Most people who use elliptical trainers depend on them to give them a full body workout, Granted they do have the ability to work both the upper and lower body if used properly, One thing they do not do is build strength and bone mass that many people need to maintain good fitness, Elliptical trainers are excellent in protecting joints while giving a great aerobic workout,
If you are a free weight lifter or a martial arts enthusiast you have probably developed a regular routine of stretching and warming up that protects your joints and muscle during your workout session. As you get older you start to lose some of you flexibility and your warm ups and stretching take longer and in some cases can be painful. Some of us have begun to use treadmills and steppers to help in the overall body warm ups. Even more recently we have begun to use the elliptical trainers in our gym as part of our pre-workout warm-ups.
Elliptical trainers are great for warming up the upper body before using heavy free weights. They are also great on days when the weather is cold and you need to do extra warm-ups, The goal is to get warm without wasting energy in aerobic exercise, Normally an...