As complex as ellipticals are, it’s important to research and consider several factors before purchasing one.
Brian Duncan, Director of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at the Rocket Sports Medicine Institute at Memorial Hermann, tells U.S. News that “the buyer should know their goals and how it fits into their exercise program and daily routine, understand space and budget constraints, and truly self-evaluate their ability to stay motivated and utilize the equipment on a consistent basis.”
Additionally, Dr. Jordan Placella, doctor of physical therapy and founder of Hitting Stride Physical Therapy, says to make sure an elliptical is truly the right machine for you before buying. “Elliptical machines are touted as being more joint-friendly compared to other forms of cardiovascular exercise, such as running or using a treadmill,” he says. “This perception stems from several factors which include lower impact for your joints, guided motion, and customizable resistance.”
However, these machines aren’t for everyone, Dr. Placella points out. “The drawbacks are generally related to factors such as limited muscle activation, repetitive motion, less functional patterns, and limited impact on bone health,” he says. “While elliptical training offers cardiovascular benefits, its impact on bone density may not be as significant as that of weight-bearing exercises such as running or resistance training.”
If bone…
