Elliptical Cross Trainers - Why They're Right For You

For most us doing exercise is a chore. We know we should do some but we lack inclination until one day we look in the mirror and don't like what we see or we have a minor health scare and we decide that we really need to get fitter.

Going to a gym can seem like a good idea with a whole host of equipment available but we all know that the drop out rate is high from these places. People get embarrassed exercising in front of strangers and they just get lazy about travelling to do exercise. And then, of course, there’s the cost.

So what about exercising at home? You don't have to have strangers staring at the less flattering parts of your body and there's no travelling involved. But then you have the task of deciding which one bit of exercise equipment you should go for that will get used and won't take up too much room.

Elliptical cross trainers are the ideal piece of equipment for both the dedicated and the less dedicated exerciser who is looking for a whole body workout. The cross trainer allows for weight bearing exercises, along with cardiovascular workouts and has the advantage being low impact. Unlike many other types of exercise equipment cross trainers provide exercise for the whole body without taking up a large amount of floor space.

A weight bearing workout allows you to strengthen muscles, improve bone density (especially important for women) along with burning calories.

Cardiovascular workouts allow you to improve your overall fitness as well as give your heart a workout. Most of these cross trainer machines allow you to increase the intensity of the workout over time.

One of the most important benefits that an elliptical cross trainer has is that the exercising you do is very low impact. As we start to age the joints are often one of the first areas of the body to deteriorate. With an elliptical machine there are no harsh, high impact movements causing further damage especially to the knees, ankles and hip joints like there are on a treadmill. This makes them ideal for people of all ages.

Another plus point about elliptical cross trainers is that you can find models that fold up. Any exercise equipment takes up space and although a cross trainer takes up less than other types of equipment it's good to know you can pack it away in a cupboard if you're really short of space or you're throwing a party.

So what about the problem of keeping up your interest in exercising? With an elliptical machine you are not confined to constant repetition of the same exercise routine again and again. They are flexible and allow you to vary which part of the body you want to target. And as the exercising doesn't need to be of a jolting, vigorous type you can do your 20 minutes, 3 times a week exercise while watching the telly.

For all round versatility and cost effectiveness it is difficult to beat an elliptical cross trainer whatever your age and ability.