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What Are The Benefits Of Cross Trainer? Read Here

There are many benefits to using a cross trainer. These can be used to increase your fitness, lose weight and gain muscle. Make sure you have the appropriate shoes, clothing and accessories, because these are needed for a safe and effective workout.

With the (numerous and obvious) benefits of cross trainers in mind, it is important to make sure that they are the correct choice for you. As with all equipment, making sure that you have all the facts before buying can ensure that you aren’t left with an expensive and bulky piece of kit, than you have nowhere to put.

A cross trainer is the best kind of exercise equipment. It can be used to replace the majority of your regular exercises. You get a great cardio workout as well as strengthening your muscles.

It’s important that you understand how a cross trainer works. What does a cross trainer do?

A cross trainer is like a cardiovascular workout machine.

It will help you exercise your heart and lungs while also providing resistance to help you build muscle. Cross trainers are available for home or commercial use. Cross trainers are great for athletes and non-athletes alike because it provides a full body workout.

There are many benefits of cross training. Cross trainers are designed to engage many muscle groups in the legs, and many muscle groups in the arms.

The major muscle groups that are used in cross training are the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, abdominals and obliques, shoulders, biceps, triceps and lower back. For example the quadriceps, is used to extend the knees, and is used in many other movements.

Despite the fact that they aren’t the most popular cardio equipment around, cross trainers are very effective for getting your heart rate up and improving your cardiovascular health and fitness.

The Benefits of a Cross Trainer Machine

A cross trainer is a machine that combines aspects of several different exercise machines. Cross trainers come in many different varieties and styles, but the basic components of any model include a treadmill, an elliptical, a stair stepper, and a rowing machine.

The result is an all-in-one fitness machine that takes up only one space in your home. A typical cross trainer can also be used for high-impact workouts like running and jumping, but it can also be used to provide a low-impact workout.

With so many fitness machines out there, you may be wondering what the benefits are of a cross trainer machine compared to other types of exercise equipment. Cross trainers are one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment found in gyms and health clubs, and for good reason.

Customize Your Workouts

Exercise is a key part of staying healthy, but it’s tough to stick to a workout plan for more than a few months. That’s why, for many people, it’s important to create a workout program that you can customize to your needs and schedule.

For example, you can tailor your workouts to fit your ideal intensity level, body type and fitness level. This means you’ll have a workout plan that is safe, effective and enjoyable for yourself.

A plate loaded with a balanced meal of lean meat, veggies, and healthy carbs looks like the perfect post-workout meal to replenish glycogen stores and give your body what it needs to repair and rebuild damaged muscle tissue.

Unfortunately, when it comes to post-workout nutrition, looks can be deceiving. Missing some key nutrients can make it harder for your body to recover, so it’s important to customize your post-workout meal based on your training style.

There are a lot of different types of exercise equipment out there touted as the best way to get fit. Walk into any sports store and you’ll see every kind of barbell, dumbbell, machine, or other contraption you can think of to help you lose weight and get fit. But is any one of these items really that much better than another?

The truth is that the right equipment can help you get the most out of your workouts, but it’s not the root of the exercise itself. What matters is how you use that equipment to create a routine that challenges your body, and how you perform your exercises with proper form.

Healthier Lungs

The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped organs that sit in the chest area in the front of the body. Their main function is to take oxygen from the air and transfer it into the bloodstream. This is done through a network of air sacs that branch off from the air space inside the lungs. The air sacs are lined with tiny blood vessels that help transfer the oxygen into the bloodstream.

Lungs are an organ of the respiratory system which works to get oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. Lungs are responsible for allowing the exchange of gases between the body and the outside air.

Lungs are one of the most important organs of your body. Your lungs need to be healthy at all times, and if they are not, you may be putting yourself at risk for serious illness.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, or you just want to breathe easier, you can work your lungs into better shape. This article lists three ways to help you breathe easier. The first is to increase your lung capacity.

