Cross Trainers
What is the best piece of excercise equipment for burning fat?
Whether it’s because you have a special occasion planned or you have just been overindulging recently, you have made the decision to get in shape. So, what’s the best exercise machine to choose?
The cross trainer is also known as an elliptical trainer. It was invented in 1995 by an engineer for Precor who created the idea for the machine by filming his daughter running alongside a car, while watching the motion of her legs. His idea was to take that exact motion and put it into a machine which puts less strain on the joints.
It works by combining the movements of the stair climber, treadmill and exercise bike. The machine simulates walking or running and makes your legs travel in an elongated circular motion, giving rise to the name elliptical trainer. It provides a low impact way of toning your upper body and legs at the same time and flexing your stomach and sides. This ensures an all over body workout and will also improve your general fitness and flexibility with regular use.
There are two types of cross trainer to choose from depending on your requirements. If you are on a limited budget and just require a simple workout then a belt cross trainer is for you. If, however, you are interested in building your fitness levels then a magnetic cross trainer will provide more resistance programs and enable you to enjoy a more advanced fitness session.
How to Use
To ensure you get the most out of your workout you should find a comfortable standing position with your spine kept in a straight position. The knees, hips and ankles should be aligned and your body weight distributed evenly between the heels and balls of the feet. While gripping the handrails, stride forwards or in reverse ensuring that the movements are smooth and continuous.
Equipment
A good pair of cross trainer shoes are recommended to ensure that the ankle is supported at all times. It is also advisable to ensure that the machine is placed and used on a non-slip surface in the home.
Advantages.
There are several advantages to using a cross trainer: -
Cross trainers are a low impact exercise machine and reduce the pressure on joints. This is because the user’s feet do not leave the pedals. The cross trainer is therefore an ideal exercise machine for those suffering with arthritis and bad joints.
They enable the user to burn a large number of calories depending on the intensity of the workout. This is usually between 8 and 12 calories per minute. Some of the more expensive models will also allow you to adjust the incline of the pedals allowing you to burn even more calories without any noticeable difference in effort required.
You can exercise at your own pace, allowing you to move at a comfortable speed yet also allow for the occasional burst of high intensity.
Cross trainers are available in all price ranges from £100 to £3000 plus, therefore making them affordable whatever your budget.
Cross trainers are generally quite compact and will easily fold away. When in use they will only need about the same space as a small sofa.
Cross trainers are powered by a standard AC mains power supply and are generally quite economical.
The cross trainer enables people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy an effective, efficient workout that can be tailored to individual requirements and capabilities. So, once you have made the first decision to start a new healthier lifestyle, make sure your second decision is a cross trainer!