Treadmills, the benefits

May 26, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Workouts 

treadmillGenerally, we use treadmills to burn excess calories in our bodies. However, there are more advantages off using treadmills. For example, as a cardiovascular exercise, treadmills can improve stamina and offer a wide range of health benefits like other complex cardiovascular exercise routines. It can also absorb the shock when running. Treadmills can reduce strain to the ankles, knees and lower back since these parts are the boy parts mostly in level surface. Treadmills offer the benefit of reduced impact since all treadmills offer some sort of shock absorption. Exercising on a treadmill can reduce the strain to the ankles, knees and lower back that would be involved in running on a normal surface. As one exercise equipment, treadmills can facilitate exact calculation and adjustment of incline and pace, it can also help you “calculate” the amount of energy needed. Moreover, it can help you count your steps, monitor your heart rate and know the amount of calories you have burned.

However, there are also disadvantages with treadmills. One downside is that it can cost so much and the electricity you spend is much greater than just running outside. This can make you not use the treadmill and miss your exercise routine. Sometimes, treadmills can also take up space at some homes. In addition, if not use in the proper way, it can cause the user injuries or it can add more injuries to the user.

Advantages of an Elliptical Trainer

May 14, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Workouts 

ellipticalsElliptical training machines have a few advantages over other pieces of cardio equipment. Make sure you understand the benefits before you choose your workout.

1. Forward and Rearward Movement

All elliptical trainers off both a forward and a backward motion. This allows the user to target different sets of muscles with each direction. This in turn means that you can burn more calories and get a more complete defined and toned look.

Try walking backwards on a treadmill and you are sure to end up in the hospital.

2. Lower Impact Workout

Correctly designed ellipticals allow your body to mimic its natural stride pattern. An elliptical trainer workout feels as natural as walking or running. The fact that you are always in contact with the machine means that the impact of the workout is much lower than a treadmill for example.

If you tend to have knee, hip or back problems then an elliptical trainer is for you. It is because of this reason that many older people tend to use elliptical machines.  They are also excellent for rehabilitation of certain injuries.

3. Whole Body Workout

As you use your arms whilst on an elliptical trainer, the body receives a much better workout. The fact that more of the body is involved means that it is much easier to elevate the heart rate to the zones needed for either fat loss or improved fitness. This is all achieved whilst keeping a sense of lower exertion, you can burn a lot of calories whilst still feeling as if your workout was relatively easy.

With these advantages over other traditional pieces of equipment, why would you choose anything else?