The elliptical training machine, also known as the cross trainer or elliptical trainer, has become popular in many gyms and homes worldwide. With its low-impact nature and full-body workout capabilities, it’s no wonder that it has gained such popularity. Delve into the origins of the elliptical training machine and its evolution and impact on the fitness industry.
Early Elliptical Machines
Elliptical training machines first entered the fitness scene in the 1990s. What made early models stand out was that they solely targeted the lower body and mimicked the motion of walking or running. Unlike treadmills, they had pedals that the user could stand on and move in an elliptical motion. This feature provided a smoother and more natural movement compared to traditional cardio equipment at the time.
By the late 1990s, manufacturers added handles that moved back and forth, providing an upper-body workout. This innovation made the elliptical trainer a full-body workout option, appealing to those seeking a high-intensity cardiovascular exercise that engages the arms, back, and core muscles.
Modern Elliptical Machines
Now that we’ve discussed the origins of the elliptical training machine, let’s discuss modern machines. Thanks to technological and material advancements, elliptical trainers have become more compact, efficient, and customizable. Likewise, users can alter the resistance level, set pre-made programs, and even monitor their heart rate.
Moreover, countless variations of elliptical machines are available in the market, each with its unique design and features. Some of the most popular elliptical trainers include:
Standard Elliptical
The standard elliptical machine is ideal for novice and experienced users. It offers a low-impact cardiovascular workout that reduces joint strain. These machines have stationary handlebars at the front that you can hold onto but do not move back and forth. Therefore, the standard elliptical only works the lower-body muscles such as glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Elliptical Cross-Trainer
Elliptical cross-trainers distinguish themselves by providing a full-body workout. They come equipped with moving handlebars to engage the upper body. This design allows users to work their arms, chest, and shoulders while exercising their legs.
Recumbent Elliptical
The recumbent elliptical machine offers an ergonomic design aimed at user comfort. It features a seat that allows users to exercise in a reclined position, making it ideal for individuals with lower back issues or those seeking a less strenuous workout. The recumbent elliptical targets a specific user group, including seniors and those undergoing physical rehabilitation.
Front Drive Elliptical Trainer
Front drive elliptical trainers position the flywheel at the front of the machine. This design tends to create a more stable and compact structure. Users often feel a forward-leaning motion, which can closely mimic the natural gait of walking or running.
Rear Drive Elliptical Trainer
Rear-drive elliptical trainers are the closest to the original models released in the late 1990s. This type of elliptical has a flywheel located at the back of the machine. The design offers a more elongated stride, providing a different feel compared to front-drive models. Users often experience a smoother and more natural elliptical path.
Who Benefits from Ellipticals?
Ellipticals are particularly beneficial for individuals with joint problems or those recovering from injuries. The machine’s smooth, gliding motion reduces stress on the knees, hips, and ankles, making it ideal for low-impact recovery. Users can maintain their cardiovascular fitness without exacerbating existing conditions. Some of the many individuals that benefit from using elliptical machines include:
Cross-Trainers
Cross-training athletes often pair cardio with weight training to get a full-body workout. Some athletes may cross-train when recovering from an injury or training for a specific sport. Elliptical trainers provide an excellent option for cross-training, engaging multiple muscle groups while being gentle on the joints.
This machine is especially beneficial to runners as it mimics the running motion while putting less stress on the body. Cross-trainers can adjust the elliptical’s intensity level to improve the user’s endurance and performance.
Recovering Athletes
An injury can set any athlete back, and once they’ve healed, they must gradually get back into their exercise routine. Since the elliptical trainer provides a low-impact workout, it is an ideal exercise for recovering athletes.
Recovering athletes may use this machine at the gym to rebuild their stamina or in a physical therapy setting. The elliptical allows them to work on muscle groups without putting too much strain on the injured area, aiding in a smooth recovery process.
Varying Age Groups
One of the standout features of ellipticals is their suitability for all age groups. Older adults find the machine’s low-impact nature gentle on aging joints, making it a preferred choice for maintaining mobility and cardiovascular health.
Likewise, younger users also appreciate the elliptical’s efficient calorie-burning capabilities and ability to provide a balanced workout. The machine’s user-friendly design ensures that people of all fitness levels can benefit from its features.
Reasons Ellipticals Are Popular in Fitness Centers
One of the top reasons for ellipticals’ popularity in fitness centers is that they provide low-impact exercise, but this isn’t the only benefit. Below, we’ve detailed additional reasons why you should add elliptical trainers to your gym.
Efficiency
Ellipticals offer a highly efficient workout that burns calories quickly and effectively. Unlike high-impact workouts, users can exercise for more extended periods without feeling exhausted or risking injury. Additionally, the full-body workout provided by ellipticals saves time and effort, making it a preferred choice for gym-goers.
Consider offering different types of elliptical machines in your fitness center so that individuals can switch things up and target different muscle groups with varying intensity levels. This variety caters to people of all fitness levels, helping them achieve their fitness goals.
Accessibility
Ellipticals’ ease of use makes them accessible to a range of fitness enthusiasts. Individuals can quickly adapt to the machine’s straightforward operation, whether a beginner or an experienced athlete.
Adding ellipticals to your gym makes it a more welcoming environment where all people can participate in exercise regardless of their skill level. The more accessible your gym feels, the easier it is to attract and retain members.
Versatility
Ellipticals are highly versatile, offering numerous workout programs and resistance levels to cater to various fitness goals. Users can customize their workouts by adjusting the machine’s settings to match their needs.
The elliptical provides tailored options to achieve desired outcomes, whether aiming for weight loss, endurance, or muscle toning. This adaptability makes it a valuable addition to any fitness regimen, accommodating the diverse preferences of gym-goers.
Contact TRUE Fitness
TRUE Fitness has commercial elliptical machines. We have numerous designs available, each with unique features tailored to your fitness center’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your gym members. Elevate your fitness center experience with the best equipment.