This will help you breathe in more oxygen and get more air into your lungs. The second is to improve your breathing technique. Finally, make sure to strengthen your upper body. Proper posture and better strength in your upper body will help you breathe easier.

Lower Risk of Diabetes

While popular diets and weight loss programs are constantly changing, the need to lose weight has never been greater. One of the most dangerous health conditions that can result from being overweight or obese is diabetes.

These days, diabetes is considered an epidemic, with over 29 million people in the US diagnosed and another 79 million people with prediabetes. Fortunately, the risk of developing diabetes can be lowered by as much as 58% through regular exercise and diet.

Your body is a complex machine that needs lots of different kinds of fuel to run at peak performance. That fuel comes in the form of food, which consists of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Your body can use any kind of fuel (except alcohol) to produce energy, and it typically uses a mix of all three. But your body has a favorite fuel, one it uses whenever possible: carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are broken down quickly into glucose, which is basically sugar. The more you eat, the more glucose enters your bloodstream, and the higher your blood sugar levels rise.

Accelerates Weight Loss

In the last ten years, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of scientific research conducted on losing weight. There are several reasons for this, including obesity’s toll on health care costs and quality of life, and the increase in the number of people who are overweight.

Not long ago, many doctors and researchers believed the best way to lose weight was in a traditional way. However, more modern research has suggested that it is not necessary to follow the norm to lose weight.

Instead, many of the most recent studies have shown that using high intensity exercise can help you lose more fat, improve your muscle mass and endurance, and help you feel better, while not being as difficult or time consuming.

Great for Cardiac Health

The cardio equipment in our fitness center is great for cardiac health. Maintaining a heart rate of between 130 and 145 beats per minute for a half hour, is just as effective as traditional cardio.

Exercises such as cross trainers, treadmills, rowing machines, and elliptical trainers offer a low-impact workout that strengthens and tones muscles without causing strain on joints and bones.

A healthy heart is a must for anyone who wants to live a long and fulfilling life. Eating a balanced diet is only half the story; one must also exercise regularly to maintain a healthy heart. Luckily, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of heart disease, and can also help you maintain a healthy weight.

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Can You Use Cross Trainer Everyday? Read Here

So what is the best way to use a cross trainer every day? The first thing you need to do is start with a well-constructed exercise plan.

If you do not have a plan for the time of day and duration of your workout, you are likely to give up. Make a plan that will work for you and stick with it.

By definition, cross trainers are treadmills with handles that can be used to simulate a variety of resistance training exercises. In the old days, you might have seen them in your local gym, but these days you are more likely to see them in your local home fitness store. Why? Because they are capable of doing what ordinary treadmills do and much more.

When we exercise, we stimulate our muscles to grow and get stronger. The more we stimulate them, the stronger they get. Which means if we stop working out, the muscles stop growing.

That means no matter how strong you get, if you aren’t working out you’ll lose your strength. It’s important to keep exercising, because the stronger you are, the better you’ll feel.

You may have heard that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be a great way to burn calories and get a good workout in just a short amount of time.

But what if you don’t have a lot of time to work out? Is it possible to get a great workout in under 15 minutes? The answer is yes, if you’re doing aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and cross-country skiing.

Cross Trainer: The Good

Cross trainers are an awesome choice for fitness. They provide an excellent workout without putting excessive stress on the joints. Cross trainers are also a great choice to use for rehabilitation, as opposed to a treadmill or other aerobic equipment.

The elliptical motion is low impact, which is why people with injuries can benefit from cross training.

Whether you want to build strength, endurance, or muscle mass, the cross trainer home cross trainer can help you reach your fitness goals. Although most people think of a cross trainer as just a piece of fitness equipment, it can actually be used for a variety of different exercises and workouts.

If you’re new to cross training or are just getting back into shape, the cross trainer home cross trainer can help you safely build your fitness level.

