Finally! What They Won't Tell You When It Comes To Consistently Losing Inches With Your Exercise Pro

By Author: Troy Blankenship
Total Articles: 3
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One of the truly unique benefits about purchasing a new elliptical machine for your personal home use is that you've already taken a step in the right direction in protecting your knees and joints with a low-impact form of exercise. At least, that is what it's supposed to do.

You see, not all elliptical machines are created equal. Millions of people all around the world are reporting irritating knee pain while exercising on their home elliptical machine - a machine that was supposed to reduce or eliminate that issue. So why is a machine that bills itself as joint-friendly still causing these problems and what can you do to make sure this doesn't happen to you?

First, understand that elliptical machines (also called cross-trainers) came onto the fitness scene in a big way just a few years ago. Touting a full-body workout, they gave us an alternative to both the exercise bike as well as the ever-popular treadmill. At MyHomeFitnessReview.com we are huge believers in the results driven effectiveness of a solid home elliptical machine along with the right workout program for the individual who uses one.

But ...
... don't just take our word for it. Studies done at both the University of Wisconsin and the University of Mississippi in 1997-1998 prove that with the correct exercise perscription, you are burning calories at the same rate that you would be performing intense aerobic dancing--think "Dancing With The Stars!"

Of course intense dancing or even light jogging on a treadmill for that matter won't work for millions of people who have periodic or chronic knee pain. Whether they've had surgery or not, these people need a low-impact machine and sound advice that will keep them fit and healthy for many years to come. By following the four easy tips below, you'll avoid irritating knee pain as well as back, hip, and ankle discomfort.

1. Make certain that the stride length on your new home elliptical is 18 inches or more. This is absolutely critical to your knee's integral health and ultimately your continued workout consistency and success. By making this a priority your knees won't slide over and in front of your toes. And although contrary to popular belief, while there is no hard scientific foundation that having your knees arch out over your toes causes serious injury (believe me I've looked), you'll save yourself plenty of discomfort...and a lot of ice.

2. Look for the words: ergonmic, ergonomically correct, smooth, quiet, cushioned, and Mid-Drive technology. Ergonmic by the way is just a fancy way of saying correct body position and/or function throughout the exercise motion. Mid-Drive technology is a revolutionary advance in elliptical design. It works by specifically allowing your core muscles to activate and tighten as you perform the exercise on the machine. By doing so, it takes away any pressure that would normally be felt in your knees.

3. When purchasing your home elliptical machine, make sure the foot plates are at least a quarter bit larger then your feet in both length and width. This gives you enough room to make adjustments in your foot placement as well as giving your knees the flexibility they need during your workout so you won't be stuck in the same spot.

Equally important will be keeping those feet firmly on those foot pedals. Just because you now have some extra room to work with doesn't mean your heel should come up off the pedal. This happens often when the user's leg is behind them. Body weight should be equally distributed between the heel and the ball of the foot throughout the entire range of motion. If you find this hard to do because of either severe knee pain or perhaps tight hamstrings and/or calves, simply bend and flex the knee a little more to place more emphasis on your legs and off your knees.

4. Perform simple body weight exercises for muscular strength. Unfortunately this is often overlooked. Resistance exercises, as they are also sometimes called, are extremely useful in overcoming both serious injury or mild discomfort. Strength exercises (when done correctly) will help promote joint stability and health through muscular and connective tissue strenghtening. By completing simple body weight squats and lunges, you'll not only be promoting good joint health but also gaining some very sexy muscle tone as well.

For instant access and more expert advice into the world's best quality home exercise equipment, go to http://www.myhomefitnessreview.com