscles get plenty of oxygen. You can do your warm-up with some simple aerobic movements such as arm swing or leg kicks. Be sure to warm up for at least 5 minutes before you start your workout routine.

    • Eating healthy diet

    A well-balanced diet will help you get the nutrients you need for doing exercise regularly. Food is the primary source that gives you work out strength. To maintain good energy levels and get the most out of your workout, you’ll need to eat from all food classes.

    Carbohydrates help to power your muscles, protein aids in muscle recovery and repair tissue damages, whereas fats help to burn body fats and give you more energy to work out. So, you must ensure eating nutritious foods if you want to work out daily.

    • Drink more water

    I don’t have to mention the tons of benefits of drinking water. You already know that. You have to drink more and more water to keep yourself hydrated while working out. Especially if you exercise in hot weather, you have to increase the amount of water you drink.

    Sweating causes the body to lose water. So, you have to fulfill the place by drinking extra water. Otherwise, you might have to face the severe consequences of dehydration. 

    • Know your limits

    The common mistake beginners make pushing themselves too hard. You have to understand that your body is not used to exercise, so putting too much pressure on your body will negatively affect you.

    Also, never ignore your pain while working out. You might have to face serious health problems if you continue to pressurize your body parts that are getting strained. If you feel pain or discomfort in any muscles when exercising, take a break and relax. Trust me; it’s for the better.

    • Consult with a doctor

    Consider consulting with a doctor or health professional before starting any form of workouts. Your doctor knows best what exercises can cause you health problems and what exercise will benefit your health.

    Although it is low-impact, it might not be suitable for you. So, don’t take any risk with your body. Talk to a doctor first and continue if your doctor approves the workout.

    9 Home Low Impact Exercises for Beginners

    A low-impact workout at home is the perfect option to start for new exercisers. There are tons of low-impact activities you can try at your home. As a beginner, you have to start by exercising in your home. The good news is you won’t necessarily need any home gym or workout machines for doing low-impact workouts.

    Now, I will share my favorite low-impact workout moves with you that are simple and easy to understand. Also, you won’t need much equipment for doing these workouts.

    1. Butterfly Squats

    Butterfly squats is a perfect workout for all levels, including beginners. Besides, this exercise strengthens your back muscles and improves your posture. The primary target muscle group in butterfly squat is the gluteus.

    Step 1: Lower into a squat position with arms extended in front of the chest, with feet slightly wider than hip-width.

    Step 2: Place your left hand on top of your right.

    Step 3: Lower your arms to your hips in preparation for a short stand-up.

    Step 4: Stretch your arms overhead and raise your feet off the ground.

    Step 5: Then return to the starting position. Repeat the process for 1 minute.

    If you find it hard to maintain the distance of your legs, you can use a resistance band. It will help you to complete your butterfly squats correctly.

    2. Knee smashes

    This exercise targets mainly hip flexors and abdominal muscles. It will give you a full-body workout if you do it right. Knee smash is one of the most effective abs exercises.

    Step 1: Extend the arms and push the left knee up and over the neck.

    Step 2: Bring the arms down and return to start and repeat.

    Step 3: Go as fast as possible, and then do the process with your right knee.

    Step 4: Continue the process for 1 minute on each side.

    3. Squat kicks

    Squat kick is low impact exercise that mainly works on the gluteus. However, it also targets the calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, outer thighs, and quads to a lesser extent. The exercise is quite simple. Thus, it is an excellent workout for starters.

    Step 1: Squat as low as you can.

    Step 2: Keep your arms up and your hips back.

    Step 3: Stand up and kick with your right leg.

    Step 4: Repeat the step kicking with the left leg.

    Step 5: Continue the process with alternative legs for 1 minute.

    4. Side lunges

    Side lunge will help you strengthen your balance as well as develop strength and flexibility in each leg. This workout mainly targets your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps muscles.

    Step 1: Stand in a broad stance with arms straight out.

    Step 2: Take your left arm towards the right foot while bending at the waist, keeping the abs in.

    Step 3: Stand up and repeat the move on the other side.

    Step 4: Continue doing it going as fast as possible for 1 minute.

    Make sure you are maintaining the correct posture and breathing pattern while doing the exercise to make the most of it. You can also try the forward or backward lunges if you like.

    5. Bear Crawl Push-ups

    Bear crawls are a perfect all-in-one workout that targets all of your main muscle groups at once. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that increases your power and strength as well as metabolism. This exercise also helps to develop your mobility and coordination.

    Step 1: Squat down and extend your arms to form a plank position.

    Step 2: Do a pushup on your toes or knees.

    Step 3: Stand up and return to the position of the squat.

    Step 4: To add more intensity, finish with a jump.         

    Step 5: Continue the process for 1 minute.

    6. Russian twist

    The Russian twist strengthens core muscles and prepares you for all sports. It also makes your obliques and spine strong. Doing it at a high intensity helps to increase heart rate and burn calories. 

    Step 1: Sit on the ground and bend your knees.

    Step 2: Keep your legs in the air and torso leaned back. Make a V shape with your body.

    Step 3: Twist your body to one side, taking both hands with you.

    Step 4: Keeping your body in the same position, twist to the other side.

    Step 5: Repeat the steps and continue to do the exercise for 1 minute.

    You can keep weight in your hands, such as a dumbbell, medicine ball, or weight plate, to make this exercise even more challenging. But, be sure not to strain your muscles by taking too much weight that you are not used to.

    7. Step-ups

    The step-up exercise has several health advantages. It will help you gain muscle mass and lose body fat. Moreover, step-ups improve your balance and increase squat and deadlift strength. It is great for your lower back and helps to develop your leg power.

    Step 1: Choose a chair that you can comfortably step up into. You can also use a table or stairs.

    Step 2: Face the chair as you stand on the ground. With your left foot, step up on the chair.

    Step 3: Meet your right foot with the left.                                  

    Step 4: To emphasize the glutes, lean the torso forward slightly.

    Step 5: Gently lower your right leg to the ground before lowering your left.

    Step 6: Repeat the process on the other side. Continue the exercise alternating legs 15 steps on each side.

    8. Overhead tricep extension

    The exercise of overhead tricep extension will help you strengthen your arms and triceps. It aids in the stabilization of joints and the expansion of triceps flexibility. The overhead triceps extension is best if you have wrist pain or discomfort. Your wrists hold the same angle during this exercise motion, putting very little pressure on them.

    Step 1: Stand shoulder-width apart with the feet.

    Step 2: Hold a dumbbell in each hand behind your shoulders.

    Step 3: Bend your elbows pointing skyward and keep your upper arms by your ears.

    Step 4: Extend your forearms above your head without moving your upper arms and maintainatight core, keeping shoulders down.

    Step 5: Lower your forearms and return to the starting position. Continue repeating the steps.

    Start with selecting a lightweight for this exercise. It is better to focus on maximizing working out time rather than trying to lift heavyweights.

    9. Pilates curl

    Pilate curl helps strengthen your core and improves your stability, flexibility, and range of motion. It increases your lung capacity and contributes to improving your mood. So, no doubt, it is a fantastic choice for an at-home low-impact workout.

    Step 1: Lie down on your back, knees bent.

    Step 2: Keep your arms by your side and feet flat on the ground.

    Step 3: Exhale and raise your shoulders, curling your chin to your chest.

    Step 4: Keep this position for one breath by engaging your abs while lifting your chest.

