Elliptical Trainers ? Glide Your Way to Good Health

The Diet Exercise Dilemma

Your doctor has just told you that you need to lose those 5 extra pounds that you gained over the Holiday Season. It wouldn't sound so bad if you would have taken his advice five years ago. Those 5 pounds have turned to 25 and that seems like the end of the world as you know it. If that wasn't enough, there was more good news. He told you that you need to work on your cardiovascular system and slim down as well! So now what are going to do?

A Possible Solution.

Who has time for all the effort that goes into getting and keeping fit? Who has money for personal trainers? We aren't all Brads and Janets! Let's face it, we have very good reasons that make us want to get into an exercise program, but deep down, we don't want to work that hard. A cross trainer sounds about as inviting as a low carb dinner. But don't despair! The answer to this unpopular situation may lie in the form of an elliptical trainer. This amazing machine may have been "under" your Christmas tree last year. Don't fret if it's taken doctor's orders to scare you into improving your cardio vascular health. Your future starts now, so let's get on with it.

The Fitness Routine

The key to success in the exercise realm is having a good fitness routine. It has to be interesting, motivational and show results fairly quickly. This is where a machine can really enhance the effort you are making meet to meet your fitness goals. A fitness routine that becomes routine is the quickest way to defeat all your good intentions. The following are some ways to make fitness fun and something that you look forward to rather than dread.

Motivation, Music, and Mirth
First off, don't feel bad if you are off to a late start on this fitness routine. Congratulate yourself; you've started by opening the box. To improve your motivation to work out at home without a personal trainer, there are things you can do to ensure that you stick to a routine for the long term.

Ellipticals and a motivational DVD can turn your home into a great private ladies fitness centre. Invite some of your friends, even the skinny ones to meet at your house and take turns on your new toy! With upbeat music and high energy generated by women on an exercise mission, you'll be amazed at how fast the time flies and the fat melts. Pick up some great tunes off the internet. Plan a "get together" at least twice a week for exercise parties! Pick a team leader and delegate who will bring a tape, who will bring munchies (think long term fitness), who helps to clean up and so on. These get-togethers don't have to be at your house all the time, but if you're the one with the elliptical trainer, odds are; the party's at your house.

Going Solo
This is probably the hardest exercise regime to stick to on an ongoing basis. But sometimes your health demands it and you have to do what you have to do. This is where elliptical trainers, some good tunes and exercise videos can team up to make solo exercise not only doable but almost fun! Precor, Proform, Healthrider and Nautilus web sites have numerous exercise videos that are available. You can choose from Aerobics to Pilates and any variation in between. Some of the personalities that lead these videos can be quite entertaining. Some ellipticals have a spot to hold a book in place, if that is what works for you.

The Fitness Equipment

If you are serious about getting fit and maintaining a specific fitness level, it's a good idea to invest in a few machines. If you live in a climate that makes regular outdoor exercise a challenge it is a must to own at least one elliptical trainer and a treadmill.

There are numerous types of fitness equipment available and each are made to attain specific exercise goals. Various machines better enhance the cardio vascular function but are very hard on the skeletal muscular joints. The following is a brief comparison of two fairly similar machines available today.

Elliptical trainers vs. treadmills

One of the key advantages of elliptical trainers is the gliding motion. There is very little chance for a sports injury due to high impact. Ellipticals are glided by the rider whereas the treadmill is constant forward motion. A study at Washington State University found that there was less chance of orthopedic injury if a person's exercise plan used elliptical trainers only. Elliptical trainers include upper body conditioning as they are a combination stair climber and ski machine.

Walking, on the other hand is considered an excellent weight bearing exercise that is accessible to everyone. A treadmill provides an opportunity to walk or run even if weather conditions are poor.

If you consider the two fitness machines and how they work, a person would need to live at the YWCA to fully meet all exercise needs. The person who is embarking on an exercise plan is the one who needs to decide which type is most suited to them. A personal trainer can be very helpful in making this type of decision. Most health clubs provide a free one time only evaluation. There isn't an obligation for this free advice other than a little pressure to join the health club. So try before you buy and pick up some free trainer advice.

