Showing all posts tagged ‘cross trainer benefits’
Mar01
Elliptical cross trainers are a type of machine that combines the mechanics of running with the body motions off cross country skiing. The result is a long, smooth stride that is measured in flywheel rotations that determine the speed and distance of your workout.
Cross trainers are a great way to condition different muscle groups, level a new set of skills and reduce boredom that sets in after months of doing the same exercises. Cross training also allows you to vary the stress that is placed on particular muscles and even your cardio vascular system. After months of performing the same movements your body becomes efficient at performing the same exercises, although that great for competition, it limits your overall fitness and reduces the conditioning you get whilst training, you tend to then maintain a certain level of fitness rather than progress and improve.
Benefits of cross training
- Strengthens cardio vascular system, bones, muscles, joints
- Reduces body fat
- Reduces exercise boredom
- Produces a higher level of all around conditioning
- Reduces the risk of Injury
- You can work some muscles giving other time to rest and recover.
- Improves skill, agility and balance.
What exercises could make up a good cross training routine?
- Running
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Stair Climbing
- Basketball (and other court sports)
- Swimming
- Skating
Strength training
- Push ups, crunches and pull ups
- Machines
- Free weights
Flexibility exercises
Speed, agility, and balance exercises
Circuit training
With cross training you can do one form of exercise each day, or more than one in a day if you feel like it. If you decide to do both in one day then you can change the order in which you do them. You can tailor cross-training to suit your personal needs and interests. Mix and match sports and change your routine on a regular basis.
Orbus Atlantic Pro Elliptical with Wireless Chest Strap
Tags: buying a cross trainer, buying fitness equipment, cross trainer benefits, cross trainer workout, exercise at home, fitness equipment
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Oct06
Want to get in shape? Want a piece of fitness equipment that can deliver a great cardio workout effectively and safely? If you have answered “Yes” to either of these questions then you should consider buying an Elliptical Cross Trainer.
The elliptical cross trainer is one of the most sought after pieces of home gym equipment right now and its popularity looks set to eclipse that of the treadmill, which for years has been the “King” of the fitness world. The advantages of the elliptical cross trainer are there for all to see; not only does the machine workout your whole body, but unlike running or lifting weights the action is low impact, meaning far less chance of injury or strain. Plus, the routine is so simple that even the first time user will have no problems getting a challenging yet really effective workout.
When buying an elliptical cross trainer there are a number of things that you ought to consider in order to get the most for your money.
Budget should be your first consideration. Set yourself a budget and try to stick to it. However, pay close attention to the specification of the machines which fall into your budget and consider upgrading if your pocket will allow. For a little extra cash you may get a whole host of added features that will give your workout that added oomph!
Specification is important and as mentioned above, try and stretch your budget so you get the highest spec possible. Little extras such as an onboard computer to monitor distance, calories, heart rate and time can really help to keep you motivated and to push yourself harder during your workout. Look out for things such as a large fly-wheel and a high weight capacity. The sturdier the cross trainer the better!
Make some room for it! A good quality elliptical cross trainer will be fixed in position, meaning it cannot be folded away. Make sure you have the room for it and if possible dedicate one room in your home to exercise. Add a stereo or TV and before you know it you will have your very own personalised home gym to rival your local health club.
With regular use an elliptical cross trainer will help to boost your overall level of health and fitness and will shape up your body, adding tone and definition to your muscles whilst also aiding weight loss (provided you are eating right). This is an item of fitness equipment that no home gym should ever be without.
Tags: buying a cross trainer, buying an elliptical cross trainer, cross trainer benefits, cross trainers, cross trainers for sale, elliptical cross trainer
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Jun16
Elliptical trainers were developed by Larry D. Miller, who examined the idea for the equipment by filming his daughter jogging alongside his car, concentrating on her leg and arm motion. His theory was to use this motion and put it into a machine that would create the same exercise, with much less strain on the joints.
The elliptical cross trainers we see today are considered to be the ultimate cardio minimal-impact trainers. There are two common types elliptical trainer prevalent in the market today, categorized by the motor or “drive” position. The original design is the “rear drive” type. The more recent “front-drive” elliptical was the second generation design.
Cross trainers are mainly driven via leg motion, and most have handles connected to each pedal-link for the purpose of enabling an exercise burden to also be borne by the arms, which provide a secondary source of driving power. This allows the user to gain a ‘whole body’ workout to much greater effect than, for instance, a bike or walker.
