Ellipticals

Elliptical trainers (also known as cross-trainers) are designed with two platforms for your feet that you swing independently backwards and forwards by moving your legs. These pedals each connect to handles that you can push and pull, allowing you to work out your upper body along with your lower body.

Working out on an elliptical trainer provides a workout that is a good, low impact alternative to running or jogging. Low impact exercise ensures that your joints, knees, bones and back do not experience significant strain or wear and tear as you work out. Low impact exercise is a great option for people who manage chronic pain or want to maintain fitness after recovering from a sustained injury.

The workout movements are smooth, circular up and down motions that are like a hybrid between stair climbing or a ski machine. The resistance can be adjusted either manually or automatically, which allows you to adjust the amount you will need to exert yourself to reach a steady workout rhythm.

Elliptical trainers are designed to give you a good cardiovascular and aerobic workout. When used appropriately, an elliptical will help you increase your heart rate, burn calories and shed body fat.

Weight loss occurs when your body experiences a calorie deficit. This is when the energy (calories) you burn is greater than the energy you are putting into your body. Exercise makes your body burn more calories to meet the energy demands of your workout, whilst a healthy diet will help you manage how many calories your body needs.

To manage weight loss in a healthy, sustainable way you should put together a measurable fitness plan with frequent goals and adopt a nutritionally balanced diet. A single consultation with a personal trainer will help you set achievable goals and teach you how to use your home gym equipment effectively.

In general, it is recommended that you achieve a minimum of 150 minutes of cardio workout time each week, which equates to 30 mins a day for 5 days each week.

When you are trying to decide which type of home gym equipment you want to use, it is worth thinking about what activities you enjoy doing and what you are already comfortable with. A good fitness routine is one that will keep you motivated to work out regularly and a machine you already know how to use or find engaging will help with this.

Elliptical trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines all provide a great cardio workout. Elliptical trainers, like bikes and rowing machines, are low impact, which means they will not put significant strain on your joints or back. Unlike treadmills and bikes, elliptical trainers also work out your upper body.

Treadmills are designed for walking, jogging and running exercises which require you to support your own body weight. This will place some additional strain on your body. Supporting your own weight when exercising will burn more calories, but it may be something to avoid for people who experience chronic pain or sustained injuries.

Elliptical trainers with a good variety exercise programs will help ensure you do not get bored doing the same workouts. A wide range of resistance levels will give you a good workout for your current fitness level, with lower intensities for days when you have less energy. Higher intensities will prevent you from outgrowing your machine as you make progress.

The handlebars on your elliptical should be comfortable to push and pull for sustained periods of time. Your feet should feel secure in the pedal platforms as you move them, with a raised lip to keep them in place. The surface inside the pedals should have some friction to it that will be able to grip to the tread on your workout shoes.

Elliptical trainers tend to be amongst the largest of the home gym equipment, so make sure you have enough space before buying. Ellipticals also elevate you from the floor, so check that your head will have enough room as well. Check the weight capacity to make sure you can use the machine safely.