Ellipticals / Crosstrainers

Crosstrainers and elliptical exercise machines have been steadily growing in popularity for the home exercise market in the last few years. At one time only found in gyms, ellipticals offer a smooth pedalling motion, while the handles provide an upper body workout at the same time. Crosstrainers are similar - in fact the terms are often used interchangeably for both types of machine where the feet push and the arms pull - either in a "round and round" movement like the pedals of a bike, or "back and forth" as in a ski-ing type movement.

For simplicity, I shall refer to both types of machine as "elliptical", as both offer the same benefits, are in similar price ranges, and are only differentiated by customer preference for the types of movement.

I personally own a Kettler elliptical that cost £700 (around $1400); it has had 4 years of hard use by all the family at home (including my teenage daughter and all her little pals!) and is just as good as new. I would recommend this type of machine to anybody. And I frequently do.

So why buy an elliptical?

• Choice - there are a vast number of machines on the market, ranging from under $200 up to $3000+. All the reputable companies are here; Life Fitness, Horizon, Kettler, Nordic track, ProForm and so on.
• Calorie- burning - as you use both upper and lower body on an elliptical, you burn more calories.
• Toning - at low resistance, you get a great fat-burning workout. Turn up the resistance and you tone both upper and lower body at the same time. Think of shaping up those problem areas on your arms, hips, thighs and butt - all in the same workout. Perfect if you're short on time!
• Low Impact - because you don't strike the ground, there is little impact on your joints, making an elliptical ideal for everyone, whatever their age or fitness level.

An elliptical machine in your home is the perfect way for the whole family to get their exercise. Ellipticals are less bulky and take up far less space than a treadmill, so will fit into a much smaller room.

Many of the smaller models have wheels and can be easily moved away and stored when not in use - although you are far more likely to exercise if the machine is there in front of you!

We all need to exercise to stay healthy, get fit and burn calories. An elliptical makes exercising fun! Just 20 -30 minutes on your elliptical most days of the week and you're well on your way to a healthier, slimmer, fitter YOU - all in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

And the big advantage of an elliptical over a treadmill is that there is NO IMPACT on your joints and bones - great if you are more mature, have arthritis or are recovering from injury. And don't forget - an elliptical works both your upper and lower body at once, giving you a FULL BODY workout in the shortest possible time.

A perfect machine for our busy lives!