    Step 5: Slowly lower yourself to the ground and repeat the process 6-8 times.

    Try to keep these exercises in your regular workout routine. Your body will thank you if you do these exercises regularly, maintaining proper methods. As you get used to the moves, consider increasing the timing of each workout, and you can also try the variations of these exercises if you get bored with the same movements every day.

    5 Beginner-friendly Outdoor Low Impact Workouts

    Are you getting bored of working out at home all the time? Want to go out for exercise while enjoying the fresh air? No worries. You have lots of options for that too. There are many low-impact workouts that you can do outdoors.

    Let’s discuss a few beginner-friendly low impact workouts that you can try outdoor-

    1. Walking

    One of the most popular low-impact workouts is walking. Some people go for a walk just because they love it. They don’t even know that they are doing a great help to their body by doing this to pass their leisure. Walking helps you to maintain a balanced cardiovascular and respiratory system.

    Harvard researchers found that the effects of weight-promoting genes were reduced by half for people who walked an hour a day. According to a report of Harvard Health Publications, walking helps to avoid high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, depression, memory issues, and many other problems.

    Walking keeps many vital muscle groups active, including those that you use every day. Your lower leg muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus are the main targeted muscle groups when you walk. Some muscles of the upper body, such as abdominal and back muscles, also get involved.

    Thus, engaging your muscles by going on a daily walk will help you reach your fitness goal without straining your muscles.

    2. Cycling

    Cycling is a low-impact, healthy, and safe activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It gives you a good muscle workout and increases your strength and stamina. There are many health benefits of cycling-

    • Strengthen your immune system
    • Strengthen your muscles.
    • Improves cardiovascular fitness and increases balance and stability.
    • It improves your mental well-being.
    • It prevents many serious diseases.

    Cycling is excellent for reducing body fat, and it helps to increase metabolism. People who go to their work cycling have a 46% lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and a 52% lower risk of dying from it. Also, they have a 40% lower risk of dying from cancer.

    Cycling is a fun way of exercise. So, what are you waiting for? Take your cycle and go out and have some fun on the streets. Boom! Your workout is done!

    3. Swimming

    From shoulder strength to improved lung capacity, swimming gives you a load of advantages. You can say goodbye to the sweaty workouts as swimming has the benefits of cardio exercises. Swimming gives your entire body an excellent workout. It helps to strengthen your core, arms, legs, glutes, and back.

    You will be able to float through your activity without putting any extra strain on your joints. Swimming targets almost every muscle group of your body. The muscle groups engaged in swimming are the gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps, deltoids, lats, rhomboids, and many more.

    Swimming will help you build muscular endurance in the shoulders, arms, and lower body. Not only that, but it also helps to improve flexibility and strength. It is an excellent workout for hot weather as the water will keep you cool. It is a good option for people recovering from an injury or who are overweight and unable to begin exercising or walking to lose weight.

    4. Gardening

    If gardening is one of your hobbies, you might be delighted to know that it is considered an excellent low-impact workout. Thus, you can get the benefits of low-impact exercises by doing the thing you like to do.

    According to an article by the University of Arkansas, women over 50 who do gardening at least once a week have higher bone density than those who exercised in other ways. It reduced their risk of osteoporosis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

    This form of workout is more enjoyable and less stressful. This low-impact exercise improves your physical fitness, and as a cherry on top, your mental health also gets benefited from it. Gardening helps with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It is an outstanding workout option for older people and people who love to stay in touch with nature.

    5. Hiking

    Hiking is another high-intensity, low-impact exercise. Climbing up a mountain engages the massive muscles of the glutes, hips, and thighs, which is just what you want for an intense cardio workout.

    Hiking is a powerful low-impact workout that has tons of benefits-

    • Hiking reduces the chances of getting heart diseases and lower blood pressure and sugar levels.
    • Strengthen the core, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip and lower leg muscles.
    • It improves your balance and endurance.
    • It helps in weight management.
    • It helps to improve your mood and mental well-being.

    However, for your safety, never go on hiking alone. Always check the weather and wear something comfortable before going hiking.

    5 Beginner-friendly Low Impact Workouts to Try at the Gym

    If you want to take your low-impact exercises to the next level, hit the Gym. You can go to your nearby Gym and work out in the low-impact machines. There is plenty of low-impact gym equipment that you might love to try.

    Here’s a list of few workouts you can try at the Gym-

    1. Elliptical

    An elliptical is my favorite low-impact workout machine. It is easy and fun to use. If you have a problem in your lower back or any joint pain, this is the machine for you.

    The machine has a wide range of options, such as resistance level or incline feature. With the help of these features, you can control the intensity of your workout. The elliptical has a fluid motion, and you have to move your legs and arms continuously. So, it gives a complete workout for your body.

    The elliptical will help you improve your heart, lungs, and muscles while also improving endurance. As your feet never leave the pedals, it doesn’t strain or put pressure on your ankles and knees. There is a lower risk of any injury, so it is the perfect workout machine for beginners. Try working out on the elliptical once. I’m sure you will love it.

    2. Rowing machine

    You can get a fantastic workout on the rowing machine. The main muscle groups involved in the exercise are the quads, glutes, and calves, biceps, lats, and abs. It’s a high-intensity full-body workout. The best part is that there is no strain on the knees and ankles, making it a low-impact exercise.

    Your feet are put on a table, you hold a handle in both hands, and you sit on a seat that moves back and forth while using the rower. After that, you start rowing, which has a low impact on your body but a high impact on your cardiovascular system and back muscles.

    So, you can consider the rowing machine to use as a low-impact workout tool and keep your body in shape.

    3. Exercise bike

    You can use the exercise bike as an alternative to cycling. It is an ideal machine for beginners as anybody can easily exercise on the machine. It helps to increase your lung capacity and strengthen your heart.

    Working out on a stationary bike is an effective way to burn calories and boost your cardio fitness. The machine movements are smooth. So, It won’t be a problem if you have joint issues or injuries because exercise bikes don’t put much pressure on your joints.

    4. TRX

    TRX or ‘total-body resistance exercises’ is suitable for people of all fitness levels. TRX exercises are also beneficial for improving flexibility, balance, core power, arm, leg, and back strength.

    It is not actually a machine but a device that helps you stretch your body and try different exercise moves. If you have bad knees, you can try this out as it doesn’t stress your knees but gives you a challenging workout experience.

    5. Stairmaster

    Stairmaster is a fantastic fitness machine that rotates steps, enabling the user to ascend upward at his or her own pace and time. It mainly helps to engage the lower body muscles such as quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Besides burning calories, it helps to improve your bone density and core strength.

    It is a versatile machine having lots of settings and features. The machine helps to relieve knee pain and is easy to use.

    As a beginner, start by exercising with these simple machines at the Gym. You will be able to use these machines efficiently. However, before beginning to work out on the above-listed machines, consider learning from an expert to avoid any risks.

    For many low impact workouts are the only possible way to get the exercise down. And for others, it is a gentle gateway to the world of fitness. Whichever category you belong to, I hope this article was able to teach you about what low impact workout is and the various exercises that are included in it, so that you can start doing them yourself.

    Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey to peak physical fitness.

  • 5 Best Shoes for Ellipticals in 2023

    5 Best Shoes for Ellipticals in 2023

    Not all shoes are suitable for working out on ellipticals. Especially, when you look for comfort and safety for your knees, it gets quite stressful to choose the best pair of shoes that would meet your needs.

