If you are one of those people who visit the gym regularly without a specific plan in mind, then it is surely difficult for you to choose your cardio equipment. Elliptical machines, treadmills, indoor bikes, rowing machines, cross-trainers, they are all at your disposal. The only thing that you have to do is decide what is best for you every day.
Choosing between various cardio machines that you don’t know much about can be tiring and annoying. Your training experience could change completely if you would know which machine will bring you the best results.
If you are looking to become best friends with your gym’s cardio equipment, you are in the right place. In this article, you will learn all about the most popular two machines: the elliptical and the cross-trainer.
The elliptical machine
Wanting to lose weight and reshape your body is not enough. Most people would say that it takes extreme effort and sacrifice. We say that it is enough to use the right cardio machine that will help you lose weight and build muscles at the same time. The elliptical machine is the first choice of those who have the already mentioned goals.
An elliptical machine practically lets you work out both your lower body and your upper body at the same time. Its construction allows you to move your legs in ellipse motions, while holding the handles. Although it sounds simple, it is far more complex, because your core is put to a lot of work.
If you look at it from this perspective, training with an elliptical machine can be a bit more difficult than, let’s say, with an indoor bike. But if you look at the full side of the glass, it helps you burn more calories and fat, you get to sweat more and to train more muscle groups.
This machine is great for interval training and if you are looking to build a training routine that won’t have a high impact on your knees, this is ideal for you.
The cross-trainer
A cross trainer is an elliptical machine at its base. Practically, it is a type of elliptical equipment, because it implies moving your arms and legs in an ellipse motion. The main difference between this type of fitness equipment and the previous one is that you are required to use your arms while training. Unlike the elliptical trainer, the cross-trainer does not have fixed handles. Therefore, you are forced to raise your arms and involve your torso.
Training with a cross trainer can be both challenging and interesting, as you get to see how your body reacts in different situations. The advantage of modern fitness equipment is that it comes with preset workouts and you don’t have to worry about adjusting the settings in the right way.
Depending on how hard you want to work out using a cross-trainer, you can choose between several models that are available on the market. Even when going to your local gym, you will observe that there are probably two or three different types. The latest technology equipment has a center-drive type of design and adjustable incline. By adjusting the ramp, you can offer yourself an incredibly challenging training that will quickly show great results.
Cross trainers are often compared to treadmills when it comes to the level of difficulty. They are recommended for individuals who are looking for cardio trainings and muscle strengthening. One can burn a large amount of calories by using a cross trainer at least three times a week. Also, studies have shown that the psychological responses of those who use treadmills are very similar to those of individuals who use cross trainers.
Conclusion
Both the elliptical and the cross trainer are great choices if you want to build a workout routine around a cardio machine. They are great to work out with at the gym and at home. But the best thing about them is that they help you protect your knees. Unlike treadmills, elliptical trainers offer you a low impact training, yet as many fitness benefits as any other similar equipment.
Use one of the two if you are motivated to stay fit, to lose weight, to maintain a healthy body, improve your stamina, and strengthen your muscles or simply to improve your circulation. Take it step by step, especially if you are a beginner, and do not worry if you don’t feel tired enough. The body and the machine do what they have to do, while you relax and train at the same time.
