subject: Increasing Abilities On The Elliptical [print this page] The use of exercise equipment is one of the quickest growing areas in which people better themselves at home. There are many options available, which offer a myriad of physical benefits that target a wide array of muscle groups and systems within the body of the user.
The elliptical machine is one of the preferred options in this area, because of the way that it is engineered to provide an array of physical benefits, as well as an inclusive workout for the user. Along with the obvious benefits that are provided to certain targeted areas on the equipment, such as the limbs, there is also a variety of passive benefits that arise as a result of use that may not be expected.
The elliptical machine has obvious areas of focus that are workout out and improved. Examining how these muscle groups are exercised and how the overall workout experience improves the individual is something that bears further examination.
Firstly, the legs are the primary muscle group that is exercised while using an elliptical machine. The legs are used to power a set of contoured foot supports in an ovular motion, with the difficulty of the movements being determined beforehand by the user.
These motions mimic those that would be found on a bike or ski machine, and are an important part of a workout that improves the legs without any harmful jolts or impacts that would be found in traditional activities like running. The ovular motion allows for quick repetition over a long period of time without undue strain, and the constant movement completely takes the momentum out of each motion when it reaches its lower apex, completely focusing the fitness session on the muscles groups themselves.
The arms are the other primary benefactors from the effort that is input into the device by the user. There are a set of protruding handles that rise vertically at about chest level that are grasped by the user as they go about their activity.
These handles move forward and back in direct relation to the movement of the legs, since they are directly connected to the lower bars which are being moved around by the legs of the participant. Thus, the movement and speed of the handles rely entirely on the physical input of the participant.
Grasping these handles can be used in two different ways. They can either be used to passively strengthen the arms, or they can be actively engaged to give the arms a brisk workout.
Because of the sheer amount of repetitions involved in the activity, simply using the handles to balance and give greater impetus to the movement of the legs can passively strengthen the arms. This effect is one that occurs over time, as the individual increases their capacity and engages is many thousands of repetitions, essentially amplifying a passive effect through movement.
Conversely, by actively pushing the handles and lessening the load on their legs, the user can strengthen their arms and become stronger, because they are physically engaged in many difficult repetitions. How the handles are used is entirely the decision of the participant, based on how they want to focus their efforts.
Along with the obvious focus on certain areas of the body, the elliptical machine also improves other areas of the body by virtue of design and movement. Examples of this effect can be found in the core and the abdominal muscles of the participant.
The core is toned and strengthened by virtue of the twisting and bending that the ovular motion gives, combined with the handles. Again, this improvement is one of passive nature, because the sheer amount of repetitions will provide an excellent benefit to the core.
The effect on the abdominal muscles occurs because they are flexed and strained as the body tries to support other areas that are feeling fatigued. To provide a more active benefit, the user can consciously push with them while exercising.
Using an elliptical machine is a great way to improve the overall range of physical abilities of the user. Because of the unique way in which the equipment works various parts of the body simultaneously, these systems are strengthened and improved, as well as areas like coordination and reaction time.