    Brooks Dyad 11 is one of the most preferred and recommended workout shoes.  It offers more stability and comfort than its competitors. Its innovative GuideRails system and Biomogo DNA cushioning to protect knee joints, keeps it ahead of any workout shoe in the market.

    However, even the most recommended shoes can disappoint you based on your safety needs and fitness regime. Also, the shape of your feet might also alter the definition of which is best. This buying guide briefly analyzes the 5 best shoes for ellipticals so that you can decide which shoes will not compromise your comfort and knee safety. 

    Before we get straight into the review, have a look at this comparison table to get some insights into how these shoes are different from each other.

    ShoesOffset(Heel to toe drop)SupportFabricLinks
      Brooks Dyad 11  10 mm    Stability  Mesh  Check Price on Amazon
      Nobull Radial Trainer  4 mm    Neutral  SuperFabric  Check Price on   Amazon
      New Balance Men’s MX517V1    10 mm  Neutral  Full Leather and Mesh  Check Price on Amazon
      Nike Metcon 6  4 mm to 12 mm  Neutral  Dual-layered Mesh  Check Price on Amazon
      Reebok Nano X1    7 mm  Neutral  Flexweave Grit  Check Price on Amazon

    5 Best Shoes for Ellipticals in 2021

    Wearing the right type of shoes for different types of workouts is necessary. Otherwise, misfit and uncomfortable shoes increase the chances of twisting your knee and facing chronic joint pain (osteoarthritis). Below here are the 5 most recommended and preferred shoes for ellipticals.

    Brooks Dyad 11

    This pair of shoes is one of the most recommended ones by exercisers.  Its unique stability design, a full mesh body, and Guide Rails system are the significant reasons for considering it one of the best. 

    The traditional stability designs are targeted for exercisers with flat or low arches. Exercisers with flat arches need a stabilizer to prevent their joints from rolling too inward. But if you have high arches you would feel uncomfortable working out in traditionally stabilized shoes. But Dyad 11 has fixed this problem with its unique stability design.

    This model integrated two pieces of foam under the mid feet instead of integrating a rigid plastic shank, unlike the traditional stability shoes. And therefore, the shoes do not control your movement rigidly. It provides moderate control so that the users with high arches can flex their feet easily without rigidity. 

    Also, its guide rails system and upper mesh provide more shock absorption so that you do not twist any joint while doing a high-intensity workout. And its thumb width gap in the front allows your feet to feel comfortable. 

    Specifications 

    • Model: Brooks Dyad 11
    • Weight: 10.7 ounces (women) and 11. 6 ounces (men)
    • Fabric Type: Mesh
    • Support Type: Stability 
    • Midsole Drop: 10 mm
    • Removable Footbed: Available 
    • Cushioning: Long-lasting cushioning
    • Arch: Flat and Medium

    Features

    GuideRails Technology: This innovative feature sets Brooks apart from any other shoe brand. This feature is configured with two extra firm foam pieces in the midsole or any side of the shoe heel. The extra foams provide more grip and stability while you work out.

    Different Stability Support: The stability support system in other shoes is not quite effective for exercisers with a high arch. But the stability design in these shoes is not a traditional one. It features two pods under the mid feet so that exercisers with high, low, or flat arch can comfortably use the shoes without twisting any joint. 

    Mesh Fabric: Mesh fabric is one of the best fabrics to make your workout experience comfortable. This fabric is highly breathable and therefore it allows your workout shoes to evaporate skin moisture instead of absorbing. So, shoes with this feature are more durable. 

    BioMoGo DNA cushioning: Brooks always comes up with features that can best suit exercisers’ needs. This model combines DNA and Biomogo technology to provide a softer cushion that can make your elliptical pedaling more balanced and comfortable even at a higher resistance. This feature makes the cushion suitable for all types of users.

    Pros

    • Engineered with Mesh upper
    • 10 mm offset for a high-intensity workout
    • More durable
    • Suitable for all types of arches
    • Comfortable cushioning
    • Moderately lighter
    • Comparatively affordable
    • Orthotics friendly 
    • Securely fit


    Cons

    •Sole is not much flexible 

    Check Price on Amazon

    Nobull Radial Trainer

    This model should be your preference if you love doing low-intensity workouts. Its 4 mm midsole drop makes it a perfect fit for such workouts. 

    If you have an elliptical that does not provide higher resistance and incline then consider buying this one. Its low drop midsole is perfect to keep your balance at a lower resistance and slope setting of your elliptical. 

    Also, it is not very flexible because of its super fabric material. But this rigidity is good to have for an elliptical recumbent or your continuous one-way elliptical pedaling. Because the rigid material will prevent the shoe from getting worn out from the continuous one-way pedaling. 



    Specifications

    • Model: Nobull Radial Trainer
    • Weight: 10 ounces for both men and women
    • Fabric Type: SuperFabric
    • Support Type: Neutral
    • Midsole Drop: 4 mm
    • Removable Footbed: Available 
    • Cushioning: Not much soft
    • Arch: Flat and medium

    Features

    SuperFabric Outer Construction:  Though these shoes are not engineered with mesh fabric, it is still durable than many of its competitors. The superfabric incorporates close plates within the shoe fabric so that the fabric acts as rigid material to make the shoes waterproof. Also, this rigid fabric prevents the shoes from getting worn out easily after heavy use. 

    Removable Insole: The model comes with a removable footbed or insole. This allows you to insert your customized footbed and adjust your orthotic needs. Many times, the built-in insoles do not provide much comfort for the elderly exercisers. In that case, it is a good feature to have if you want more comfort in your knee joint.

    Pros 

    •Waterproof

    •Suitable for flat elliptical pathway

    •Many styles to choose from

    •Vibrant colors

    •Removable insole

    •Moderately durable

    Cons 

    •Expensive

    •Not suitable for a high-intensity workout

    •Not suitable for circular elliptical pathway

    •Cushioning is not much softer

    •Might absorb skin moisture 

    Check Price on Amazon

    New Balance Men’s MX517V1

    This pair of shoes, with its unique lace-up closure, synthetic fabric, and memory foam insole cushioning stand out from the rest of the others in this list. 

    This model is mostly preferred by men with diabetes and orthotics needs. Sometimes, only a customized insole does not provide extra comfort for chronic knee pain. Because some customized insole does not stay firmly attached to the shoe without a lace-up closure. So, to provide the full benefit of a customized orthotic, this model integrates lace-up closure.  

    Also, when you wash workout shoes, it takes time to dry. But, this pair has synthetic fabric, therefore, it does not take much of your time to dry them. 



    Specifications 

    • Model: New Balance Men’s MX517V1
    • Weight: 11.3 ounces 
    • Fabric Type: Combination of full leather and mesh
    • Support Type: Neutral 
    • Midsole Drop: 10 mm
    • Removable Footbed: Available 
    • Cushioning: Comfortable with Memory foam cushioned footbed
    • Arch: Low to flat

    Features 

    Lace-up closure: Shoelaces are looked past almost by all brands nowadays. But laces can help patients out with diabetes and orthotic needs. Therefore, this model features lace-up closure. This prevents the exercisers from putting much force that can increase their diabetes ulcer.  Also, this closure system prevents your feet from sliding inside the shoe.

    Memory foam insole cushion: Cushions that are made of memory foam insoles work better to align all the joints while you work out. This cushion provides more softness and extra stability by absorbing shock. As it eases out pressure, it keeps your knee in a good position. 

