Archive for October 24th, 2009
Exercising on an elliptical machine has been described as either running on air or running across a waterbed. It does feel unusual the first time you take an elliptical machine for a ride. However, it does’nt take long to begin to feel all the advantages of using it. Most elliptical machines come with handles that move in unison with your stride to give the upper body workout that treadmills lack.
The other advantage that elliptical machines have over treadmills is that the “reduced felt exercise” feeling. Researchers have tried to put a finger on it but it’s hard to describe. Basically, when you exercise on an elliptical machine you burn more calories with less apparent effort. Riding an elliptical machine for an hour will appear to you to take a lot less effort than doing an hour on a treadmill. The result is that you tend to exercise more intensely and longer on an elliptical machine.