The Amazing Elliptical

As we all know, exercise is important. Determining the right kind of exercise for you can be a very personal and individual thing. As we noted in yesterday's article on jumping rope, some people are not able to do the traditional on-your-back abdominal work due to back problems, etc., and jumping rope can be a great alternative for some amazing ab work.

For some, the repeated pounding from every footfall of a walking, jogging, running, or aerobic routine can be difficult to tolerate. It can also cause knee problems down the road if you are a serious, consistent exerciser. The alternative to hard-to-tolerate high (or low) impact exercise, is  no-impact exercise. 

My first experience with the elliptical machine was several years ago toward the end of a pregnancy. Our family joined the local YMCA, and it didn't take long for me to be absolutely in love with the elliptical machine! Those days I got my cardio exercise dividing my time between the treadmill and the elliptical, as well as sometimes getting on the stationary bike.

The elliptical became a very important cardio machine to me the last few weeks, even days, of my pregnancy, because it allowed me to continue extremely vigorous exercise, with no impact, even until the day before the baby was born. Normally at 9 months pregnant, it is very difficult to get good cardio exercise. But I will never forget how amazing it felt to step on the elliptical with my huge belly, and work myself until sweat was everywhere. I didn't feel that awkward, waddling feeling at all--until I got off and started walking again, of course.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. An elliptical trainer allows you to control the intensity of your workout. If you are short on time, the elliptical is a great way to get that vigorous exercise, cutting your cardio in half! Start out moderate and work your way to vigorous--if you're dedicated, it won't take long before you will have to have that hand towel on hand to wipe the sweat off your face several times during your workout!

An elliptical workout will help to strengthen your heart, condition your body, burn lots of calories, and help you lose body fat fast. And while it is no replacement for strength training, a good elliptical workout will help you strengthen your muscles and build endurance.

So check it out! It may take some getting used to, but it won't take long for you to fall in love with a good elliptical workout!