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 John has a master’s degree in exercise science/human performance and doctoral studies in applied physiology. He’s formerly certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Rehabilitative Program Director and Health Fitness Director. He’s authored a college level text for fitness, wellness and conditioning classes. He’s a former baseball coach and all conference collegiate player. He can be reached jrutig@att.net |
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Does the Elliptical machine give extra benefits for my workout? It’s a very common question and some people think it provides extraordinary benefits. I’ve heard things like it’s the best exercise for your heart and the most efficient to get you fit. The truth is that the elliptical machine gives you a good cardiovascular workout for your upper and lower body provided that you put the work into it! What does that mean? For any exercise regimen designed to change your body you must have a significant work INTENSITY (how hard or intense you work) along with FREQUENCY (number of days per week) and DURATION (the amount of time you workout). The greatest benefit of the Elliptical machine is the smooth elliptical motion movement with a low impact for your lower extremity joints. You are not pounding your joints as you move your legs. Furthermore the Elliptical gives you arm movements with resistance which is great for cross training. Total body movements (both arms and legs) expend or burn more calories. For people with low body joint issues (knees, ankle, and hip) the low impact feature is a great alternative to other types of exercises and movements. Compared to the Treadmill and Exercise bike the Elliptical machine is the newer type of movement considered to give you an aerobic workout. Your body doesn’t know what type of exercise you are doing during the times of increased heart rate and muscular skeletal effort. The elliptical machine when combined with other types of equipment helps to relieve the boredom and creates new challenges for your body. You have to put in the time working out in order to gain cardiovascular and caloric expenditure benefits. Classical exercise science taught us a minimum of 22 to 25 minutes of continuous exercise for the heart and lungs to derive benefits. The commercial brand Elliptical machines are usually the most popular. The Precor or Lifefitness brands are the most popular in health clubs. In most clubs you can choose between lower body (legs only) verses total body (arms and legs). Either way the bottom line is for you to EXERCISE. Don’t worry what type of machine or which one is the best. Develop your schedule to exercise regularly and in a short period of time you will experience the difference in how you feel physically and psychologically. Sorry have to go – time to work out!! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 