    Leather and Mesh combination: Not many shoes for elliptical are engineered with the synthetic fabric of leather and mesh. The leather makes the shoes easier to clean. And the mesh provides grip while you work out. This synthetic fabric makes this pair the most durable among any other shoes on the list. 

    Pros

    •Most durable

    •Synthetic fabric provides a better fit

    •Easier to clean

    •Lace-up closure provides more control and prevents sliding

    •Memory foam insole

    •Absorbs moisture

    •Removable insole

    •Waterproof

    •Moderately affordable

    Cons

    •Traction sometimes is not good

    Check Price on Amazon

    4. Nike Metcon 6 

    This model offers a midsole drop from 4 mm to 12 mm so that exercisers with different arches heights can use this pair comfortably. If you do not like working out with a higher incline then go for the 4 mm midsole drop. And for a higher incline elliptical workout, choose the pair with a 12 mm drop. 

    Its dual mesh fabric and dual cushioning provide stability, flexibility, and comfort during your high-intensity workout sessions. Not many shoes for ellipticals can provide such features for high-intensity workouts. Therefore, those tend to get worn out soon. But Nike Metcon 6 has longer durability even after HIIT sessions because of its dual fabric and cushioning. 

    Its midsole drops and dual technology are aimed to prevent you from twisting your knee joint from an unstable posture on ellipticals.



    Specifications 

    • Model: Nike Metcon 6
    • Weight: 10.8 ounces (women) 12.8 ounces (men)
    • Fabric Type: Dual Layered Mesh
    • Support Type: Neutral
    • Midsole Drop: 4 mm to 12 mm
    • Removable Footbed: Available 
    • Cushioning: Dual-density cushioning to absorb shock
    • Arch: Low to Zero

    Features

    Dual Density Cushioning: This dense cushioning is apt for High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. If you set your elliptical resistance at a higher level, you would be putting more pressure on your joints. And this cushioning would absorb the extra shock and prevent causing any strain on your knee. 

    Dual Mesh Fabric: The upper forefoot and the midfoot of this pair are engineered with dual mesh. One layered upper mesh fabric does not provide flexibility for backward pedaling on ellipticals. But with these shoes, you can get stability and flexibility for backward pedaling.  

    Pros

    •More flexible for backward pedaling

    •More stability

    •Suitable for HIIT workouts

    •Midsole drop ranges from 4 mm to 12 mm for low to higher inclined workouts

    •Removable insole

    •Comfortable

    Cons

    •Might not be suitable for wider feet

    Check Price on Amazon

    5. Reebok Nano X1

    This model has revolutionized stability and resistance with its Floatride foam technology and new fabric technology.Its ultra-resistance and stability mitigate the chances of dislocating any joint while working out on a circular elliptical pathway. 

    This has wiggle room for your feet to move comfortably especially when it’s swollen after a continuous workout session. 

    Specifications

    • Model: Reebok Nano X1
    • Weight: 10.8 ounces for women, 11.4 ounces for men
    • Fabric Type: Flexwave Grit
    • Support Type: Neutral
    • Midsole Drop: 7 mm
    • Removable Footbed: Not Available
    • Cushioning: Responsive cushioning because of float ride foam
    • Arch: Flat

    Features

    Floatride Foam Technology: This technology would give you responsiveness while you set your elliptical resistance at higher levels. Therefore, you would be able to perform smoothly on the machine. Even if you push the pedal harder, its responsive balance would ease out the pressure so that you do not strain your knee joint. 

    FlexWave Grit Fabric: To adapt itself to the higher resistance elliptical workout, this model offers this fabric type. This fabric is specially designed to provide an ultra-resistance feature so that you do not slip down.

    Pros 

    •Lightweight

    •Ultra-resistant

    •Responsive balance

    •Durable

    •Breathable

    •Wiggle room

    •Comfortable

    Cons

    •Tongue sliding

    •Sometimes the heel feels hard

    Check Price on Amazon

    My Top Pick

    It is not easy to simply categorize a pair of workout shoes as best. However, after thoughtful consideration, I have decided to go with Brooks Dyad 11 for my top pick. Its GuideRails technology, mesh fabric, and removable footbeds are the major reasons that make it excel the others in this list. 

    Dyad 11’s innovative guiderails technology and mesh fabric are integrated together to give you more stability during any intense level workout. The mesh fabric does not absorb moisture from your skin, therefore, the shoes help to maintain the grip of your toes. 

    The guide rail system integrates two more pieces of firm foam on the side of the shoe heel. Therefore, the system enables you to align your feet and knee posture in accordance with your workout intensity to protect your joints from strain.

    The extra support and grip it offers at an affordable price make it excel others on the list. It is the best go-to shoe for different types of indoor workouts on ellipticals. 





    What Features Are a Must in Shoes for Ellipticals? 


    For sure, based on the needs, different exercisers need different features in workout shoes. But, you should not totally get swept over by the bells and whistles of shoes. So that you do not look past some basic yet useful features. Here are three of the features you should never compromise with


    Removable Footbed

    You should always consider buying workout shoes that feature removable footbeds. Removable footbeds are the insoles that can be removed to adjust your own customized insoles. 

    A removable footbed allows you to insert your own customized insole for orthotics to mitigate the chances of having knee pain. Orthotics provide extra support and shock absorption to protect your knee joint from strain, unlike built-in insoles.

    Also, if you do not want to skip your workout even with a tad bit of pain in your knee then shoes with a removable footbed come in handy. Because you can adjust the orthotics and wear the shoes while you do a low-intensity workout.  And, the orthotics will prevent your knee pain from spreading while you work out.

    Nowadays, orthotic shoes are available in the market but those are way too expensive than shoes with removable footbeds. Also, orthotic shoes are heavier and limited in style. So, you should look for shoes with removable footbeds.

    Thumb’s Width Gap

    Your workout shoes should always have a ½ inch to ⅜ inch gap from your longest toe tip to the shoe’s toe tip. To break it down, when you wear your shoes, from your long toe tip to the end of the shoes there should be a thumb’s width gap.

    Without a thumb’s width gap, your shoes will not allow your toes to wiggle when you workout. After a certain point of working out, your feet would swell, and therefore, this gap is a must to fit your swollen toes comfortably. Otherwise, too-tight shoes will not allow you to continue to work out comfortably as there’s no room for your toes to wiggle.

    Mesh Fabric 

    Workout shoes that are made of mesh fabric tend to be more durable and comfortable than other types. Mesh fabric is breathable, which means, it allows for the moisture from your skin to evaporate. As the moisture is not absorbed the fabric remains durable for a longer time and it also prevents discomfort and skin infections.

    It would be really frustrating if you need to buy workout shoes frequently. Therefore, always look for shoes engineered with mesh fabric for longer durability and grip.

    Conclusion

    I hope this brief review of these 5 best shoes for elliptical could provide you with some insights which would help you decide your best pair. Before you shop for your shoes, always figure out your workout pattern and intensity. Only then you would know whether shoes with particular bells and whistles or the regular features would be best for you.

    Thank you so much for going through the review. I wish you good luck in finding the best pair of shoes for you. 

  • 9 Benefits of Elliptical Workout of Health

    9 Benefits of Elliptical Workout of Health

    Waiting in a line for an elliptical machine at your gym is very typical because people seek an elliptical trainer the most. It has also risen to popularity as a home workout equipment. Elliptical benefits aren’t what you’d want to miss out on because they can greatly aid you to reach your desired fitness goals.

