The elliptical cross trainer is a fundamental piece of gym equipment. Although the Elliptical Trainer and the Elliptical Cross Trainer is the almost same device, there are some basic differences between them.
The word “Elliptical” prescribe to three several cardio machines. Elliptical trainer, elliptical glider and elliptical cross trainer together known as Elliptical. One of the main features of an elliptical cross trainer is that the arm handles that move.
This feature distinguishes itself from other elliptical. Another comparison between the machines may be that the features of any one of these machines, maybe more comfortable to the user.
Design of Comparison
The elliptical trainer has a movable arm but the slant of the pedal is not stable. By pushing and pulling the arms while pedaling, the moving arms allow toning the upper body.
There is an opportunity to put more emphasis between hamstrings and glutes through incline control. Exercise intensity can be increased by increasing the speed and resistance levels of all machines from the paddle.
Only in the case of a Cross trainer did the intensity of the arm also increased. To increase intensity on the elliptical glider and elliptical trainer promote the slant.
Each device has the advantage of speed control so it is not possible to say exactly which device is capable of burning more calories than others. According to shapefit.com, on an elliptical, a person weighing 145 lb. can burn 300 calories in 30 minutes.
Different usage of Muscles
The muscles in the upper body will be used by the cross trainer, not by the elliptical trainer or glider. Extension of hip and knee from using the pedals are required for all this equipment.
Including the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus and adductor Magnus, buttocks muscles help in hip extension while the quads are responsible for knee extension. The performance would depend on shoulder flexion and extension, elbow flexion and extension, and protraction and retraction of the shoulder blades to move the arms.
The involvement of the back, shoulder, chest and forearm and upper arm muscles including the traps, rhomboids, lats, pecs, serratus anterior, levator scapulae, biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, triceps, anconeus, teres major and coracobrachialis is mandatory. While using an elliptical trainer or glider, not a single upper body muscles work.
Usage Inconvenience
Elliptical cross trainers can be more challenging than elliptical trainers and elliptical gliders for balancing and adjusting in use. There is no fixed point of contact between the body and the machine due to which the balance is obstructed.
To get around this one can grip onto the immobile handlebars of a cross trainer, but it hinders the resolution of using a cross-trainer as a replacement for an elliptical glider or elliptical trainer. It is difficult to adjust because the right arm of the athlete is moving forward, the right leg is backward and the left side of the body is moving in the opposite direction.
Elliptical trainers and gliders can be easily used by the disabled and the elderly due to the fit of the handlebars. It is best to use an elliptical cross trainer when one wants to progress one’s balance and coordination.
Elliptical workouts can strengthen our whole body. Without some misconception, this workout is highly advantageous. Most people think of Elliptical Cross Trainer and Elliptical Trainer as the same machine but with the help of this article, readers will benefit from knowing its basic difference.