Have you ever stepped up on the treadmill at the gym, put your headphones on, chugged a little water, and then noticed that you were the only one using a treadmill in the whole gym. Well that happened to me the other day. I took a look around and noticed that every single elliptical (about 12 of them) were being used. I figured since everyone was using an elliptical, than they must be good for something. So the next day I decided to try one out, and I'm glad I did. The impact on my knees was virtually non-existent. The swooping motion of the foot pedals was like walking on air, no headaches or pain after my workout.
So I decided to research the elliptical a little bit when I got home using different elliptical reviews. I knew that they were fun and easy to use, but I wanted to find out if they were as effective as jogging on the treadmill. I was surprised to find out that, depending on what your fitness goals are, the elliptical is a great machine in comparison to treadmills. If you're looking to dramatically increase your stamina or lose weight, than a treadmill would be much more effective. But there are still many great benefits that you can get with an elliptical that you really can't get with a treadmill.
As I already mentioned, my favorite aspect of the elliptical is the impact free workout. No aching bones or premature diagnosis of osteoporosis. Also, if you're using an elliptical with a pair of moving handlebars, you're getting a complete workout. Not only are you focusing on your legs, but your upper body as well. Speaking of leg muscle, this next feature is phenomenal when it comes to working on different muscle groups. Most ellipticals have the forward/reverse option, where you simply start off moving your legs in the walking motion, or opposite of that. If you choose the forward option, then you're working your quads (the front muscles of the thigh). If you choose the reverse option, then you're working your glutes (your butt and back of thigh muscles). I see a lot of ladies at the gym doing the latter of the two.
So I tried them out, I researched them so you don't have to, so what are you all waiting for!? Go to the gym ASAP and try one of these out. If you want to buy one for your home, make sure you check out elliptical reviews first to make sure you're making a good decision. I no longer fear my designated cardio workout days and the pain that would follow. I can now work out pain free, keeping my heart healthy, my bones pain free, all with a smile on my face. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!