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Thursday 31 January 2013

Requirements for an elliptical trainer

Every die hard runner prefers to go outside for a run but every now and then you have to resort to other training methods. No matter the reason the elliptical trainer is a good indoor alternative. It mimics the stride from running, training the same muscles at roughly the same levels of intensity from the perspective of cardio fitness.

"Why not going for a treadmill?" I can hear you think. It is completely similar to running outside. That is not entirely true. Because on a treadmill every stride is exactly the same as the previous whereas outside the pavement, or better still, the trails in the park changes all the time forcing you to change your stride. This avoids a monotone movement.
And yes the elliptical trainer is monotone as well as a treadmill but without the impact of the strides. With this in mind it is a good cross training method for runners.
Wanna buy one for yourself? First answer the following questions:
  • How much space do I have available for the elliptical trainer?
  • What is the body weight and length it can handle?
  • Do I want a more heavy and stable frame or is it more important that I can easily move it around the house?
  • Do I want to workout on various resistance levels?
  • Do I want adjustable pedals for different users?
  • What is the stride length (which is more important than the height)?
  • Do I want a display and/or programmable exercises?
Did you answer the questions? Now you can find a suitable trainer matching the requirements you wrote down answering the questions. For example on Amazon.

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