subject: The Technology Behind The Elliptical Machine [print this page] The technology of the elliptical machine uses many different mechanisms in order to create a pattern of movement that involves the use of foot pedals. The goal of this type of movement is to mimic the natural path of the knee, hip joints, and ankle that is experienced while jogging, walking, running, and striding.
The basic technology of elliptical machines is comprised of a crank arm that is similar to that of a bicycle that rotates around the axis on one end and on the other end it attaches to a bar. As the crank rotates the rotating end moves linearly. Because one end of the bar is moving in a circular fashion and the other end is rotating in a linear fashion, the points that are in between the two ends of the bar are moving in an elliptical manner. The end that is closest to the crank moves in a circular ellipsis and the points on the bar move in a thinner, flatter ellipsis.
The biggest advantage of elliptical technology is that there is no impact on the lower limbs and back. This is very different than when a person is running a treadmill since the foot isnt continually being lifted off of the running surface and then striking that surface when the foot returns. On the elliptical machine, the feet and the feet pedals are in contact constantly which removes any impact.
There is also an impact force associated with stair stepper machines. Although the feet are in constant contact with the foot pedals, the pedals experience a reversal of direction that is almost instantaneous. The result is that the feet pedals have to move in one direction and then must stop and are then pushed in the opposite direction. There is impact to the joints in the lower body as a result of the force that is required to reverse the movement of the device.
An elliptical machine uses a smooth, continuous motion that doesnt experience any reversal of direction. The type of exercise that is experienced on an elliptical machine helps to prevent osteoporosis because it is weight bearing.
The elliptical machine helps with an upper body component of exercise since it simulates the pattern of natural walking. Many other types of exercise machines, either because of the structure of their mechanics or their pattern of movement simply dont allow for a workout of the total body. An elliptical machine provides a natural motion that offers a workout of the upper and lower body.
