subject: Understanding The Elliptical [print this page] In order to gain the greatest potential benefit from a workout session, it is important to evaluate how the equipment works and what kind of physical benefits it provides as a result. Therefore, deconstructing the intentional engineering of the various devices is sometimes prudent, so that the right selection can be made based on the preference of individual, and ensures that the person who is participating in the activity can utilize the means at hand to perform in the most efficient manner possible.
For people who have selected the elliptical machine as their equipment option of preference, it is no different, because certain factors come into play during the course of a fitness regimen that make it so that effective methods need to be brought into play. Understanding how the equipment works and how it will function in various scenarios is a legitimate concern, and one that can be examined more carefully.
The elliptical machine is designed to give a full range of motion to the user, while simultaneously working an array of muscle groups in tandem with each other. This is a popular option in the home gym equipment market because of its ease of use, accessibility, and low impact aerobic workout that it provides to the user as they engage in a fitness regimen over time.
The equipment is composed of lightweight materials that help maintain a low profile and aid in portability issues. These lightweight metals are durable under strain, but do not mimic the more bulky cousins of the elliptical machine, such as treadmills and their fairly immobile nature.
The equipment is easily moved or stowed if more floor space is needed, making it a great asset to those without much discretionary space available to put the equipment. Some parts of the device collapse inward, making the process a little easier by the function of the moving parts.
The elliptical machines brilliance is found in its engineering and function, because of the way that the body works against itself. This is combined with the way that the device harnesses momentum and inertia to aid in many repetitions over time.
As the user steps onto the machine, their feet are secured in a set of contoured foot supports, that allow the person to dig in with their legs while maintaining a steady stance, allowing stability even when a great amount of force or speed is applied. These foot supports lie on top of a pair of ski like poles that move around in a forward ovular motion, mimicking the motions of a ski machine or exercise bike.
These bars move around in ovular motion, snapping back to their original positions quickly and efficiency, which means that the user can power their legs and move these bars, and the momentum and motion will return the bars back for the next movement. This takes some of the strain and impact away from the user and refocusing the energy back into the legs themselves.
Connected to these bars are a pair of vertical bars that rise from the front of the foot supports. Attached to these bars are a pair of textured handles, allowing the individual to hold on as they move their legs about, adding to the overall stability of the stance.
These handles move back and forth toward the user's chest, and they move in direct inverse proportion to the foot movements beneath them. The speed of their movement relies on the power beneath them, however, the person powering the machine can elect to consciously pull the handles back toward themselves to alleviate leg strain and place more weight on their arms.
The natural elasticity of the body prominently comes into play at this time, as the limbs are extended and quickly snapped back into position. The elliptical machine uses the natural resistances of the muscles to work them simultaneously in order to improve strength levels and flexibility by virtue of the amount of repetitions and speed that the user elects to perform.
Understanding how the elliptical machine works is important for people if they want to appreciate how their workout is structured. The equipment is specifically designed to provide a full range of motion and give a thorough workout, all while remaining aerobic and low impact in nature.
