Elliptical Machines: Say Goodbye to Joint Problems
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.
Exposing your joints to high-impact exercise regularly can lead to serious injuries. Shin splints are a common affliction, and your cartilage may even start to deplete. Both of these can cause moderate to severe pain.
The posterior peroneal tendon becomes inflamed and pain to the leg, below the knee, occurs. This may start as a dull pain, but can increase to a level that can force you to cease exercise and daily functioning altogether.
These same injuries can be provoked through the use of a treadmill. Although the surface of a treadmill is softer than cement, the act of jogging or walking heavily in conjunction with your body weight and gravity still damages joints.
It becomes especially important to have healthy joints as we age.
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.
Can you balance your need for exercise with the necessity of protecting your joints?
Elliptical machines are the one of the best ways to exercise without placing excessive stress on joints, second only to exercising in water.
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.
You will also find that using an elliptical machine feels much easier due to the fluid, natural movement it encourages. And in contrast with a treadmill, you are also working your upper body. You can get a superior workout without damaging your body or straining your joints.
Treadmills have gained popularity as incline options were developed. Elliptical machines also contain this feature, as well as forward and reverse motion pedaling.
Reversing your stride works different muscle groups. It would be difficult - not to mention unsafe - to run backwards on a trail or treadmill. With an elliptical machine, however, you can easily and safely reverse direction.
Elliptical machines offer you flexibility, control and overall safety while providing a quality workout.