Marta here:
Lucia and I were discussing exercising (one of our constant topics) and Marta told me that she was thinking about getting an elliptical machine. That sounded like a good idea and I went online to see what was available and which were the top elliptical machines out there.
Elliptical Machines
There are several benefits to using an elliptical machine for your exercise regimen. Besides being the ideal exercise equipment for all ages and body types, it is very easy to use. Made with either a flywheel or using electric power, an elliptical machine requires that you only just step up on the low platform and start moving your legs and arms back and forth. If you choose to start your exercise program with an elliptical, the benefits include an upper and lower body workout at the same time.
That is one of the greatest benefits of an elliptical machine: everyone benefits from it. From young adults to seniors, from beginners to experts, anyone looking to get a full body workout can utilize an elliptical, due to the low impact it has on your body. This means that if you suffer with any physical ailments such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or joint conditions, you can still keep in shape, burn calories and inches off your waistline.
Over the years, more people are choosing to use an elliptical because it inflicts less pressure on their joints. Even if you are in good shape, one wrong move on a treadmill or stepping on a rock while running, can bring serious injury to your calves, ankles, and legs. An elliptical can give your body the same benefits as running or jogging without the stress that these two activities can put on your lower body. For a long time, the treadmill was the popular exercise machine to use, but that has changed.
As far as exercising, burning calories from food intake is the main reason for working out. With an elliptical, the more you increase the intensity and resistance in the stride length, the more calories you can burn. Additionally, you can program the elliptical to target certain muscle groups like the ones found in your thighs and bottom at the same time you are programming your stride length. A great benefit, the elliptical does everything for you.
Using an elliptical for 30 minutes can burn approximately 400 calories. For women that are seeking to tone their lower body, the benefit of using an elliptical is that the machine works by utilizing the lower body, thus, your lower half is getting the exercise it needs.