Now, elliptical trainers are not for everyone, with some enthusiasts preferring the traditional nature of the treadmill, however the elliptical can provide a more rounded workout, so the growth in popularity has been huge. The ‘soft’ nature for the impact on legs and joints is another issue that draws people to these machines which overall can undoubtedly provide the most natural form of cardio exercise which can be enjoyed in the comfort and security of your own home.
Tags: buying a cross trainer, buying fitness equipment, cross trainer benefits, cross trainer workout, cross trainers, elliptical cross trainers, exercise, fitness equipment, running machine, staying healthy, treadmill
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Apr14
When it comes to the cross trainer exercise machine, there are numerous benefits over other types of fitness exercise machines. The cross trainer gives an overall body workout. In comparison it is a workout that can only be derived from using a combination of several different machines if you don’t use a cross trainer. In addition to being a fun machine to work out on, cross trainer benefits include shaping and toning your body.
The cross trainer exercise machine is an excellent machine if you’re looking for a piece of gym equipment to place in your home. The machine is slender in profile so it has the flexibility of fitting in a variety of different rooms. Since the cross trainer exercise machine provides a full body workout, it can take the place of several machines that you might be considering placing in your home. The beauty of having a cross trainer in your home is that you can work out on your schedule. You will never have to wait for another treadmill or bicycle at the local health spa again. There is also the benefit of not having to waste time driving to and from the gym. So, having this piece of equipment in your home is just another one of the cross trainer benefits.
The cross trainer can be used by a person of any level of athletic ability. Whether you have participated in organized sports or not, the cross trainer is definitely for you. It requires no special coordination or movements which could be viewed as being difficult. At first glance, the look of a cross trainer could be intimidating to many people. But once you jump on and give it a try, you’ll see after a very short time that it becomes effortless. When it comes to a lot of other exercise equipment, this machine can be used by people of all levels adding to the long list of cross trainer benefits.
When people think of exercising on a diet plan, few think of the cross trainer as a good way to burn a lot of calories. The truth is, working out on a cross trainer gives the added benefit of performing an exercise using your upper and lower body. Compared to a machine like the treadmill, you are burning more calories because you’re not just moving your lower body. Working out on a cross trainer while dieting is excellent because you have the ability to change the resistance and make the workout easier or more difficult. That basically means you can customize the machine to help you burn the amount of calories you want during a set time.
If you are considering investing in a piece of exercise equipment, consider the numerous cross trainer benefits. It provides an overall body workout and is fun to do. Also, keep in mind that it is extremely easy to use and help you shape and tone your body. Your workout will also be done on your time with the cross trainer in your home. When researching other machines on the market, it will be hard to deny the cross trainer benefits outweigh them all.
Tags: cross trainer benefits, cross trainer exercises, cross trainer workout
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Mar03
If you have bought a cross trainer you need to start a regular exercise programme that will show results. It is important to understand exactly how a cross trainer works to be able to achieve the best results and maintain them. Cross trainers work on the principle of a low impact workout that covers all areas of the body in some easy to use machine. The cross trainer has been designed to minimise the impact on all of the joints of the body by ensuring that you do not lose contact with the foot pedals at any time. Your foot stays flat on the pedals and using the arms levers as resistance you will start to stride in an elliptical manner. This has been designed to copy the movements of a cross-country skier so that all of the major muscle groups are exercised at the same time.
Using your cross trainer correctly is the key:
- Always keep your feet flat on the foot pedals. You do not have to lift your feet off the pedal at any time during your exercise routine.
- Try not to rotate or swivel your waist to mimic the movement of your feet. A cross trainer will show the best results if you face forward all of the time. Stand as straight as possible and let the machine guide your movements.
- The arm levers are there for a reason. Use the arm levers to provide the maximum amount of resistance as this will improve the quality of your workout.
- Have a varied programme. You can use your cross trainer to provide a full selection of different exercise routines depending on your fitness level as well as the type of exercise you want to do.
- You can vary the programmes so that you do some cardio exercise by using the sprint programme and then do a steadier hill climb setting if you want to tone and shape your body.
You will find a wide choice of cross trainers on the market. Cheap cross trainers are ideal if you are on a tight budget and want to get fit at home. To keep from getting bored you can always plug in your MP3 player and listen to music while you are exercising. The great thing about having a piece of home exercise equipment is that you can exercise while watching television or a DVD. You do not have to trek to the gym and you can warm up and cool down in the comfort f your own home. A cross trainer gives you the flexibility that you have been looking for.
Tags: cross trainer benefits, cross trainer workout, cross trainers, exercise, how to use a cross trainer
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