The Importance of Elliptical Trainer Stride Length

!±8± The Importance of Elliptical Trainer Stride Length

Not all elliptical trainer stride lengths are for everyone. Each person has a different preference of models because of the varying heights of different individuals and their need for different stride lengths. The stride length is the longest length between your bent and out-stretched leg while pedaling. Some say that this is the main factor you should consider when choosing the elliptical trainer that is right for you.

When shopping for an elliptical, you should look for a machine with a stride length that fits your height and body type. If the machine you choose has an elliptical trainer stride that is too short or too long, it will cause your trainer to be uncomfortable and undesirable for use. When using an elliptical you want to be able to fully extend your legs, but not have to bend them too much either.

How do I choose the stride length that is right for me?

Because stride length is based on the user's height, there is no typical length that is right for everyone, nor is there a 'one size fits all' stride length. If you are taller than 5 feet 3 inches, then you should probably not choose a stride length less than 18 inches. If you were not more than a couple of inches taller, then a 17-inch stride length could be acceptable; however, a taller length would be more comfortable.

If you are unfamiliar with elliptical trainers, or just need a reference for choosing a good length, here is a basic guideline for various height ranges.

5 feet, 4 inches and below: users who are on the shorter side need a length that is under 18 inches. However, machines with that length are harder to find. A stride of around 16 inches would normally be the most desirable for shorter users. Between 5 feet, 4 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches: users in the average height range will have an easier time finding a machine with an elliptical trainer stride that is comfortable for them. Users in this range should stick with lengths between 18 and 20 inches. 5 feet, 9 inches and above: users in the tallest height range may have to pay a bit extra to get a machine with a stride that is comfortable for them. Users in this range should stick with a length between 19 and 21 inches long. An 18-inch length may be okay for someone on the shorter end of this range, but it is recommended to use a length of at least 19 inches.

There are some models that have an adjustable stride. This option tends to be available only on more expensive models, but is desirable if multiple users will be exercising on the same elliptical trainer. Consider the case of a husband and wife sharing an elliptical trainer in their home where the man is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and the woman is 5 feet, 3 inches tall. Unless their machine has an adjustable stride, it is unlikely that both of them would have the ability to use their elliptical comfortably.

An adjustable stride is also helpful for users who often change their pace from walking speeds to running speeds. Your individual stride length changes an inch or two between slower and faster speeds, so an adjustable stride may be desirable. However, even if you have a stationary stride, if it is the right length for you, you probably will not have a very hard time adjusting..

Why is choosing the correct stride length so important?

No matter the reason that you use an elliptical trainer, whether it is for cardio or strength training, exercising on a machine with the correct stride for your height is very important. If you are unable to move freely and with full range, it could put strain on your ligaments and joints and cause problems with them over time.

If a machine's stride is too short, you may have to bend your knees too much and hunch over while riding. This would severely increase your muscle soreness after your workout and cause your joints and back to be stiff and achy. If a machines stride is too long, on the other hand, then you may find yourself stretching your legs excessively when trying to reach the pedals. This could cause your hips to feel excessively sore afterwards from the hyperextension.

The Importance of Elliptical Trainer Stride Length

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Elliptical Trainer Information About Knee Injury

!±8± Elliptical Trainer Information About Knee Injury

Elliptical Trainers and Treadmills are great pieces of exercise equipment for getting in shape. Recently elliptical trainers have begun to eclipse treadmills in popularity. As elliptical trainer information becomes more and more available to the general public this trend should continue. The ability of elliptical trainers to prevent and protect joints, muscle and bones is a major advantage. As the population gets older and the baby boomers enter retirement, elliptical trainers will become increasingly more popular. Elliptical machines will allow intense full body exercise routines to be conducted with relative safety.

Treadmills have pretty much been the main piece of fitness equipment found local gyms and fitness centers. However, my doctor recommends that I stay off them since my knee was scoped 5 years ago. We love doing our road work outdoors on natural surfaces, however, here in Southwest Florida with its high temperatures and humidity during summer, we prefer exercising in air conditioning. Exercise physiologists and doctors tell us that when you use a tread mill that is not perfectly adjusted, each time your foot strikes the belt it slides forward a small amount. It is this motion that causes knee injury. If you are over 150 lbs. and use the treadmill for running it can be very noticeable and sometimes uncomfortable. Many times my knees will ache after just two miles of a light jog on a treadmill. I recently talked to an exercise equipment repair technician who told me that about 80% of all treadmills are not adjusted properly. The main cause is that it is expensive to properly maintain treadmills and that they can easily become out of tune. I have on more that one occasion tried more than one treadmill at our local fitness center before I found one that did not have a pronounced belt slip.

Elliptical trainers are easier on our knees due to the greatly reduced impact. They also do not have the belt slip problems that hurt our knees. Some people describe running on an elliptical trainer to something like running on air. It does take a little getting used to the change in motion but it does allow you to do a good aerobic workout when your knees are sore. In fact some physical therapist use elliptical trainers as part of their recovery programs. I have also noticed that I can exercise longer on my sore damaged knee on an elliptical trainer than I can on a treadmill. Many quality elliptical trainers have the ability to change the angle or slope of the elliptical motion. This has a major benefit in that it will allow you to change the shape of the stroke to eliminate pain and discomfort during your exercise routine. Several times when my knee would start to tighten up I have been able to complete my exercise program by simply changing the angle or slope on the elliptical machine. You should never try to force a joint problem through a painful exercise routine. Doing so may cause permanent damage or least a trip to the surgeon for expensive repairs.

Elliptical trainers and treadmills will continue to be popular pieces of fitness equipment. Treadmills have been around for a long time but have some inherent problems in regard to knee injury problems. Elliptical trainer information programs are educating the public to the benefits of low impact aerobic exercise. Each individual should spend time researching what piece of equipment meets their exercise goals and fitness condition. In our opinion it is hard to beat all the benefits that an elliptical trainer provides.

Elliptical Trainer Information About Knee Injury

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Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

!±8± Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainer comes in five models. Ranging from the low end to the higher end machine, the models are the Vision FitnessX6000 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6100 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6200 Folding, the Vision Fitness X6200HRT Folding, and the Vision Fitness X6600HRT Commercial Grade.

The lower end of the Vision Fitness ellipticals are more compact than the higher end and fold for storage. The handlebars move along with the pedals so that you can get an upper body workout. However this can be difficult and uncomfortable if you are a short person. You should try those machines in the store to see if they are a good fit for you.

All of the Vision Fitness ellipticals are made with the flywheel in the front, which is opposite from the ellipticals at the gym. This makes the motion somewhat different so it may take some getting used to. The brakes are mechanical on the lower end machines and tend to break more often, and need more attention. The higher end Vision Fitness ellipticals use an electro magnetic braking system which works better and is more reliable.

The front flywheel Vision Fitness ellipticals tend to wear out faster and get noisy after a while.

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainers come with a wide range of warranties depending on which one you buy. If you do decide on a Vision Fitness elliptical it is advisable to purchase one of their higher end machines.

Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

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