Customize Your Workouts

One of the most common pieces of advice you will hear from anyone who is into fitness is “make sure your workouts are tailored to you.” While that may seem rather obvious, it is surprising how many people choose to ignore it.

Most people tend to follow routines that are created by someone else, without any consideration for what they need. With the right approach, you can ensure your exercise program is customized to you.

In addition to the pre-programmed workouts, you can also customize your own workouts. You can adjust all of the important variables: length of time, rest intervals, resistance, and which muscle groups you want to focus on.

To get the most out of your workouts, you need to be flexible in your approach. You should mix up the length of time that you work out, the intensity of your workouts, the exercises that you do, and the muscle groups that you focus on, to keep your body from getting used to your workouts.

There are plenty of ways to customize your workouts, but do you have the time to make changes? If you want to customize your workouts to fit your lifestyle, without having to change your time-intensive routine, there are steps you can take to do it.

Getting a Full-Body Workout

Many people work out with the intention of improving their strength, endurance, or flexibility, but while they might focus on one area of their body, they neglect others.

Warming up and cooling down are important for preventing injuries, so it’s best to do exercises that hit all of your muscle groups to reap the full benefits of a workout. To make sure you’re getting the most from your sessions, try a full-body workout

While many gym goers focus on working out their bodies’ upper halves, they often neglect their lower halves. But if you want a total-body workout that will also help you lose weight (or gain muscle), you should add lower-body exercises to your routine.

You should also work out the muscles in your lower body at least twice a week, alternating between upper-body and lower-body days.

Of course, you can’t forget your abs! You’ll want to include a variety of ab exercises to work your core muscles from all directions and strengthen them for both sit-ups and crunches. If you’re only exercising your upper body and neglecting your lower body, you could end up with a “top-heavy

With so many fitness options out there, it’s hard to know how to get a full-body workout. It’s possible to get a full-body workout in one workout, but it’s easier—and more efficient—to do a series of full-body workouts.

You’ll be able to get in shape faster and you’ll see quicker results. One way to do a full-body workout is to use a circuit training workout.

By the time you finish this workout, your entire body will feel like you’ve just spent a day at the spa. That’s because it’s designed to improve your strength, balance, and coordination as well as your stamina, flexibility, and overall fitness.

And the best part is that you can do it all in just a short amount of time no more than 30 minutes in your own living room.

The Elliptical Trainer To Gain Muscles And Have A Beautiful Body!

The elliptical trainer is one of the most popular types of fitness machines found in gyms, fitness centers and residential homes. This type of a training system will help you build your muscles and lose weight quickly.

It offers a low-impact way to get and stay in shape, with the added bonus of toning your body. (You’ll achieve the coveted V-shape with relatively little effort.)

Elliptical trainer is designed to give a full-body workout for the lower and upper body, while the flexibility of the machine is such that it can be used for a variety of muscle-building exercises. This makes it ideal for those who want to use the elliptical trainer to build muscle.

We are here to tell you that you can lose weight and gain muscles without going to a gym. The elliptical trainer to gain muscles and have a beautiful body is a piece of equipment that is easy to use. It is more affordable than a gym membership. With this machine you can work out at home and get the results you want.

What makes you fall in love with exercise equipment? Is it its compact design that allows you to store it anywhere in your home? Is it its sleek and shiny surface that allows you to seamlessly blend it in with the other furniture in your home? Or maybe it’s because it gives you one of the most effective workout for your body. Whatever the reason you love it, you need to take good care of your equipment so that it continues to give you the best possible results.

Elliptical Workouts Bring So Much More Than Burning Calories: Health Benefits of Elliptical Workouts

Working out is good for your overall health and wellbeing, but only if you do it consistently and safely. (You know the saying if you don’t use it you lose it right?)

The elliptical is a popular choice among many people, especially those that are looking for a low-impact, high-intensity workout that will tone and strengthen all your muscles.

If you’re not familiar with this machine, it may look like a cross between a stationary bike and a treadmill. It is a great way to build muscle, burn fat, improve your cardiovascular endurance, and much more.

