Sunday, May 3, 2009

Elliptical Machines: Exceptional Exercise Without the Joint Pain

By Brad Morgan

If you want to maximize the efficiency of your workout, while protecting your joints, the elliptical machine is the perfect choice.

These machines embrace your feet and allow you to simulate walking or running with a fluid motion. It is the closest that you will probably ever get to exercising without gravity.

Traditional methods of exercise can help you lose weight, but they can also lessen the functionality of other parts of your body. Running or jogging on cement is detrimental to your total joint health, especially that of your knees.

Exposing your joints to high-impact exercise regularly can lead to serious injuries. Shin splints are a common affliction, and your cartilage may even start to deplete. Both of these can cause moderate to severe pain.

In some cases, it may become necessary to stop or severely modify your exercise regimen. Daily activities may also be affected because of pain. A common example of an impact-related injury is when you experience inflammation in the posterior peroneal tendon. You may notice a manageable amount of pain at first, but it often progresses until you can no longer function as you used to.

The culprits are weight and gravity. When you do high-impact activities, these combine to put immense pressure and stress on the joints. Walking and jogging, even on softer treadmill surfaces, can be extremely detrimental to your long-term joint health.

Ideally, it is best to preserve these precious joints for as long as possible.

With life expectancy continually increasing well into the 60?s, 70?s and 80?s, it is vital that we protect our joints so that they will function well into later years of life.

How does one remain physically fit and healthy, then?

It is possible to exercise to minimize the stress on your joints. Working out in water is one way to eliminate the effects of gravity. Elliptical machines are another great choice.

The same amount of cardiovascular exercise gained through walking, jogging or using a treadmill is provided by an elliptical machine, but with much less effort and a complete elimination of joint stress.

You will also find that using an elliptical machine feels much easier due to the fluid, natural movement it encourages. And in contrast with a treadmill, you are also working your upper body. You can get a superior workout without damaging your body or straining your joints.

People love treadmills because of the convenience and versatility. Especially popular - and effective for workouts - is the incline feature. You can get this option, as well as both forward and reverse motions, with an elliptical machine.

Overall, elliptical machines provide you with more options. Go forward for great muscle-strengthening exercise. Then, to work a different muscle group, simply go in reverse. It is easy and safe. Walking, jogging, and running is difficult, to say the least, to do backwards. Besides being impossible on a treadmill, it is unsafe on a track or trail.

If you need a way to get a great workout, without the pain, an elliptical machine is your best option. It provides an exceptional exercise experience that will keep your joints happy for years to come.

About the Author:

No comments: