The hottest new piece of fitness equipment on the market today? Without a doubt, the answer
has to be ellipticals, also known as crosstrainers. Stores are selling them like hot cakes to home
users, while gym employees report that members will stand in long lines for the chance to get on
one. Everyone seems to want to take these cool new pieces out for a spin.

With all the present hype, its hard to believe we managed to exercise without them until only
recently. In fact, many exercise-equipment specialists a few years ago thought any new type
of machine to hit the market would only be a variation of an older one. All the innovative ideas,
they thought, had already been used.

Ellipticals began appearing in gyms in 1995, and queues for using them quickly formed. Now,
many equipment executives say the machines are a must for health clubs wanting to offer a
well-rounded assortment of equipment.

What are They?

What makes these machines so popular? The answer lies in the elliptical's unique foot-pedal
action. The pedals don't use the up and down movement of conventional steppers and climbers.
Instead, they take the user through an oblong pattern. The result is a low-impact workout that
places minimum strain on the joints and feels like a cross between using a cross-country skier
and running on a treadmill. Some machines offer elevation options as well. The higher vertical
levels on these ellipticals feel more like bicycling or using a stepper.

Unlike riders, the fitness craze that went bust last year, the elliptical machine actually lives up
to its hype. For starters, it really does give users a great workout. The American Council of
Exercise cites a University of Wisconsin study that found that using a Nordic Track Ellipse
burned as many calories, consumed as much oxygen and increased heart rate the same amount
as using a treadmill. Both pieces of equipment, treadmills and the ellipticals, posted higher returns
than any of the other machine types tested. But running on the treadmill also produced a
tremendous amount of impact, while the Ellipse only generated an impact equivalent to walking.

Research at the University of Oregon showed that elliptical machines also give your muscles
a great workout. For example, the study found that elliptical machines worked the glutes
(butt muscles) 30 percent better than steppers and the quadriceps (the thigh muscle that
extends the leg) 60 percent better than most cardiovascular machines.

Another advantage of ellipticals is their low-impact nature. Users of all ages are falling in love
with these joint-friendly workouts that don't strain the ankles and knees. This feature also
makes ellipticals perfect for the throbbing joints of the aging baby-boomer population and
those attempting rehabilitation following major surgery.

Perceived exertion appears to be lower on ellipticals too, even though the workout is good.
Some experts feel this occurs because the machines approximate the body's natural motion.
This means you can push your heart rate higher than before without realising it.

Which Model?

The elliptical motion should feel just like regular walking. If it does not, move on to the next
machine. This is the most important consideration.

Being able to move the pedals both forward and backward is another important feature.
Forward movement on an elliptical generally concentrates on the glutes and quads; moving
backwards uses the hamstrings more. Keep an eye out for machines that allow you to alter
their elevation as well. Moving from a motion akin to cross-country skiing to one closer to
stair stepping (with several intermediate positions) woks still more muscles differently, allowing
you to tailor your workout even further.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable on the machine; make sure it fits you. If your feet
always feel as if they are going to slip from the pedals, they you probably need to find a
machine with wider pedals or more secure footholds. Some people complain about hitting
the front of the machine with their legs. If you have problems with this, move on. All you
will get by toughing it out is sore knees and torturous workouts.