The Skinny on Buying Fitness Machines

Fitness machines are not inexpensive investments. Your health demands suitable exercise machines but your pocketbook demands economy. Some ads (they always seem to run in January) tout a whole fitness gym incorporated in one little box that will fit in the trunk of your car. It's small, cheap and if you listened to the sales pitch, "portable". Buyers beware! Cheap cardio vascular exercise machines can mean more expense in the long run. Some of the not so recognizable brands have been known to fall apart after less than a dozen uses.

Avoid "no name" equipment or the type that you've seen advertised as cheap miracle workers. If it seems too good to be true, it is. A fitness machine is a good investment in your health so don't stint. Investigate brands like Precor, Nordic Track, Nautilus and Smooth. These companies have been in the exercise business since the beginning. The brands are well established and respected for a reason. Talk to the person at your local exercise equipment store. And again, try before you buy.

Elliptical Trainers may not work out for you or maybe you'll love working out on these exercise machines so much that trading up is an option. That is why it is so important to keep resale value in mind before you buy. Ellipticals are the hottest cardio workout machine out there today and good name brands hold their value well.

Space constraints, "small footprints"
If your living space consists of a small 2 bedroom apartment, you will have a different perspective than people who live in 7000 square foot homes. The beauty of ellipticals is the "small footprints" or small surface area needed for the machine to be used. There are numerous types of these cardio vascular low impact machines that will fit into small inconspicuous corners.

The Last And Only Word On Diets

This story would not be complete if we didn't talk about dieting. Personally I hate diets. The only diet that works is the one that you stick to. There are numerous diet books out there that are both faddish and downright bad for your overall health. The best diet is the one that is combined with regular exercise. Following the food guide will point you in the right direction of which type of food you have to limit and which types of food you can indulge in (guilt free, of course). Keep your portions to a reasonable size and forget the term "super size" anything!

An elliptical trainer combined with a sensible diet is an excellent way to make those extra 5 or 25 pounds disappear, improve your cardio-vascular health and, trim off the totally unnecessary couple of inches that accumulated while you weren't paying attention. It's never too late and in the now immortal words of Nike: "Just Do It".

? 2005 http://www.best-elliptical-trainers.com.

About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers on a wide array of topics including elliptical trainers, rowing machines, and more.

---

Who Else Knows These Facts About Trampolines

"El trampolino" was the Mexican word for "diving board", and one of the many words in common usage, which was once actually trademarked as "trampoline".The first gold medal awarded in Olympic trampoline competition,... Read More

Epic Treadmills ? Good Value Or Not?

Epic treadmills are well known in the treadmill market for their budget range of treadmills. Epic treadmills are one of the lines of treadmills manufactured by Icon fitness, the largest of all the... Read More

Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages

There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you've heard. It's almost... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Ratings - Of Rants and Ratings

A large selection of elliptical trainer ratings can be found in every website upon pressing the keywords on a search engine. But what exactly is a credible elliptical trainer rating?Elliptical trainer ratings, when... Read More

How to Shop for a Treadmill

Treadmills have become the hottest home exercise choice. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, treadmill sales have exceeded those of all other home exercise equipment.It's easy to understand why. Next to good... Read More

Cycling Your Way To Fitness - Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall Fitness

Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall FitnessIn all the craze over new fangled fitness equipment, the exercise bike often gets overlooked. Stationary exercise bikes have been around for many... Read More

Why Buy A Treadmill?

Buying a home treadmill? Treadmills are still the most popular choice among exercise equipment buyers today. Why do many people invest in a home treadmill? Here are the major benefits of buying your... Read More

Questions You Must Answer Before Buying a Treadmill

Who is using the treadmill?It is important to know the number of people using the treadmill, the weight of the heaviest person and how everyone will exercise using the treadmill.The number of people... Read More

Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps

Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairmentsCurb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people who use wheelchairs would not be... Read More

A Natural History Of Trampolines

Walrus skins - It has been said that the first type of trampolining was done by the Eskimos who used to toss each other up into the air on a Walrus skin; something... Read More

