If you’ve been to gym at some point, then you’ve likely laid eyes upon this thing. This moddern piece of art sits in corner. Grab handles.
Put your feet on pedals. Move your legs in an oval path. It’s smooth and appear easy to do.
But what gives people trouble with the machine is the name. New users ask, “Why is this thing called an elliptical? That doesn’t look like a ellipse.” It’s a small question, but its answer shapes expectations.
Understanding Elliptical Machines and Benefits
What Is an Elliptical Machine
When I think I’m following an oval, I’ll walk it in one way, and when I know how it ticks, another. It is the language of compromise that engineers use to make machine work. As you would guess by its name, this refers to the elliptical path of your foot.
It’s not in a straight line. It’s also not a circle. It’s more of an oval that resembles your naturaly stride when you’re walking or running.
Why It Is Called an Elliptical
That means less impact on your joints while still delivering high cardio benefits. That’s the truth, but it’s also kind of complicated. Here’s why: With a treadmill you lift your foot off pedal, but with an elliptical machine, your foot never leaves the pedal.
So when you hit ground on a treadmill, your heel hits first and sends a shockwave up through your leg. But with an elliptical, your foot remain locked into place as platform sweeps out in an oval path. The float action also save your joints.
No more pounding from a landing. Get that calorie burn of running while avoiding the pounding. People with bad knees frequently use ellipticals, and physical therapists recommend them as a way to recover.
Low Impact Cardio Benefits
Your heart rate will show how much effort you’re putting in, even if it feels like an easy workout. The glide are smooth and effortless, and that’s what makes it so deceptive. What about the name?
How the Mechanics Work
Well, that’s easy if you know what is happening on the inside. The stride is created by the way flywheel and curved arms move together, much like what most of us are familiar with on ellipticals. In the 90s, Precor came out with its original elliptical motion, which it has patented, and others have imitated.
Stride Length and Design
Some machines has a long stride length, and some has a short one. Pedal design alters how narrow or wide ellipse is. A narrow ellipse create a walking sensation.
A wider ellipse feel like running. Take time to test the stride prior to purchasing a machine. Don’t buy something you won’t use if it feels awkward.
Types of Resistance Systems
Models has different types of resistance. For example, home ellipticals tend to use magnetic resistance. These is smooth and quiet.
Brands such as Sole or NordicTrack sell magnetic resistance models at home. The Assault AirRunner uses air resistance which increases as you increase your force, similar to pushing into a strong headwind. It’s also naturaly challenging.
Another choice are water resistance. Some people find the sound of it calming; others find it loud. Drag comes from tanks of water.
The more pressure you exert, the greater the resistance (often self-powered). So it remains proportional to how hard you’re pushing. They’re also configured differently: Some machines is front drive; others, rear drive.
Front vs Rear Drive Configurations
Machines with front drive feel more stable (the flywheel is closer to your feet). On rear-drive machines, the weight sit in the back, so it’s not as stable-feeling, but you may be able to take a longer stride. It’s personal preference, and also comes down to available floor space.
Don’t make the same mistake so many do in treating the elliptical as a passive exercise. It’s not. Use it or lose it.
Proper Form and Technique
Engage. Push. Pull.
Drive through your heels. Use those handlebars on the upper body, because they’re not just for balance. The moving handles really kick up calorie burn.
They engages your shoulders, chest, and back, which makes this a full body workout instead of just a leg workout. If you’re not used to it, don’t worry… Use stationary handles for balance; but moving them will make it harder.
Engaging Upper Body and Incline
It becomes a total circuit. Many of them let you change their angle as well (think of it as changing from flat to uphill). That engage more of your hamstring and glute muscles, so it feels like you’re walking uphill.
Flat is quad dominant. Change it up every workout. Your muscles will never get bored with that, and it’ll keep them guessing so you don’t stall.
Final Thoughts on Usage
Yes, ellipticals realy do move in an elliptical shape. That’s a good enough name. But it hides all the mechanical magic required to make this happen.
And it’s about as close to a perfect balance as you can get: low-impact comfort with cardio benefit. This, in turn, makes it a machine people stick with. The next time you hop on machine, think about where your feet go.
Notice the smooth transition from heel to toe. You appreciate how this design lets you run without actually touching ground. The ellipse solves a problem most are familiar with.
We want to move in ways that don’t hurt us; the elliptical allows for that. You should of tried it yourself.
