The ellipsoid combines the functions of a treadmill, exercise bike and stepper.
The main advantages of the ellipsoid are safety and almost complete absence of impact load on the joints and spine. When training, the muscles of the back of the thighs, lower legs, buttocks, abs, shoulder girdle and deltoid muscles of the back are involved.
Main settings
Ellipse step length
Selected according to height: if the length is insufficient, the effectiveness of training will be low, and knee pain may occur.
For people up to 175 cm tall, options with a step length of 40 cm are suitable.
More than 185 cm - from 50 cm.
More than 200 cm - from 53 cm.
Exercise machines with a short stride length of 30-33 cm are very compact, but only people with a height of 155-165 cm can train comfortably on them.
If several people will exercise on the ellipse, choose exercise equipment with an adjustable step length. It can be changed manually or by pressing a button.
Flywheel weight
A flywheel is a metal disc that affects the smoothness of the ride. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother the movements.
The optimal flywheel weight for home exercise equipment is 10-20 kg. For large people, models with a flywheel of 15 kg or more are preferable.
Types of Elliptical Trainers
Loading system
Magnetic exercise machines regulate the degree of load by changing the resistance of the magnets.
Electromagnetic devices use electrical energy. If the current changes, the resistance changes. The number of load levels is usually greater than in a magnetic system.
Load adjustment
Mechanical models have manual adjustment: a rotary toggle switch is located on the front pillar, under the console. These are the simplest and cheapest ellipses, so they may not move very smoothly and may be noisier than more expensive models. Their main advantage is that they do not require a connection to electricity.
In electronically adjustable ellipses, the load is changed using buttons on the control panel. Such models have a set of training programs, operate silently, and their movements are smooth. To operate, you need a source of electricity.
type of drive
On rear-wheel drive models, the disc is located behind the driver. They are compact and have a stable design. When exercising, the body is slightly tilted forward, which provides additional stress on the muscles. Such models are not always convenient for tall people, as there is a risk of touching the handle of the ellipse with your knee.
For front-wheel drive models, the disc is located at the front. They provide a more natural pedal stroke and increased stride length. The body is positioned vertically, there is no additional load on the joints. The risk of injuring your knees is reduced due to the high position of the handles.
Programs
With the help of built-in programs, you can simulate climbing mountain peaks or run an intense cross-country race over rough terrain. The number of programs differs in different models.
Some ellipses allow you to set custom workouts by specifying your age, weight, distance, and calories burned.
The heart rate control program monitors your heart rate and automatically adjusts the intensity of your workout without overstraining your heart.
A fat analyzer will determine the percentage of fatty tissue. With its help, you can track whether your fat mass is decreasing and whether your muscles are growing.
A fitness test will show how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after a workout. If the score improves, it means you are becoming more resilient.