How Ellipticals Work

Do ellipticals work? Is your workout session more complete when you use an elliptical... or will you lose weight faster than with other exercise equipment? And, which style should you use: the front wheel or back wheel drive train?

Commonly referred to as trainers, the first fitness equipment ellipticals were adapted from bicycles and emphasized only the legs and lower body.  They had unmovable handles attached to their frame.  Most of today's models have moveable handles attached to the pedals and allow the upper body to get just as much workout as the lower body.  Hence, the total fitness concept was conceived.

Elliptical machines are typically quite heavy, but nevertheless do have body weight limitations of about 250 to 300 pounds.  Some manufacturers even propose maximum height limitations, but this is less common.  Adjustable foot pedals make it relatively easy to accommodate a variety of users.

The stride or pedal motion of each machine varies from 7 inches to 23 inches. The ability to adjust strides for each elliptical user is a valuable feature usually reserved for the more expensive machines.  Your objective should be to maintain a smooth, natural body motion and rhythm throughout your workout sessions.

There are front-drive and rear-drive ellipticals.  This refers to the position of the flywheel, which is the core of the trainer.  Heavier flywheels tend to produce a smoother flow and rhythm and add inertia to keep the drive system going.  Unfortunately, the added weight can also increase the wear and tear on the machine's bearings.

Personal preferences vary and there doesn't appear to be any scientific evidence that one style is better than the other.  Generally speaking, the rear-wheel trainers present what some consider to be a more natural leg movement, while front-wheel trainers have a longer, flatter stride, which tends to be more stable for taller or heavier users.

Wikipedia defines Mechatronics as the synergistic combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, computer engineering, control engineering, and systems design engineering to create, design, and manufacture useful products.  Elliptical machines are applications of such a composition.

For example, these units are designed to change the incline and length of the user's stride and to simulate uphill or downhill motion and involve more muscle groups. Computer controls permit you to set the time, stride length and resistance levels associated with your workout.  Adjustments to the controls also increase the level of difficulty, which helps keep your exercise routine advancing as your fitness level improves.

Depending on the price of your particular elliptical, the display panel features time, distance, caloric output and speed... even data comparisons for things like heart rate monitoring or fat burning.  These types of features require electrical or battery power, as well as your ability to use hand grips for the sensors.

The jury is still out as to whether or not you truly get a better workout than with more conventional workouts, but with the possible exception of water exercises there is little doubt that using an elliptical machine properly will produce enormous benefits with limited stress on your joints.

One intriguing device with ellipticals is that you can move the pedals in either a forward or backwards direction.  Each movement uses different muscles... or uses the same ones in a different way, thereby providing more punch to the total workout ethic.  Also, changing the incline angle of the pedals will change the muscle group that does the bulk of the work.

There are hundreds of different models and makes to include both new machines as well as used elliptical machines.  Make sure you understand any limitations on the warranty (such as transferability) before you commit your money.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions because most machines do require periodic cleaning and lubrication.

Elliptical trainers are rapidly growing in popularity. Perhaps one reason is that while performing your workout routine you do not have to take your feet off of the pedals, thereby providing a gentler rate of exercise, yet still getting the same degree of results as with a treadmill. Another plus for those who live in apartment settings is that you are likely to make less noise as you would with a treadmill.

A recent study conducted by the University of Idaho remarked that by varying the stride length on the elliptical trainer you will recruit a larger variety of muscle groups. That study also indicated that as the stride is lengthened, more calories are burned without any higher rate of perceived exertion by the user. This study lends credibility to the claims made about the adjustable stride length feature on some newer ellipticals.

Two of the best elliptical machine manufacturers are Sole and Smooth.  Both produce quality products at a fair price.  And, both will give you an excellent total fitness workout.

But, wait a minute... the Sole trainer has a front drive flywheel assembly and the Smooth models use a rear drive.  Which one is better?  Well, as the lawyer said… "that all depends".

Some so-called experts claim that front driven elliptical trainers are more linear and produce a flatter oval motion.  Also, the exerciser tends to move their body weight forward while grabbing or leaning on the bars, which causes some wobbliness during the exercise routine.  Heavier flywheels can eliminate some of this unsteadiness, but these are typically found only with the higher priced units.

Generally, rear drive models are more expensive.  Companies like Smooth, as well as Precor and Life Fitness, are somewhat more costly.  In addition, they have very strong patents on their rear drive machines making it a little tricky for the newcomer to manufacture certain types of elliptical models.

Most high grade health clubs use the rear models because they seem to last longer while withstanding a variety of abuse.  Also, members overwhelmingly prefer the rear driven units due to the ability to adjust the front suspension to make workout routines more challenging.

These machines can be expensive and, frankly, the choice is personal when it comes to selecting either the front or rear driven elliptical trainer.  In our opinion, the rear model provides the best overall opportunity to get maximum benefit from the design of the machine.

Be prepared to put out some big bucks though, if you really want a high quality piece of exercise equipment that will give you many years of use.  Warranties will be limited and routine maintenance on your part will be necessary to give you the best return on your investment.

Don't be reluctant to consider a used elliptical machine, but be cautious and read some of the helpful tips you will find on this web site before you waste your money.

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