    Elliptical machines are remarkable for building stamina and giving your body a complete workout. It provides a low impact workout but targets your upper back, lower back, and your whole body to improve joints and muscles besides losing weight. You can also decrease blood pressure with it and improve your overall balance and mobility.

    In addition to elliptical benefits, you will also want to know how to get an effective workout from your elliptical machine and maximize burning calories. Something I will also discuss in detail later on in this article. But first, let’s talk about 9 benefits of elliptical workouts, as that’s what you came here for in the first place.

    9 Benefits of Using an Elliptical Machine

    There are undoubtedly more than nine health benefits of using an elliptical machine, but these nine are the elliptical benefits that will convince you to get one today. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

    Improves Stamina and Helps with Weight Loss

    High-intensity workouts improve your stamina by the day if you’re consistent with it. It’ll help you get active and lose weight faster. These workouts are known as HIIT (high-intensity workout training), which has intense workouts and shorter recovery periods.

    An elliptical is excellent for starting your HIIT journey, and it will also enable you to get maximum benefits within a short time. Your metabolic rate will be high hours after you end your workout routine. You’ll also burn extra calories after you stop exercising.

    Besides, elliptical machines are also remarkable for increasing your aerobic capacity. Aerobic exercises generally mean cardio, which is a term everyone more or less is familiar with. It’s key to having a balanced workout routine. You will be maximizing the oxygen consumption rate, and the more oxygen you consume, the longer you can exercise.

    Doctors recommend people who have high risks of developing heart diseases engage in cardiovascular exercises. It’ll strengthen your heart, which will result in a more efficient blood flow throughout your body.

    Besides, these machines are also excellent for burning away your excess belly fat. With a combination of HIIT workouts and cardio, you can aim high for those incredibly toned abdominal muscles.

    Being overweight can cause many issues like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. With just a simple motion, the elliptical can burn more calories and keep you safe from these risks. You’ll be engaging your core, especially if you don’t use the arm supports. Overall, it’s an excellent way of shedding those extra pounds of fat in your body.

    It’s Low Impact and Strengthens Legs

    With an elliptical machine, you won’t be getting any jolt down your joints, spine, and bones. You can’t say the same about other workout machines like a treadmill. Because treadmills are mostly running, you might get some impact on your joints as you build speed.

    Other high-impact exercises, even without equipment, can also damage your joints over time if you don’t do it right. These damages can accumulate and cause severe issues in your joints. The elliptical doesn’t need you to lift your foot off the pedals, so there isn’t any harmful impact on your body.

    Besides being low-impact, elliptical machines can also strengthen your joints and improve weak leg muscles. Elliptical machines do a better job of targeting quadriceps and hamstring muscles than treadmills, jogging, running, and cycling.

    If you have trouble engaging these muscles, an elliptical is the best place to begin a journey of strengthening them. Reverse pedaling will be better for the hamstring muscles. If you’re comfortable with cycling and running, an elliptical is the best equipment for you.

    Cycling isn’t the best exercise for having strong outer hips and glutes, which are your butt muscles. And it may also leave them weaker than your other leg parts. If you’re struggling with this issue, the elliptical will boost your muscles and do an excellent job of improving strength over there.

    Elliptical machines are excellent for people who struggle with a runner’s knee, which is a term that describes different conditions that induce pain in the kneecaps. Repeated stress in the joints can cause this disorder, consequently being more common among runners. A study from 2014 shows that elliptical machines don’t cause wear and tear as it’s low impact.

    Targets Both the Upper and Lower Body 

    In contrast with running, an elliptical machine will target both your lower and upper body. When you’re walking or running, you’re primarily engaging your lower body. But with an elliptical, you’re using your arms and legs to pedal, so you’re engaging your entire back.

    The elliptical target’s main areas are the hamstring muscles, quads, glutes, calves, core, and back. I’ve already talked about how the elliptical engages hamstrings and the quad muscles, so let’s look at the others.

    Your back muscles run all along your body, and it consists of smaller muscles. The upper back muscles pull the arm handles towards your body with every rep. Your biceps will work in sync with your back when you engage in this motion. A strong back will build your physique better and also make your waist look slimmer.

    You can also do other kinds of exercise like push ups, pullups, and other cardio workouts. Besides, you’ll also get the core working with an elliptical machine. Your core keeps you upright all the time, and if you want those toned abdominal muscles, you’ll need to engage your core at all times.

    Finally, the glutes will overwork when you switch from a sitting to a standing position in an elliptical machine—these work side by side with the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Strong glute muscles will enable you to do more squats, deadlifts, lunges, and other lower body movements with ease.

    Boosts Stamina and Blood Circulation

    One of the most significant elliptical benefits is the maintenance of cardiovascular health. A healthy cardiovascular system, meaning the blood vessels and heart, is vital for a long lifespan.

    Besides, as I’ve already outlined before, a 30-minute elliptical workout with moderate intensity will make your lungs and heart work the extra mile and boost your cardiovascular stamina. If you practice a consistent routine for at least thirty minutes a day, you will see a massive improvement in your cardiovascular stamina levels.

    An elliptical machine will undoubtedly get your heart rate up and pounding. Studies have shown that elliptical machines are better than your typical treadmill, cycling, and stair climbers. The best part is, you won’t have to use that much energy on an elliptical, in contrast with the other types of equipment.

    It’s also likely that you’d be more tired on these machines than on an elliptical. Other studies point to evidence that runners feel more tired after a treadmill workout and other aerobic exercises, particularly on their legs, than on elliptical machines. You can use several tricks to get the most out of your elliptical machine, like inclining more and pedaling.

    You might already be aware of the cardio workout benefits. Besides losing weight and burning calories, cardio exercises can make you sleep better, expand your lung capacity, lower stress, and even have psychologically sound effects.

    Besides, elliptical workouts can also improve your blood circulation. If you recall, I talked about how elliptical exercises can tone your entire body and burn calories throughout. And because you’ll be having an effective cardio workout, you’ll also be improving your blood circulation by the day.

    Increased blood circulation will pump more oxygenated blood into your body and keep your brain active. Your heart and lungs will function properly, and your immune system will also strengthen. An efficient blood circulatory system will also eliminate your body waste more quickly and keep harmful diseases at bay.

    You Can Rehabilitate Yourself After an Injury

    An elliptical machine is an excellent way to start your recovery process if you have injuries. If the doctor has advised you not to take part in straining physical activities, you could still use an elliptical machine to maintain your fitness after an injury. As it is low-impact, it will not put a strain on your muscles and joints.

    When you’re in a consistent workout routine and suddenly experience an injury, you might have to pause physical activities. And doing so can cause a dip in your endorphin levels. Your brain produces “feel-good” hormones when you exercise, which stops with your sudden halt in working out.

    The solution is to stay in touch with low-impact exercises, and an elliptical is a perfect choice you can make here. The elliptical movement ensures that all vital muscles of your body are moving without causing any wear and tear.

    Many clinics suggest you use an elliptical workout routine because it’ll be less stressful to your knee caps, back, and leg muscles. You can also work both your arms and legs with the movable handle of an elliptical. The reverse motions of the pedals will work your hamstrings, making sure everything is moving.

