If you've ever wondered “why buy elliptical machines”, they're big and clunky, can be quite expensive and there are better ways of exercising out there then hopefully I'll be able to tell you all the reasons why you should buy an elliptical machine! Firstly, it's often referred to as a dual action exercise device as you work both your hands and your legs. This means your upper body gets a workout at the same time as your lower body.

Elliptical cross trainers have caused a bit of controversy recently as they often claim that they burn more calories than a traditional treadmill due to the dual action nature of the device. The theory is because you use more muscle groups simultaneously then you must be burning more calories right? Well not exactly. Recent studies have shown that the rate that calories are burned are almost identical between an elliptical cross trainer and a treadmill. It is still true however that more muscle groups are worked out than on a treadmill!

One of the biggest benefits of using an elliptical machine is the fact that it is a low impact device. There is no constant pounding of the knees or joints on the ground like there is with a treadmill. This makes an elliptical trainer ideal for seniors or those who need a gentler workout but still require a high burning of calories. The elliptical cross trainer gives you a quality cardiovascular workout in the most efficient way possible. I myself use them because I have a knee problem and feel that I can workout just as long on a an elliptical machine as I would with a treadmill without any pressure on my through the impact of my foot repeatedly hitting the ground.

For me the greatest reason why someone should buy elliptical machines is because of the variety it can bring to your workout regime compared to buying a treadmill. I've often found the hardest part of any exercise routine is keeping it interesting enough that I'll stay motivated and actually do the exercise. There's nothing more deflating than waking up and some ridiculous time in the morning with the prospect of a jog or a hard hour on the treadmill. I just find it boring to be honest and I end up totally giving up on my routine. For a start you can change the cross ramp incline much the same way you can change the incline on a treadmill to make that workout just a little bit tougher and more random to keep yourself interested. You can also choose not to use the handlebars and simply focus on your lower body for a while. If working your lower body you can change the way the pedals move on the elliptical machine so that instead of going forward you slide them back. This works out your quadriceps muscles like no other device. For me this option brings an amazing amount of variety to elliptical machines.

I hope after this article you're no longer wondering “why buy elliptical machines”? I've bought one and haven't looked back since. Oh and I've actually stayed the course with my exercise routine!