Elliptical Machines: Great Workout Without the Pain
Using an elliptical machine guarantees a great workout, and one that is also great for your joints.
While walking and jogging can be jarring to the knees and hips, elliptical machines provide a smooth, fluid motion that protects your body. You can move like you would to walk or jog but without the impact. It's the next best thing to walking on air.
Traditional methods of exercise can help you lose weight, but they can also lessen the functionality of other parts of your body. Running or jogging on cement is detrimental to your total joint health, especially that of your knees.
Cartilage depletion is a very serious problem and can cause severe pain. Shin splints are another type of damage acquired due to excessive wear and tear on your legs.
In some cases, it may become necessary to stop or severely modify your exercise regimen. Daily activities may also be affected because of pain. A common example of an impact-related injury is when you experience inflammation in the posterior peroneal tendon. You may notice a manageable amount of pain at first, but it often progresses until you can no longer function as you used to.
The culprits are weight and gravity. When you do high-impact activities, these combine to put immense pressure and stress on the joints. Walking and jogging, even on softer treadmill surfaces, can be extremely detrimental to your long-term joint health.
Ideally, it is best to preserve these precious joints for as long as possible.
With life expectancy continually increasing well into the 60?s, 70?s and 80?s, it is vital that we protect our joints so that they will function well into later years of life.
How does one remain physically fit and healthy, then?
It is possible to exercise to minimize the stress on your joints. Working out in water is one way to eliminate the effects of gravity. Elliptical machines are another great choice.
By using an elliptical machine, you get the same great benefits as you would from walking or jogging: calorie burn, weight loss, cardiovascular health, and a good, healthy sweat. At the same time, you are taking stress off your joints. This will prevent injury, pain, and long-term joint issues.
When the strain is taken off your joints, your workout will feel easier. The smooth, elliptical motion delivers an almost weightless movement, while the opposing handles offer great upper body exercise. This is an all-encompassing workout machine.
One reason why treadmills are so popular is that they offer an incline feature, so you can continually intensify your workouts. You can also do this with an elliptical machine. In addition, you can pedal in both forward and reverse with one of these versatile machines.
You can engage in the forward skiing motion and then reverse to strengthen an entirely different set of muscles. Treadmills do not offer you this feature, and it may look a little strange jogging down a trail backwards (it?s not very safe either).
When you exercise, you want the benefits of running or jogging, without the damaging impact. An elliptical machine gives you the best of both worlds and will keep your body and joints functioning properly.