Fact Sheet

Elliptical Trainer Advantages & Disadvantages

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By Kevin Rail, eHow Contributing Writer

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Elliptical trainers are one of the hottest fitness devices in the world. They are enjoyed by moms, dads and kids, and they can be found in gyms, medical facilities and homes nationwide. Elliptical trainers come with specific advantages and disadvantages.

Function

Elliptical trainer advantages include being low impact and having many workout features. They are safer for people with range of motion issues.

Types

There are many different types of ellipticals to choose from. This an advantage because they vary in price, giving you a lot of options. A disadvantage is that there is a lot of confusion as to which one to get.

Identification

There is a home model of an elliptical trainer called a Gazelle. It is easy to fold up and store, lightweight and it has a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. However, it is a bit bulky and the machine has been known to have part failures, with the pistons coming apart on the swing arms.

Effects

One of the greatest effects of elliptical trainers is that you can work the upper and lower body at the same time. They are also good for the elderly. A disadvantage is they are not sport-specific for runners who are training for a marathon.

Expert Insight

Another advantage of ellipticals is that they tone the whole body. However, they do not build strength and because they are non-impact, the bones will not be getting any load-bearing activity, which can retard bone cell growth.