4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Elliptical Machine

The popularity of elliptical machines has enabled a lot of people to keep their bodies fit and healthy even at their own homes. However, if you’re focused on a different type of exercise machine, then you might just be having an expensive mistake. Although this can also be a worthwhile investment, it will still depend on particular circumstances that you might want to consider. If you are planning to purchase one or trying to discard a slightly used elliptical machine, perhaps you should first look into the pros and cons of using this product.

List of Pros of Elliptical Machine

1. Low-Impact Exercise Equipment.
In contrast to walking or running, the use of elliptical machines will not put your joints for potential jarring when your feet hit the ground. Moreover, if you are suffering from arthritis or some joint-related ailment, the use of elliptical machines can provide your knees some break. For this reason, you will be able to exercise longer compared to just jogging, walking or running.

2. Effective Cardio Workout.
When using an elliptical machine, you will be able to do aerobic exercises to achieve great cardio workout. Some types of equipment even have adjustable resistance that should enable to build great muscle strength on the legs. Likewise, it will give a more challenging workout for the lower body. For other models, it will enable you to perform reverse pedaling motion to do a different workout. Moreover, some are designed to feature ski-like hand controls so that you can exercise your shoulders and arms to achieve a good workout for the entire body.

List of Cons of Elliptical Machine

1. Provide Limited Range of Exercise.
Exercises that require you to bear weight should offer protection versus osteoporosis, which should offer great importance for post-menopausal women. Nevertheless, the use of elliptical machines should offer minimum benefits in terms of weight-bearing. More so, some people find these types of machines hard to operate due to the need to initiate motion of the pedals which requires great effort.

This type of equipment also put an unequal amount of effort or strain to your lower body and your legs. This is imperative for most models that will offer arm and hand controls. For this reason, you have to supplement elliptical machine exercises to be able to gain full workout for your upper body and arms.

2. Costly Piece of Exercise Equipment.
Homes, health clubs, and gyms are the most popular places that an elliptical machine be spotted. When you have already paid for the gym membership fees, it will no longer be an extra expense. But, if you need to buy one for your home, you will have to pay from 100s to 1000s of dollars for some high-quality machines. This can be a very expensive workout equipment than just investing on a pair of shoes for jogging or walking. Likewise, this should be a very expensive fitness option that people can settle upon.

Perhaps the traditional jogging or walking routine to spend out in the open has long been forgotten. People might have already overlooked the benefits of the basic exercise routines because of the busy lifestyles that often hinder them from going out of their own homes. Well, if you are looking to buy an elliptical machine, try to ponder on the pros and cons first.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.