Ellipticals are among the most favored fitness equipment today. Their usability is relatively easy and benefits too many. While purchasing an elliptical, it is crucial to look into the buying guide and check various aspects.
Additionally, ellipticals also have numerous subtypes that serve specific purposes and intents. One needs to know what type of workout routine he or she has plans for before purchasing. However, one common factor many do not dive much into is the various parts of an elliptical.
A Home elliptical or one to be used for personal space rather than a gym or fitness studio requires a certain level of understanding to handle small problems and issues. The five major Elliptical Trainer parts one should know well about include.
Foot Pedal
Foot Pedal is an essential component that many overlook. It plays a significant role in balancing the ankles and protecting them while working out on an elliptical. The pedals are often cushioned with thin padding to offer comfort and cushioning to the feet while working out.
Some ellipticals have Foot Pedals that are slightly inclined towards the inside, which may look somewhat wrong. Inward placed footpads help reduce the pressure on the knees while working out.
Another important aspect is whether the foot pedal has straps or bands on it or not. The straps keep the feet tightly on the pedal without giving any scope for slippage or accidental falling out.
Control System
The Control system is an integral component of an elliptical machine. Understanding the various functions and modes is very important to know about your progress. The control system consists of a battery or power operated LCD and small switches that control diverse movement and mode settings.
The resistance level, ramp inclination, workout intensity, braking system, workout duration, and calorie count are just a few additions on the control panel. Newer generation and upgraded elliptical have many additional features like Uphill climb, Music controls, pulse and heart rates, etc. Some are even equipped with an onboard fan.
Most of the elliptical today can also be controlled using mobile applications and are often equipped with wireless connectivity in Bluetooth or W-fi. It is essential to know about the Control System’s various functions and modes for a smooth and uninterrupted workout routine.
Deck and Roller
Some say that the deck and roller are where the actual magic happens. As this segment is where most mechanical movements occur, it can show wear and tear quickly. To handle small problems ourselves, understanding the working principle of the deck and roller is very important.
For instance, squeaky noise is one of the simplest and most common problems. It is nothing disastrous but extremely unpleasant to the ears. The noise happens because of the friction between the rails and the moving rollers. A simple application of a few drops of oil or any lubricant resolves the problem within seconds.
The deck and rollers play the significant deciding factor in how long or short the strides will be. A taller and more straightforward person has a different stride length, so an adjustable deck and roller are essential criteria to look for in an elliptical.
The deck’s rail or roller length should be between 18 to 24 inches to offer a comfortable workout regime without feeling constrained or stretched.
Flywheel
The flywheel is what helps in generating the motion. It is essential to know this section, even though it may seem like a very technical aspect. The pedal movement corresponds to the motion of the Flywheel.
The weight of the Flywheel is what determines the smoothness of movement and noise production. Optimally flywheel can weigh anywhere between 18 to 35 lbs. Also, the flywheel placement depends on whether the machine has a center-drive, front-drive, or rear-drive. Based on the type of drive the functionality of the elliptical also changes.
Handle
This is probably the most neglected aspect of an elliptical that is never a primary concern. However, one must not forget that handles are an introductory section that balances themselves and keeps steady while working out.
While it is optimal to have Vertical handles, some machines have horizontal handle extensions also. Rubber padding around the handles helps in maintaining the grip. Handles of newer and improved elliptical machines also come with pulse and heart sensors for accurate health monitoring.
Adjustable handle levels make it easy for people of various sizes and heights to move it at positions most comfortable for them to hold on to while working out. These few small details may seem unimportant but play a very crucial role in the routine.
Today and treadmills and stationary bikes, elliptical machines are becoming an integral part of personal training routines at home. Like any other training gear and machinery, specially designed ellipticals for small spaces suit small apartments and studios perfectly. They hardly require much space or maintenance.
Working out on an elliptical is easy, simple, and very effective.
Read Also: How Much Does An Elliptical Machine Weigh?