    When you have recovered from your injury, you can go ahead and resume more physically challenging activities. But before that, make sure to stick to less strenuous workout routines to heal better. Scientific evidence also backs up all these claims, and you can check it out here.

    If you want to target particular leg muscles, you can change the incline and resistance of your elliptical foot pedals. Doing so will tone specific areas of your lower body, like your calves and glutes. Because you’ll be burning more calories with an elliptical machine, you’ll also be toned faster. To accomplish that, you can engage in high-intensity workouts.

    Improves Musculoskeletal Health

    Musculoskeletal health is one of those elliptical benefits you want in your life. This system comprises bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Having a well-functioning musculoskeletal system means that all these components will function well without causing you any pain. Your bones and joints will be stronger, denser, and healthier.

    Weight-bearing exercises are responsible for building bone density. These are exercises where your bones work against gravity to hold your weight. You can consider strength training and activities on the feet as weight-bearing workouts. These activities exclude swimming and cycling.

    A majority of the American population remains at a risk of developing osteoporosis. However, if you can regularly perform weight-bearing activities, you can reduce this risk. But if you have joint aches, weight-bearing exercises aren’t the best option for you. Here are the elliptical machines to save your day.

    According to Professor of Medicine at Creighton University Robert Recker, an elliptical workout is almost equal to a run if you want to build your bone density. Besides, if you have an osteoporosis diagnosis, elliptical workouts are the perfect and safest option for you.

    The constant weight of your body on your feet, bones, and muscles will undoubtedly make your bones stronger. It will also pull your muscles and make bone cells grow. The best part is saying goodbye to broken hips!

    Prevents Inflammation and Risks for Developing Type II Diabetes

    Diabetes is one of the most dangerous diseases one can develop, and it’s particularly crippling during old age. Experts recommend switching from a treadmill to an elliptical machine because it’s one of the best and most effective preventive measures against diabetes.

    If you exercise regularly on an elliptical machine, you’ll remarkably reduce your chances of developing type II diabetes, which is a chronic illness with insulin dysfunction in your body. Generally, it shows up in people from the age of forty, and one out of ten people are at risk of developing it.

    Glucose is essentially food for your brain, and insulin is responsible for providing your body cells with glucose to use as an energy source. If there is any dysfunction in insulin production, there will be an excess sugar amount in your blood.

    People developing type II diabetes can’t produce insulin, and sugar starts to deposit in their blood, a condition called hyperglycemia. Diabetes has several complications which can later turn out to be severe. Among these are kidney failure, cardiovascular accidents, and blindness.

    Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Working out on an elliptical machine will have positive effects on your body and blood sugar level. When you exercise, your body needs energy, and so, your muscles will need the additional storage of glucose.

    It will also make your body more sensitive to insulin. So, you won’t need that much insulin to get a considerable amount of glucose from your blood. You can then counteract the risks of diabetes with proper exercise. 

    Inflammation is the cause of several debilitating diseases. Over time, chronic information can potentially attack the healthy tissues of your immune system. It can also leave you at risk of developing heart conditions and cancer if you don’t seek treatment for it. So, in a nutshell, chronic inflammation is your body’s enemy.

    If there’s any foreign body trying to enter your system, your immune system will fight it. Elliptical machines can make a huge difference in developing your immunity. Medical professionals say that exercise can strengthen your immune system remarkably. A 20-minute workout session on an elliptical machine can be your anti-inflammatory therapy.

    Improves Mobility and Balance

    Previously, I’ve talked a bit about weight-bearing exercises, and you know that it strengthens your bones. But you might also not understand that they also improve your balance. If you stand straight and let go of the handles on your elliptical machine, you can work your abdomen and core muscles, which will help you with balance.

    Balance and mobility are essential if you’ve had injuries like hip damage or have gone through hip surgery. An elliptical machine is designed to imitate the natural running or walking motion. The machine’s platform and the simultaneous leg and arm movement will boost the coordination between your brain and limbs.

    We generally function on our muscle memory, and our brain processes all the information that we need. As you’re training on an elliptical for your balance, the motion will imprint itself on your brain and become muscle memory. It will also be effective when you aren’t on the machine, and you can get used to walking again.

    Besides, after your surgery or injury, if you use an elliptical machine, your hips can have complete control in your motion range. It will help you more than simply walking as the motions of an elliptical machine is not high-impact, and your recovery journey will be a bit easier. It will also reduce your chances of developing further injuries.

    Straightforward to Use and Versatile

    The final benefit of using an elliptical machine is its versatility and how easy it is to use. These machines are super convenient and compact. It won’t take up much space in your house. You can keep them in your bedroom, basement, or anywhere you want with a bit of room to spare.

    With an elliptical trainer, you can bring the gym to your home because it’s an especially all-in-one package. Elliptical machines are also very convenient because you can work out a high intensity and get a full-body workout. Besides, they’re also so straightforward to use. You only have to stand on the machine, select your preferred setting, and get going.

    On an elliptical machine, you’ll be engaging in simple but effective workouts. There isn’t a complex learning curve to this machine, and you can adjust yourself to it very quickly. Although it looks very straightforward, I still advise you to see the advice of a professional trainer before implementing a routine.

    The trainers can suggest using the elliptical machine correctly and what exercises will work the best for you. Also, you can multitask while you’re exercising on your elliptical. You can keep it in front of a television and watch the news while you’re working out or dance to some fantastic songs.

    Besides, you can also read a book or listen to music while you’re at it. Some models of the machine also support speakers. So, you can get one of those and time into your favorite songs. 

    There are so many programs that you can customize to your comfort. You can also imitate and combine different types of exercises on some specific models. These are also low maintenance and generally affordable. Fitness equipment is not generally inexpensive, but you can get the best value for your money.

    Maximizing the Benefits of Elliptical Workouts

    Now that you have learned all about the elliptical benefits, let’s know more about how you can maximize them. The key to getting the most out of your elliptical workouts is burning more calories and having more effective workout sessions. So, here are five tips on how to accomplish those goals.

    Include intervals

    Fitness trainers advise customers about this tip the most. If you’re on an elliptical machine, the best way to lose more calories and having an effective routine is to incorporate intervals in your training. You can begin by decreasing and increasing the resistance every minute or so.

    I suggest exercising with a 2 to 1 ratio, which is working out for 30 seconds at high intensity and then giving yourself a 15-second recovery period. You can slowly build that up to a minute of exercising and thirty seconds of recovery. In the recovery periods, I suggest you keep your legs moving and pedaling slowly.

    This way is great for spiking your heart rate. Also, getting a heart rate tracker is an excellent idea while you’re training. You can also see how you’ll burn more calories in a short time. Besides, it’ll also show you everything you need to know to track your progress.

    Increase Resistance and Use the Incline Feature

    If incorporating intervals in your training isn’t your cup of tea, you can switch to this alternative and still burn more calories. In this method, you’ll have to up your resistance and inclination. The more naturally you use your glute muscles, the more effective your workout will be.

    Consider how you feel when you climb a flight of stairs. It’s more taxing on your muscles, and your heart rate goes up very fast, mainly if you’re doing it at a rapid pace. With the incline feature, you can target those large posterior muscles and make your workout sessions a bit more intense but effective.

    You can manually set the settings to what feels comfortable. It’s best to start with a few tries before completely committing to a specific pattern. You can begin from one to twenty and build it up as you go.

