Why Elders Prefer Elliptical Trainers

Knee problems are bound to increase as we age. This joint that we depend upon is accustomed to being used and abused through years of life, exercise, and competitive sports. Ultimately, it becomes more vulnerable to sprains or strains, particularly when osteoarthritis arises.

Muscles throughout the body are designed to support the skeletal system. This remains true, regardless of our age. Yet, as we accumulate more years, muscle quality more easily degrades. It is vital to maintain strength, agility, and presence of that muscle tissue.

Consulting a physician is always essential prior to starting a new type of exercise. Once this has been accomplished, choosing a plan that is enjoyable and invigorating builds motivation to continue with it consistently.

While there are many recommendations for programs and machines on the market, few are gentle and forgiving on the knees. One of these few continues to be highly rated as a favorite among all age groups and fitness levels. Their slogan says it all: NordicTrack – Building the world’s best elliptical machines.

For those who are unfamiliar, an elliptical trainer is a type of hybrid that blends the best features available from a treadmill, a stair climber, and a cross-country skiing simulator. Through its smooth motion, it provides a welcome alternative to the punishing impact of pounding the pavement. At the same time, it also offers all of the advantages of an effective cardiovascular workout.

This equipment dominates in professional gyms and health clubs, as well as throughout the home fitness market, for good reasons. Elliptical use can be easily paced or stringent, and both the resistance and incline can be modified. As people have become accustomed with treadmills, programmed options can be selected. Now, instead of programs, a user also can set the pace individually with a comfortable or swift walk, steady jog, or sprint.

Smooth movement of the mechanics helps to encourage proper posture, and engage muscle groups effectively. Whether the focus is concentrated on building quadriceps, gluteal muscles, or hamstrings, all of the necessary tools are built into the elliptical machine. It is designed specifically to enable safe and efficient development of muscle tissue, while simultaneously providing an opportunity to condition the heart and lungs with cardio training.

Understanding how the machine functions, and why it is effective, also leads to better comprehension of how it benefits those who are recovering from injuries or suffering from arthritis. Exercise physiologists are known to favor the elliptical trainer due to its capacity for gentle and gradual progress toward renewed muscle strength and user endurance.

An ability to use the elliptical pedals and sequences in reverse injects an additional boost to stale workout routines as well. Muscles need to be challenged in order to remain in optimal condition. They easily adjust to a training routine, and their development can therefore plateau. Treading backward on an elliptical trainer means approaching muscles from a different angle, and surprising them. When accomplished with form and care, this variation yields additional improvements in muscle structure and strength.

Those striving for premium health and overall fitness at any age can benefit from an elliptical trainer. Its smooth motion and variety of training methods have earned it widespread adoption as a favorite tool. These same design elements make it ideal for those rehabilitating after injuries, or striving to stay fit despite joint pain and arthritis battles. The NordicTrack elliptical is certainly worth a second look.

About the Authors:

Joyce G. is a professional health blogger and writer. She currently partners with Nordictrack – Building the worlds best elliptical machines in raising awareness about the importance of health and fitness. NordicTrack has come to symbolize the means for serious athletes and fitness-buffs alike to “get ready for adventure,” whatever that may be.