When I first joined the gym some years ago, I was a die-hard treadmill addict. I grew up running around in PE classes and after school sports, and I felt confident that I knew how to put one foot in front of the other. Other gym machines intimidated me. I’d watch other gym members hop casually onto convuluted machines, pull some knobs to adjust various components, and perform seemingly unhuman exercises as I continued to run at an even pace on my treadmill. The elliptical machine, on the other hand, didn’t intimidate me as much as it just baffled me. How could someone expect to get a workout out of moving their legs back and forth on what looked like rocking chair gliders? However, all of the girls on the elliptical seemed to have perfectly shapely legs, so I decided to give it a try. These days, I use the elliptical trainer almost daily. It allows me to push myself to speeds and distances that would have killed my knees on a treadmill, and certain elliptical machines even allow me to incorporate my arms. I have become so addicted to the elliptical trainer that I have recently considered purchasing one for my home. With recent price drops (on both new and used machines) and new more-affordable models, I may have to make the leap (or glide?).
For those of you unfamiliar with the elliptical, there are a few models that I find to be the most user-friendly:
- The Proform line of ellipticals: they have a number of models, some with built-in fans and advanced calorie-burning trackers
- The NordicTrack ellipticals: not your mother’s old NordicTrack from the 80s
- The Life Fitness elliptical: very user-friendly and non-intimidating
- The Schwinn elliptical: also user-friendly
You can Google elliptical ratings to get more information and feedback on the various models available for home purchase and for use in gyms nationwide. Find the best elliptical trainer for you, and I can almost guarantee you’ll join the ranks of us elliptical trainer converts!