    Mix Some Core Exercises and Add Some Dumbbells

    An elliptical doesn’t always work your core directly unless you’re working it specifically. For an effective workout, you’ll need to engage those abdomen muscles and have a tight core. You can step off the machine and do anything about me plank now and then while you’re at it.

    If you’re using a pair of dumbells, you’ll be targeting your biceps. You can pause the timer every couple of minutes or so and work those arms. Doing so will also engage your core. Remember to suck your abdomen muscles in while you’re working on the elliptical.

    Reverse Your Movements

    As you already know, elliptical machines mimic the natural walking motion. So, it’s undoubtedly more comfortable to peddle forward. Although it may sound funny, backpedaling will burn more calories.

    When you’re reversing your movement, you’re changing the way muscles usually work. Because your muscles don’t typically work like that, you’ll need more energy to carry out these movements. You can do so by rotating your legs clockwise at the beginning. Then slow your pace, and move counter-clockwise. You’ll soon feel the difference.

    Let the Handlebars Go

    Leaning on the handlebars might make your workouts less effective. When you’re taking your arms off the handles, you’re relying entirely on your body, particularly your core, for stability.

    To do so, I suggest you start with slow movements. Once your balance and mobility improve with time, you can increase the intensity and speed. Your legs will follow along, but invest all your efforts not to use the handles and engage your core muscles.

    Conclusion

    As you have probably learned by now, there are plenty of elliptical benefits that make these machines an excellent option if you are building a home gym. I have shared only 9 in this article. But in reality, the number of benefits far exceed that. It will undoubtedly be one of the best additions to your life and keep you healthy. 

    Thanks for reading this article and I hope I was able to educate you on the benefits of elliptical workouts. Best of luck getting into shape.

  • 5 Best Fitness Tracker for Ellipticals in 2023 (In-Depth Review)

    5 Best Fitness Tracker for Ellipticals in 2023 (In-Depth Review)

    If you use an elliptical machine, the best way to track your progress is with a fitness tracker. There are so many competitive fitness trackers in the market today, so having so many options can make choosing just one quite a headache. But don’t worry, because I have you covered. In this article, I will be talking about 5 of the best fitness trackers for ellipticals.

    The Fitbit Versa 2 is the best fitness tracker for ellipticals overall. It offers the best of both a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. With excellent battery life, you can use it for more than 7 days on a single charge which is more than enough. Additionally, it has several customization options and built-in Amazon Alexa.

    A fitness tracker will keep track of all your essentials like counting your steps, calories, heart rate, and distance, among many other features. The best option depends on what your budget and needs are. So, to help you pick the best one for you, I’ve outlined a detailed review of my top five picks.

    But before we begin, you can check out this comparison table and learn about their difference, to get a preliminary idea of these fitness trackers.

    Fitness TrackerBattery LifeWeight (Ounces)  GPSLinks
    Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker  7 days and 5 hours1.06YesCheck Price on Amazon   https://amzn.to/2TdN8vs
    Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Watch5 Days0.16Yes  Check Price on Amazon  
    Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 420 days0.78NoCheck Price on Amazon  
    Fitbit Inspire HR5 days0.64NoCheck Price on Amazon  
    Apple Watch Series 62 days1.31YesCheck Price on Apple  

    The 5 Best Fitness Tracker for Ellipticals

    All the models that I’ve mentioned here come with incredible features and value. They’re very popular among fitness enthusiasts and are all famous brands known for their blend with fantastic design and performance. So, here are the top five best fitness tracker for elliptical machines.

    Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker

    This model is the latest in the Fitbit Charge lineup of wearables. Its features are nearly identical to the previous model Fitbit 3, but with a slightly more significant form factor. It’s mostly a minimalist smartwatch, and the design is a minimalist masterpiece. The strap has an attractive, sleek pattern with a practical square screen.

    It’s a very durable model as it’s waterproof up to fifty meters down. It’ll remain unscathed even after going through rigorous handling. The setup process is relatively straightforward, with clever animations and personalization settings. You can pair it with your phone and use the Fitbit app to keep track of everything.

    Additionally, it comes with a large band, so it’s comfortable for people who have large wrists. The performance of this smartwatch is topnotch, and it might as well be your digital coach. You can keep track of what you’re eating, how many calories you’re burning, your step count, sleep tracking, and an impressive heart rate estimation.

    The battery life is also excellent, which will sustain for about six days of typical use. The charging time is also rapid, and it’ll automatically go to power mode once it’s below 20%. Overall, the watch packs a value for the price.

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 9.72 x 1.13 x 0.49 inches
    • Weight: 1.06 ounces
    • Battery: 7 days and 5 hours
    • GPS: Yes
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    • Water Resistance: Yes (up to 50m down)

    Features

    Built-in GPS: The GPS allows you to see your speed and distance on the screen when you’re going for an outdoor run, hikes, and rides. You can also the workout intensity map on the app and the changes in your heart rate on it. 

    Active Zone Minutes: It’s a new system that lets you track your physical activities beyond steps. It measures the time you spend in a particular heart rate zone towards a “150 Active Zone Minutes” weekly goal for optimum heart health. Additionally, women can track their fertile windows and periods with it.

    Sleep Tracking: One of the unique features of the Fitbit Charge 4 is its sleep tracking feature. It’s improvised with new features from more expensive models that let you see how long you are in the light, REM, and deep sleep. A score of 90 is considered excellent.

    Pros

    • Effective for weight loss
    • Comfortable, easy to use, and slim
    • Compact and practical display
    • Excellent battery life and built-in GPS
    • Sleep tracker

    Cons

    • Some features need a premium access
    • Battery drains faster when GPS is running
    • Monochromatic screen

    Check Price on Amazon

    Fitbit Versa 2 Fitness Watch

    Coming at a little higher price, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a blend between being one of the best fitness trackers for the elliptical and a smartwatch. The design is very modern and attractive, despite the bezels. It strikingly resembles an apple watch with its large square display and round corners.

    Though the bezels are thick, the display is entirely black, so it appears to be bezel-less at first glance. It has a sharp AMOLED display with 1000 brightness nits. The graphics stand out remarkably in contrast with the inky-black display. You’ll also get the band in different colors with three casing colors.

    It doesn’t look like you’re typical Fitbit and fits in the middle of a budget to a premium model. Like other Fitbit watches, they have the Fitbit application that you can use to keep track of your activities. The setup process is straightforward and seamless. The build feels premium and comfortable.

    The watch’s metal body is very durable and sturdy, with a Gorilla Glass 3 that’s hard to crack. The band is flexible, water-resistant, and durable. It’s ultra-light, and you won’t feel like you’re wearing anything on your wrist. Fitbit Versa 2 offers incite with their customization with their watch face and band personalizing options.

    The performance is super-fast, smooth, and straightforward. There might be some minor hiccups while using third-party apps, but otherwise, the usability is fluid. The battery life is premium-class, charging up to 30% in 20 minutes. Though the price is a bit high, it is worth it.

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 1.56 x 1.59 x 0.47 inches
    • Weight: 0.16 ounces
    • Battery: 5 Days
    • GPS: Yes
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    • Water Resistant: Yes (up to 50m)

    Features:

    Built-In Alexa: This feature is one of their unique ones. You can use the built-in Amazon Alexa to get updates, news, weather information, set reminders, and alarms. Besides, you can also control the smart devices of your home using only your voice.

