Many people who need to lose excess weight are looking for exercise equipment that can help them burn the most calories. Of course, there are many different machines out there from simple resistance-oriented fare to highly sophisticated workout devices with computer settings.
There has been a long search to find the “perfect” exercise machine and while none have been constructed as of yet, the cross trainer has certainly earned a big reputation as one that can really burn the calories.
What is a Cross Trainer?
Also known as an elliptical trainer, the cross trainer is a stationary machine that helps a person to simulate walking, climbing or running without causing the intense stress on the joints themselves. This makes it a wonderful device for people of all ages, including those who have suffered injuries before since the low impact of the cross trainer means that vulnerable joints are protected.
The hands grip the walking bars which go back and forth to simulate the swinging of the arms, providing a workout for the muscles in the hands, forearms, biceps, triceps and shoulder muscles. Plus, the hands have something to grip which makes balancing a lot easier for most people.
The large pedals for the feet hold them in place as they move again in a walking-like motion. Because there is little in the way of impact, the vulnerable joints of the ankles, knees and hips are under very little stress. Because of the low impact, people can actually keep moving for longer simulated distances and get the workout they need to help burn away the fat.
Elliptical trainers were first introduced in the 1990s and were nearly an instant hit. Today, you can find them in gyms and fitness centers around the country as well as in many homes as well. It is a very low impact cardiovascular workout of which the intensity can be changed based on the speed and resistance of the machine itself.
In terms of burning calories, the cross trainer does work most of the major muscle groups and on a 155 pound person who uses the cross trainer at moderate intensity for an hour can burn 570 calories which is quite impressive. Of course, there are other fitness systems that can burn the calories as well.
How does a Cross Trainer Compare to Other Workout Machines?
There is little doubt that cross training machines is quite effective at burning calories while subsequently having a low impact on your joints. This is important because low impact means less of a chance of injury which helps you exercise for longer periods of time.
As good as the cross trainer is in terms of burning away calories, there are other machines out there as well that also will lose help people lose excess weight. It can be said that there are many different machines that help people lose the weight.
However, it must be noted that the rate your body burns away the calories is dictated by your heart rate. If your heart rate is the same no matter what machine you use, then you will burn the same amount of calories. Having said that, there are perceived differences in intensity between different machines which mean that your heart rate will be different.
Treadmill: The basic treadmill has been around for a long time and offers a simple, direct way to work the major muscle groups in the legs. However, the treadmill does not work out the arms and there is some impact on the feet, ankles, knees and hips. Generally speaking, the treadmill is less intense that walking or jogging on sidewalks because the large belt does move which takes away some of the impact. A 155 pound person on a treadmill at moderate intensity for an hour or walking 4.5 miles would burn around 444 calories. Again, the it would depend on the length and intensity of the workout that was chosen on the treadmill.
Stationary Bike: This is essentially a normal bicycle in every respect except that you pedal in one place. Because the bike is stationary, you do not get the full workout that riding a normal bike would provide. However, there is far less danger of traffic or unexpected obstacles in your home or at the gym to contend. A 155 pound person using a moderate amount of energy will burn about 420 calories per hour while riding a stationary bike. That same person riding an ordinary bike outdoors will burn about 480 calories.
Which Machine is Better for You?
This question will depend in large part on your personal taste in the type of exercise that you enjoy. However, it can be stated that the cross trainer is the least impactful of the three and unlike the treadmill does not need to be plugged in so that it can be used. Also, it is a far better overall workout than what a stationary bike can deliver as well. In addition, the cross trainer is also more user-friendly and tends to breakdown less often than a treadmill. However, cross trainers also tend to be more expensive than stationary bikes.
Of course, the best type of workout mixes up aerobics and anaerobic exercises that include more resistance. The most successful will also use resistance or weight lifting to increase overall muscle size which in turn helps to burn more calories. It also goes without saying that eating a healthy diet is paramount to keeping off the excess pounds.
The advantages of a cross trainer are considerable, especially when it comes to the low impact on the joints as well as the total body workout it provides. Because of that it will tend to burn more calories than its two major competitors. For those who do not mind paying a little extra and prefer to workout indoors, a cross trainer is a good investment that will last for many years under normal use and with good maintenance. This is just another reason why they are so popular.