Facts on Front or Rear Elliptical Machines

If you are looking to get in shape, but have neither the space for a full gym or the ability to perform higher impact exercises, an elliptical machine is a great solution. With a wide range of styles in design and affordability, elliptical machines have been one of the low-impact choices made by doctors for people of varying conditions and skill levels -- from those suffering from arthritis to accomplished athletes.

  1. Ellipticals Combine Resistance and Cardio

    • If you are looking for a way to build up strength and stamina, the elliptical machine has been a popular choice for decades. Not too expensive and fairly portable, a front-drive or rear-drive elliptical machine combines the needed resistance training with cardio training for an all-around beneficial workout machine. Not only are these machines beneficial for targeting such areas, but they’re also easy on the joints. Easy to use, studies published by the "Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association" found elliptical machines to be a preferred piece of low-cost exercise equipment for those with chronic physical disabilities.

    How Ellipticals Work

    • Elliptical machines are typically divided into two categories: a front-drive or rear-drive elliptical machine. The difference in these two styles is the independence of movement between the sections of the equipment that exercise the lower-half from the upper half of the body. Equal resistance and a cycle of movement lend themselves to an easier, low-impact workout. Combining the similar movement of a treadmill with the mechanics of a stationary bike, an elliptical machine eliminates the wear on the joints caused by walking or running and the limited workout of a stationary bike. Because an elliptical machine also takes up little space and is relatively low in cost, they have been recommended by many exercise professionals to those looking for an easier way to work out.

    Your Gym Away From the Gym

    • For many, going to the gym is not only costly, but inconvenient. Leaving the house or a place of business in order to get a workout can seem like a chore that few wish to add to their daily list of activities. In addition to the commute, looking at the monthly invoice from a gym can make many wonder if they are actually getting their money’s worth. Because of the small amount of space elliptical machines require -- and many options having a relatively low price tag -- these pieces of exercise equipment can be a welcomed alternative. Elliptical machines provide a full-body workout without spending a fortune on a gym membership.

    Elliptical Health Benefits

    • Health professionals have found that patients suffering from joint conditions such as arthritis do not help their condition with rest, but rather exercise. The problem with this discovery is knowing where to draw the line on how much impact is recommended during activities. While many feel that swimming is the ideal exercise for those with such physical ailments that require low impact exercise, Robert Recker, a professor of Creighton University and an advisor to the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends exercises that require additional load-bearing tendencies of the body. Combining low-impact swimming with the load-bearing workout of an elliptical can benefit those in need of such exercise regimens.