    Steller Battery and Crisp Display: The selling point of this watch is its stellar battery. It is super handy as it can last about a week with typical usage. Besides, the display is top-notch with their AMOLED touch screen. Even dimmer resolutions are very crisp, and it can also adjust its brightness according to its environment.

    Round-The-Clock Performance: This feature is an important addition. You can always keep your watch on and use its tracking features. As Fitbit upgraded its processor, the hardware runs very smoothly, and you can track your sleeping hours easily.

    Pros

    • An improved lightweight build
    • Crisp display
    • Incredible battery life
    • Several amazing customization options
    • Alexa integration

    Cons

    • It lacks onboard GPS
    • Spotify needs to be online to work
    • The third-party application supports are limited

    Check Price in Amazon

    Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4

    The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 4 is a basic fitness tracker that’s super affordable and makes no compromise with the best features. It’s slim and about as simple as a tracker can get. Besides, it has all the essential features like a heart rate tracker, sleep monitor, notification controls, and media playback.

    Unlike the Fitbit Charge 4 fitness tracker, this Mi Band’s display has a color. The size somehow feels just right; not too small or too large. It has a stylish and straightforward round screen and an adjustable band of rubber. You can remove the tracker and get affordable bands of your choice.

    The AMOLED display is almost an inch and colorful. It has about 400 nits of brightness with crisp and vivid tempered glass. The coating is fingerprint-resistant so that you can maintain a neat look. The watch face has some customizing options, and the band is water-resistant. The band can go down 50 meters for 10 minutes in the water.

    You’ll be getting a perfect-performing fitness tracker for the price. It has several features, though some of them may not be super accurate. The workout modes include running, cycling, swimming, treadmill, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and notification alerts. The downside is that sometimes the tracker overestimates the step count.

    The software is basic and has all the essential functions. Their key seller is their phenomenal battery. With a 135 mAh battery, the watch lasts for about 20 days before needing some juice. The downside is charging; it will require you to remove the tracker from the band and put it on a mini charging station. Overall, it packs an excellent deal for the price.

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 1.7 x 0.7 x 0.5 inches
    • Weight: 0.78 ounces
    • Battery: 20 days
    • GPS: No
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    • Water Resistant: Yes (up to 50m)

    Features

    • Affordable: The Mi Band 4 has all the essential features you’ll need from a fitness tracker but at a price that will not break your bank. It’s a steal for the price and performance.
    • Phenomenal Battery: The battery life of this watch is outstanding. It’ll last you almost four weeks with typical use. The device makes the most efficient use of the battery, and most of the features will not consume too much power.
    • Compact Size: The display is AMOLED, and the screen of this device is colorful. The size is just right, and you can also adjust it to make it fit snugly on your wrist. Besides, it has several customizable options.

    Pros

    • Slim and straightforward design
    • It has all the essential features
    • Super affordable
    • Amazing battery life
    • AMOLED and colorful display

    Cons

    • Step counts may not always be accurate
    • You’ll have to separate the tracker and band when you charge it
    • It doesn’t have a built-in GPS

    Check Price in Amazon

    Fitbit Inspire HR

    The Fitbit Inspire HR is a low-profile tracker that benefits athletes specifically. It will provide you with all the key insights you need, whether you’re a runner, walker, swimmer, or fitness enthusiast. It will also help you stay on track and top of your game. If you love a lightweight fitness tracker instead of a clunky one, Inspire HR is for you.

    It’s agile and super lightweight at only 0.64 ounces. The standard packaging comes with a couple of wristbands, a large and small size. It feels so discreet as if you’re wearing a bravely instead of a watch. With one finger swipe, you can find all your available health stats. The movements feel fluid and straightforward.

    The touchscreen is an OLED display that stands 1.5 inches tall. Like every other Fitbit watch, the setup process is relatively straightforward and quick. It should take about ten minutes before you’re all set.

    The tracker has a massive selection of different exercise apps specific to particular exercises like running, swimming, treadmill, biking, interval training, and weightlifting. It’ll give you mid-session feedback via the touchscreen. Unlike its rival models, it doesn’t have a built-in GPS, but it can access your phone’s signal and give accurate data.

    You can also track your sleep and heart rate with it. The battery life is also fantastic and aims to work 24/7. The downside comes with the software capabilities, which are limited beyond the fitness apps.

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 1.18 x 3.94 x 8.94 inches
    • Weight: 0.64 ounces
    • Battery: 5 days
    • GPS: No
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    • Water Resistant: Yes (up to 50m)

    Features

    Slim Appearance: The watch is super lightweight with a sleek OLED display. The graphics are pretty good and comfortable to use. Overall, it looks modern and compact. It’s also very comfortable to wear.

    Convenient Smart Track Tech: The unit can automatically track all your workout activities easily. And it also gives you feedback on your actions in the middle of your workout session.

    Accurate Estimation: The estimations of this tracker are dairy accurate. It also works perfectly for sleep monitoring purposes, which is essential for rigorous training.

    Pros

    • Compact appearance
    • Affordable
    • Automatic tracking with smart track technology
    • Accurate sleep monitoring estimates
    • Excellent battery

    Cons

    • Small screen
    • No built-in GPS

    Check Price in Amazon

    Apple Watch Series 6

    The Apple watch series is famous for being the ultimate high-end smartwatch and fitness tracker. The latest model is a robust and health tracker with a fantastic array of features. Its wearability feels very premium and sleek. It isn’t a significant upgrade from the previous model, but it offers a few customization options with the case.

    The screen is clear with an always-on display, and it’ll be highly compatible with your iPhone 12 and very easy to set up. The performance is a bit speedier than the previous model. The battery doesn’t last that long, with only a 2-day lifespan at best. The most impressive feature is its software, which has extra features than your phone.

    In terms of activity tracker, the apple watch is superb and advanced. All the features work with striking accuracy and speed. It will offer you health tracking features like blood oxygen sensors, ECG, sleep tracking, fall detection, and GPS. Overall, if you want a unit that works best with your iPhone and you have a high budget, this device is the one you should get.

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.50 x 0.41 inches
    • Weight: 1.31
    • Battery: 18 hours to 2 days
    • GPS: Yes
    • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
    • Water Resistant: Yes

    Features

    Blood Oxygen Level Tracker: The Apple Watch has several innovative features, but this one is among the best. It indicates your overall wellness and helps you estimate how well your body is absorbing oxygen.

    Adjustable Fitness Tracker: With its precise metrics, you can track your activity accurately anywhere at the gym, in water, or on the road. It also has several specific workout options.

    New Color options: You can change the colors of the cases and personalize however you want to. It appears in three colors, red, blue, space black, titanium, gold, and silver. 

    Pros

    • Unique fitness features
    • Various watch faces
    • Bright and beautiful display
    • Accurate estimation

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Battery life is concise

    Check Price on Apple

    My Top Pick

    The Fitbit Versa 2, in my opinion, is the best fitness tracker you can get in the market currently that will give you the most value for your money.

    More than 48,000 people have reviewed this product on Amazon and had the best things to say about its performance. The estimation of your activities is very accurate, and it’s a remarkable overall cross between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker with stellar battery life.

    Conclusion

    It can be challenging to choose a fitness tracker that suits your personality and also fulfills your requirements. I hope that this article has helped you narrow down the best fitness tracker for elliptical machine users.

    I can promise that the Fitbit Versa 2 will not disappoint. But it is always best to go through the pros and cons of each of the products and choose for yourself which would be best for you. Thanks  for reading and until next time, farewell.