Losing Weight With Elliptical Machines
Many Americans are considerably overweight. The
number of obese men and women has skyrocketed to new heights, and the health
problems that occur due to this obesity are increasing with them. Though it
appears that very little is being done to reduce obesity problems across the
One of the primary reasons for this is that the
most well known way to lose weight – jogging or running for extended periods
of time – is also one of the most difficult, especially if you are elderly,
have weak muscles, or have so much weight that your legs have problems
running. Jogging puts a great deal of pressure and impact on your muscles,
feet and joints, and that impact can be so painful that it causes people to
quit long before they have received adequate amounts of exercise.
The Home Gym
In order to assist in the weight loss process, many
people have their own home gyms that they equip with dumbbells for weight
training, mats, and other pieces of equipment that will help them burn
calories. It is with that in mind that many people choose to purchase
treadmills – so that they can run without having to go outside and
experience the harsh weather and terrain.
Still, treadmills do not solve all of the problems.
Impact on your legs is the same, and so you will still experience the same
discomfort that you experienced with jogging outside. It is with that in
mind that sports scientists have found a viable alternative – the elliptical
trainer, a machine that can give you the aerobic exercise that you want
without the discomfort that is associated with running.
Why Does the Elliptical Work?
The reason that ellipticals are so effective is
that they provide you with the exact same benefits as running on a
treadmill, but with considerably less “perceived exertion.” Your feet stay
in place, and your legs do all of the work.
It is referred to as perceived exertion because
your body still exerts the same amount of energy, but without the pains
caused by impact, it does not feel as bad on your body. Elliptical machines
provide you with the exact same calorie burning power, the exact same muscle
use, and the exact same cardiovascular benefits, all without the aches and
pains that occur from slamming your feet against the hard ground.
The benefits of elliptical machines have been well
documented – and at several major universities, rather than in some private
“lab” like many of the pieces of exercise equipment you see on television.
These machines do work, and they work quite well. They also allow you to
condition specific muscles, something that jogging does not allow you to do.
Because calorie burning is the same, but perceived
exertion is less, the elliptical is a considerably better option for those
looking to burn calories and lose weight, and is a great addition to
anyone’s home gym.