Ellipticals have become a hot topic in the fitness world, and for good reason. In 2023, they dominated the market with a 43% share. But what makes them so popular? Dr. Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, Clinic Director of Physical Therapy Central’s West Edmond Clinic, shared with Yahoo Life the benefits and factors you should consider when thinking about an elliptical. Her expert advice is here to support and guide you in your fitness decisions.
Benefits of Ellipticals
Ellipticals offer a variety of benefits for fitness fanatics like:
- They’re low impact, making them friendly for your joints. “An elliptical is typically easier on your knees than a treadmill because it is a low-impact machine,” said Dr. Trachman.
- They provide a full-body workout that targets the legs, glutes, core, and arms.
- They offer customizable choices from interval training, hills, and target heart-rate programs.
- They improve balance and coordination for overall health.
Elliptical Factors to Consider
There are various kinds of ellipticals, so knowing what to look for is essential. Keep these factors in mind when purchasing an elliptical:
- Resistance options: make sure there are resistance options so you can tailor your workout accordingly. Do you want to do interval training or hills? That’s where the resistance comes in.
- Stride length options: 20 inches has been shown to comfortably fit most elliptical users between 5 feet 3 inches and 6 feet in height.
- Incline abilities: do you want to incorporate an incline during your workout? An incline will allow you to target different muscles and increase the intensity of your workout.
- Storage capabilities: most people prefer an elliptical with a place for their water bottle and phone or tablet when using the machine.
- Durability: make sure your machine can last a long time.
- Moving or fixed handlebars: The additional movement of arms during an elliptical workout increases calorie burn. This is a direct correlation with the more muscles required to work during a workout, the more calories burned. If you are targeting a full-body workout, it is best to incorporate arm movement. Try incorporating some fixed arm intervals into your workout to isolate core control and activation.
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Every machine you see at the gym or a fitness store has a different purpose. Please don’t force yourself to use the treadmill daily because you think it has the most benefits. While treadmills are great for cardiovascular workouts, ellipticals offer a low-impact alternative that can be easier on your joints. They also provide a full-body workout, targeting the legs, glutes, core, and arms. Ellipticals have other benefits than treadmills and may be better for you one day than a treadmill.
Our expert physical therapists are here to provide you with the personalized guidance you need on your path to relief and improved mobility. Early intervention can lead to quicker and more effective relief, allowing you to return to normal activities and what you love. Find a physical therapy location near you and let us reassure you that you’re on the right track to better health.