Whirlpool Baths: The Way To Good Health

For hundreds of years, mankind has recognised the soothing, remedial effects of bathing. Several decades ago the medical profession acknowledged the benefits of hydrotherapy and began to prescribe the use of whirlpool baths... Read More

A Gorgeous Flooring for Yoga and Exercise, Tatami Interlocking Mats

Tatami interlocking floor mats are presented by InterlockingFloorMat.com. This Tatami mat is new generation and comfortable flooring for Yoga, Martial Arts and Exercise Schools.Most of Yoga, Martial Arts, Karate, Judo, Child-care Centers, Fitness... Read More

Whats The Best Way To Care For Your Trampoline?

Your trampoline can be an expensive item, so it's important to properly care for it. Here's some useful tips :* Don't Let Kids sit/stand or play with the frame pads. The pad is... Read More

Cheap Elliptical Trainers From An Industry Giant

From its humble beginnings as a part time business for two college students in Utah, ICON Health and Fitness has grown into one of the world's largest manufacturers of fitness equipment. The company's... Read More

Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment and MedicareWith costs of the most common durable medical equipment reaching upwards of $1,200, the need for payment by Medicare is substantial. This increased cost of medical equipment forces elderly... Read More

Working Out On The Reebok Elliptical Trainer

The Reebok elliptical trainer is a large machine with mostly self contained parts. This makes it difficult for the owner to do repairs and maintenance himself. There is very little problem with the... Read More

Boost Your Health by Choosing the Perfect Treadmill

Treadmills are very popular methods of exercise. These exercise machines have been helping people lose weight and get in shape for many years now. Buying a treadmill is not hard but if you... Read More

Do You Know The History Of Trampolines As Exercise Equipment?

The manufactured trampoline, as we know it today, was created by two men, George Nissen and Larry Griswold. Around 1935, Griswold, then the assistant gymnastics coach at the University of Iowa, and Nissen,... Read More

Treadmill Reviews ? Helping You Find The Best Treadmill For YOU!

With a multitude of different treadmills available today, it can be extremely difficult to know which one might be the best one for you ? it can be so overwhelming that you simply... Read More

Mobility Scooters: An Introduction

Mobility scooters are designed for people who have some mobility but are challenged by slopes or distances. A wide variety of mobility scooters, in various price ranges, are available to fit your needs... Read More

Buying A Treadmill - 3 Common Mistakes Most Buyers Make

Buying a treadmill? Congratulations on making an investment in your health!But if you want to save yourself lots of pain and loads of money, steer clear of these 3 common mistakes that most... Read More

Benefits of A Compact Elliptical Machine

With the fitness craze that is going on across the world today, the elliptical trainer is becoming very popular more popular in the average household today. In part, because the once expensive elliptical... Read More

Stop Kidding ? No Home Gyms Allowed

Home GymsNot long ago my wife went shopping for home gyms. No not for her but of all people for me. I was devastated. The idea, me exercise? I sit and work at... Read More

Horizon Treadmills Offer Top Features For the Lowest Price

Highly rated by numerous experts in the fitness field, Horizon treadmills offer a well-constructed piece of excercise equipment for a reasonable price. Created by the Johnson corporation, Horizon treadmills are aimed towards the... Read More

What Are The Main Benefits Of Trampoline Exercise?

Many people might look at someone bouncing on a trampoline and wonder what all the excitement is about. But the truth is, trampolines are great for physical fitness of children and adults, as... Read More

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle groups than a treadmill.While both are... Read More

How Treadmills Compare To Other Types Of Home Fitness Equipment

When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or run. These are natural activities for us. They can have practical applications, such as getting from one place to another. They require less... Read More

Proform Treadmills and iFit Technology ? The Right Combination for Workout Success!

We all want to achieve the toned and slender look that working out gives your body, right? Strong and sleek and ready to be shown off ? what's not to love! Unfortunately, achieving... Read More

What To Do Before Buying A Treadmill

Considering buying a treadmill? There are several factors to consider before deciding on which treadmill make and model.Belt size, speed, horsepower, displays, deck cushioning - all of these aspects can influence your choice... Read More