Elliptical Trainer Reviews Dont Get The Facts Straight

There are many misconceptions regarding elliptical trainers. I believe this is a result of the large number of elliptical trainer reviews Websites popping up on the Internet each and every day. In an effort to tout the benefits of elliptical training, Webmasters post the usual laundry list of the well-publicized advantages of elliptical trainers. In the process, like the old game of "Telephone", each time the message is repeated, it gets slightly or sometimes significantly garbled in the retelling.

To make matters even worse, sometimes medical and fitness professionals along with the manufacturers of elliptical trainers will give out unproven or even incorrect information. This article will address the most common misconceptions and inaccuracies regarding elliptical trainers.

1. Elliptical trainers are zero impact fitness machines -- Since back here on the planet Earth where all mass is subject to the Law of Gravity you will still experience some impact when using an elliptical trainer. There's just no way around this. Not even in the zero gravity environment of outer space, since an elliptical requires gravity in order to work. I'm sure Sir Isaac Newton would be spinning in his grave if he knew how many times this misconception gets propagated.

Yes, elliptical trainers are LOW-impact machines and the impact is noticeably less than running on a treadmill, but there is still a small degree of impact. People who have knee injuries or chronic tendonitis in their knees may find that even the low impact forces of an elliptical trainer to be uncomfortable.

2. Elliptical trainers are not weight bearing -- This is a corollary to Misconception #1. The fact that you are standing up on the foot pedals when using an elliptical trainer makes it a weight bearing exercise. Again the force of gravity is acting upon the mass of your body, which is supported by your legs. It's not the same as when you are seated on a stationary bike or rowing machine. Weight bearing exercises such as elliptical training are a good way to strengthen the bones in your lower back and hips.

3. You need to workout longer on an elliptical trainer than on a treadmill because the higher impact of the treadmill causes you to expend more energy -- The goal of any aerobic exercise is to get your heart rate into an elevated state -- either in a fat-burning or cardio-conditioning zone and keep it there for the duration of your training session. Subjecting your joints to excessive impact in order to get there is just plain crazy! The way to do this is to get the large muscles of your lower body in motion and if you can also involve the muscles of your upper body by using the moveable handles of an elliptical trainer then so much the better.

4. The upper body handles of an elliptical trainer are meant to build up the muscles of your upper body -- There is actually a small bit of truth to this belief, but the thing to remember is that cardio machines are aerobic in nature and are not very effective at building muscle. Save muscle building for your weight training sessions.

The real benefit of upper body handles on an elliptical trainer is to involve the muscles of your upper body in the exercise in order to get your heart rate up quicker. The more pieces you get working at the same time the more efficient the whole process becomes.

5. It's possible to build a high-quality elliptical trainer using cheap components and cheap labor -- This is hands down the biggest misconception out there. It's mostly put forth by the fitness equipment manufacturers, but unfortunately many consumers fool themselves into believing it's true.

People certainly can't be faulted for wanting to save money and when faced with better quality ellipticals that sell for upwards of $800 and beyond, they settle for the $150 special from Wal-Mart. In most cases this turns out to be a purchasing decision they soon come to regret. The machine is unsteady and creaky and then just self-destructs after a short period of time.

The best advice is to take your time, do your homework and make an informed decision after weighing all of the risks against all of the benefits.

Rich Rojas gives you the straight facts on elliptical trainer reviews at http://www.ellipticalhome.com

---

Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages

There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of... Read More

Can I Lose Weight with an Elliptical Trainer?

Many people begin a fitness program to lose weight. Sure, they may add that they want to be healthier by lowering their blood pressure or dropping their... Read More

Pro-Form 765i Interactive Trainer Treadmill

For under $1000 you can purchase the Pro-Form 765i interactive trainer treadmill. This 150-pound exercise dynamo, a product of ProForm Fitness Equipment, has a running track 60... Read More

Treadmill Buying Tips

These treadmill buying tips will make you aware of important considerations before you go treadmill shopping. A treadmill is the most popular piece of fitness equipment today... Read More

Why Use Treadmill Belt Lubricant?

Treadmill belt lubricant is one of the most important things to purchase after your treadmill. Most people do not realize just how important treadmill belt lubricant is,... Read More

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle... Read More

Buying A Treadmill - 3 Common Mistakes Most Buyers Make

Buying a treadmill? Congratulations on making an investment in your health!But if you want to save yourself lots of pain and loads of money, steer clear of... Read More

Speed of Movement & the Mighty Metronome.

Tempo refers to the speed of movement and is usually represented by a 4-digit number: eccentric (negative) contraction - isometric (pause between negative and positive) contraction -... Read More

How Treadmills Compare To Other Types Of Home Fitness Equipment

When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or run. These are natural activities for us. They can have practical applications, such as getting from one... Read More

Treadmill Exercise - 3 More Benefits of Treadmill Workouts

Chances are that you already know your treadmill can help you lose weight, stay fit, and protect you from the ravages of age related diseases like diabetes... Read More

Are Kettlebells Too Expensive?

It's funny how people react to the price of a kettlebell. Their eyes usually get wide and their mouth opens a bit, as if to say "Are... Read More

Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills

You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are hundreds of pieces of home cardio equipment available. The most popular are treadmills and exercise bikes. In... Read More

Elliptical Exerciser

Several years ago elliptical exercisers were introduced to the fitness world and have since become very popular and very sophisticated. Over 6 million people now use elliptical... Read More

Developing a Fitness Attitude - A Healthy Weight Loss Program Approach

Exercise is Not a Four Letter WordIt's obvious that the word 'exercise' has more than four letters, but many of us will agree it sounds like a... Read More

Choosing A Home Exercise Equipment

Technology in the 21st century has made life much easier to bear. Everything can be done with a mere touch of a button, whether the item is... Read More

There Are Alot Of Features To Look For When Deciding On An Elliptical Trainer Thats Perfect For You

Have you decided to purchase a piece of home workout equipment? There are a lot of choices available today on the market for home gym equipment. The... Read More

Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps

Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairmentsCurb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Pedometer

Question: What's small, weighs about an ounce, and comes in dozens of different models? Answer: a Pedometer.Would you have guessed it had I mentioned this item can... Read More

My Golden Gym

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." -- Ann LandersA year ago, almost to the day, I had an epiphany while exercising... Read More

Monitor Your Way to a Healthy Heart and Better Body

Of the many fitness-oriented pieces of equipment available today, one the most effective is also one of the least understood. A heart rate monitor, however, is not... Read More

Working Out On The Reebok Elliptical Trainer

The Reebok elliptical trainer is a large machine with mostly self contained parts. This makes it difficult for the owner to do repairs and maintenance himself. There... Read More

The Skinny on Exercise Strollers

Whether you are an avid jogger or fitness fan, you may find a jogger or exercise stroller has a lot more to offer than a conventional one.... Read More

Find the Best Home Tanning Bed Package

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could find a cheap used tanning bed for your home. Have you ever wondered how to buy tanning beds and what... Read More

Do Elliptical Machines Work?

In today's fitness minded society, people are trying new fitness equipment that comes out on the market every day. There are a growing number of machines that... Read More

Life Fitness Equipment for Every Type of Workout

Life Fitness equipment is among the best in the world. Life Fitness is a global company specializing in superior fitness equipment that is designed to provide you... Read More

Save Money on Treadmills by Avoiding These 5 Marketing Traps

There are lots of great marketing people in the treadmill industry today. Their job is to make you think that you need the features they're offering when... Read More