Elliptical Trainers

1. Elliptical workouts are the new rage- for lots of reasons. While treadmills remain the most popular home exercise machine, the elliptical is quickly catching up. Why? It offers a thorough cardiovascular workout, it exercises both upper and lower body muscle groups, and it's easier on your back, knees, and ankles.

2. Twenty minutes a day keeps the doctor away! Research shows that as little as 20 minutes a few times a week using an elliptical trainer can improve upper and lower body strength, increase cardiovascular health, and reduce the effects of joint and back pain. Elliptical trainers and elliptical machines are ideal for people in rehabilitation, who are high-risk for injury, or for older people with sensitive knees, hips, and ankles.

3. Elliptical machines have other benefits as well. Because ellipticals can work both the upper and lower body, they increase the heart rate more quickly, improving workout efficiency and cardio health (often helping to reduce heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease). Plus, elliptical trainers are fantastic at increasing your metabolic rate, meaning more efficient weight loss because your body will continue to burn calories at an accelerated rate all day long.

4. Elliptical trainers kill the boredom of working out. Most elliptical machines feature preset programs that allow you to vary your exercise regimen and customize your workout intensity. Check out some elliptical options that feature technological compatibility such as the ability to hook up to the internet or play DVDs.

5. When trying to make the final decision between an elliptical and a treadmill for your home cardio workout, consider the following: elliptical machines are less stressful on your joints than hard running on a treadmill; elliptical trainers will work the entire body as opposed to the one-dimensional treadmill; and finally, elliptical machines can be pedaled backwards, thereby increasing the affected muscle groups for a more comprehensive workout.

6. Elliptical workout tip: elliptical machines can be tricky; remember to use proper posture, keeping your shoulders back and head up, while tightening your ab muscles in order to let your lower body support your weight and workout.

7. Elliptical workout tip #2: remember that an elliptical can be used in forward or reverse operation; be sure to use both functions for an all-over workout, but remember to use the included foot pedal safety features as you acclimate to a new form of exercise.