subject: Safely And Effectively Using Your Elliptical Machine [print this page] When you are on an elliptical you have to make sure that you are taking the time to consider your safety. Many people do not realize all of the safety hazards that can be present when they are on an elliptical.
First, if you are on a public elliptical you have to make sure that you are not picking up any germs. There are a lot of people that do not understand how many germs can survive on their exercise equipment.
In a public place, like a gym, you will have a large number of people touching the machines throughout their entire workout. If they touch their mouth or wipe their nose and then touch the equipment you can be exposed to their germs.
Before you get on the machine you should make sure that you have washed your hands adequately and that you have wiped down the machine. There are a lot of gyms that have sanitizing spray and paper towels available to all of the users.
Before and after your exercise you want to make sure that the piece of equipment has been adequately wiped down. If the gym you are using does not have sanitizing spray you can bring your own sanitizing wipes.
There are a lot of different cleaning companies that make single wipes that disinfect. Finding a wipe that you like and taking it to the gym can be a great way to stay healthy instead of being exposed to a large variety of germs.
If someone has a skin infection it may be transferable when they touch their equipment. There are so many different conditions that you can get from the equipment that it is unwise to not sanitize your machine before you get on.
Second, you want to make sure that you are never working out by yourself. When you are on the machine you should make sure that someone else at least knows you are on the machine and will be able to check on you.
If you get hurt on the machine it can be very hard to get up and find help. Some people can fall off of the machine and hit their head causing them to pass out which can be very dangerous if they are by themselves on the machine.
When you do workout by yourself you should make sure that you have a cell phone handy. It is also necessary to make sure that you are wearing a safety clip so the machine will stop moving if you fall off of it.
The nature of an elliptical will prevent the machine from continuing for a long time when you fall off, but even if the pedal hits you once when you fall it can be extremely painful. If you can workout in an area where other people are present this is your best option.
You should also make sure that you are not pushing yourself to hard. When you are on the machine you have to make sure that you are listening to your body and the signals and understanding when you have to step off of the machine.
Third, you want to make sure that you are preparing yourself before your workout. When you can take the time to stretch out your muscles and warm up you will be much more capable of finishing your workout safely.
There are a lot of people that neglect this part of their workout because they do not understand how important this is to having a safe workout. You do not want to hurt yourself during your workout and stretching will dramatically decrease those chances.
Distractions are also a great way to get hurt while you are on the machine. Even if you are listening to music or watching a television show you have to make sure that you are aware of your body and the machine.
Some people become so distracted that they have a misstep but and end up hurting themselves. When you are on the machine your main focus should be your ability to move your feet and stay safe on the machine.
You can have a safe and effective workout on an elliptical machine if you choose to have one. When you are getting on the machine make sure that you understand what you need to do to stay safe and get a good workout in.
The more that you are able to workout safely the better your results will be.
