Elliptical Machines

Running Without Impact

Elliptical machines may be a good option for you if you love running, but hate the impact on your joints.

An elliptical cross trainer is a stationary exercise machine that works the upper and lower body in a versatile workout that feels somewhere between cross-country skiing and running.

Because of the non-impact nature of the movement, they are a wonderful choice for both the beginner and the serious athlete looking for a way to stay fit through the cold season or recovering from an injury.

They offer a cardiovascular workout with a variable resistance level on the machine.

The Benefits

As with all aerobic exercise, you'll burn fat and build endurance. Due to the variable resistance levels and the lack of impact on your joints, it's great for all fitness levels and for those with a pre-existing injury.

Other benefits include:

• Cardiovascular exercise strengthens your heart.
• Comparable results to a treadmill, without the impact.
• Some research suggests that you get a greater workout from an elliptical machine due to the use of upper body resistance (however, not all studies are in agreement with this finding).

Specific Exercises

There aren't a huge number of exercises you can perform on this machine, but you can alter your position slightly to target certain areas in your workout.



Lean backwards slightly for a greater workout on your arms, or lean forward to work out the back of your legs more. Reverse the direction of movement to increase your coordination and the use of your muscles.

Brands & Pricing

Nordic offers the Track CX 990 for under $1000 - but beware that a price of under $1000 probably equates to lesser quality materials.

The Smooth CE 3.2 is sold directly from the manufacturer, and therefore you're getting a better deal for your dollar. Around $1499.

Precor have a machine (EFX 5.33) in the higher price bracket, at around $3699, that is arguably one of the best on the market.

The Warnings

Most elliptical machines have handles that are attached to the pedals - and therefore the handle motion is dependent upon the pedal motion.

Poorly designed machines have handles that rely solely upon the pedal motion, and therefore end up with handles that swing too fast and provide no workout to the arms whatsoever. Therefore, you need to be sure you buy a good quality machine, and test it before you buy!

So if you're looking for something slightly different than the treadmill, and with a lot less impact on your joints, or something to keep you moving whilst you're injured, then the elliptical machine is for you.