Pros & Cons of Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines line the walls of many fitness clubs. People use this piece of machinery as part of their exercise weight loss regimens. The machines are a mixture between a treadmill and an exercise bike. People using them have to stand on pads, hold onto handles and circle their feet as if they are riding a bike in a standing position. Before using stepping foot on them, especially if you're an exercise novices, you should consider the pros and cons of elliptical machines.

  1. Calories Burned

    • Elliptical machines make the list as one of the best calorie-burning pieces of equipment on the market. Individuals can burn as much as 350 calories in 30 minutes.

    Stamina

    • Because the elliptical machine mimics fast-paced walking or running, people can build stamina if they continue working out on these machines.

    Weight Loss

    • For many people, the ultimate advantage of adding elliptical machines to their workouts is how quickly they lose weight and fit into their clothes.

    Muscle Building

    • As good as elliptical machines are at burning calories and strengthening the heart, they don't build or tone muscles, especially in the abdominal area. So, individuals will have to add weight training and toning to their regimens.

    Injury

    • Another disadvantage of elliptical machines is that injury is possible if the machines are not used correctly. Users can fall off the equipment or hurt their knees if the right resistance is not used.

    Boredom

    • Like treadmills and exercise bikes, elliptical machines get boring after a while. Even when users listen to music or have television monitors around, they get tired of doing the same motion over and over again.