As the modern world runs at a faster and faster pace, many people are feeling like they can’t keep up. The daily stresses of our lives often get the best of us and we seek a way to calm the storm and cope with the stress. Many people turn to the elliptical machine to help them relax by burning off excess calories.

Trim Fat Belly: How to Find the Right Motivation for Your Elliptical Workouts

A trim fat belly is something most people want to achieve. Almost everyone has an excuse why they can’t achieve it. Most people attempt to make excuses, because they have not found the right motivation to achieve their goals.

A classic question is how do I motivate myself to work out? You certainly will not get motivated in a class or from a book. While you can sometimes be motivated by others, it is unlikely that someone else will have the same motivation that you need. It is even less likely that they will be able to keep you motivated.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they just make it to their local gym for a good workout, they are guaranteed to lose weight and burn fat.

But making it to the gym is only part of the battle—you also need to stay motivated to get the most out of your workout. The key to staying motivated is to find the right motivation.

Burning Belly Fat on Your Elliptical Machine: How to Maximize the Effects of Your Workout

The elliptical machine is an efficient way to burn calories, but it can also have a strengthening effect on your body, especially when using it at a high intensity. While it won’t provide the same benefits to your heart and circulation that you would get from running, it can help you lose belly fat .

The elliptical machine can help you lose belly fat because it strengthens the muscles that support your spine and back, which in turn will help you stand up straighter and improve your posture.

Elliptical machines may look exceedingly simple and easy to use, but even the most basic elliptical machine can provide a very effective workout. Utilizing the elliptical machine’s motions and its low-impact nature, you can burn a lot of calories and tone your muscles while you relax and listen to your favorite music.

The elliptical machine can also help build your leg strength, which can strengthen your legs and help you in other types of activities that you enjoy.

Tips And Advice To Change Your Diet And Lose Weight

There are many different ways to lose weight. But most of the time, none of them seem to work for long. That’s because most people don’t realize that weight loss is more about permanent lifestyle changes than quick fixes and fad diets.

The truth is, if you’re looking for a quick way to lose weight, you’ll be disappointed. The real key is to find a way to change your habits for good, so your weight loss sticks with you permanently.

The way that you eat in the early weeks of a diet is very important. Whilst you may be tempted to drop a few pounds quickly and then relax, this is not recommended. It is better to take things slowly and make sure that the weight you lose stays lost. This will mean that you lose more weight in the long term and will also be more likely to keep it off.

Dieting has come a long way. For many years, dieting meant that you had to make big changes to your lifestyle. Today, though, there are ways to diet and still enjoy the food you love.

You just need to make smart choices about what you eat and how you cook. You can still eat burgers and pizza, but you should make them at home because going out to eat is usually the most expensive way to eat. You should also avoid bread, chips, and fries whenever possible.

We are huge advocates of the 80/20 rule, which means eating healthy 80 percent of the time. This way, you’re not depriving yourself of all your favorite foods, but still changing your diet just enough to lose weight.

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Can I Use The Cross Trainer With Runner’s Knee? Here’s Our Answer

Our Guide To Using a Cross Trainer With Bad Knees/Runners Knee

For people who suffer from bad knees or runners knees, trying to find an exercise machine that does not flare them up can be a hard task. 

Luckily, you can use a cross-trainer with bad knees thanks to elliptical machines being a low impact exercise on your joints as your feet never leave the pedals. You should avoid exercise equipment such as treadmill jogging, however. 

In our article below, we will cover the best exercise machines out there for people with bad knees as well as what to avoid and some tips for using a cross-trainer with bad knees to get the most out of your exercise without injuring yourself. 

Which Exercise Machines Are Okay For Runners Knees/Bad Knees? 

Figuring out what makes your knees worse or better can be frustrating if you are suffering from knee pain or runners knee, especially if you are trying to maintain your fitness and cardiovascular health. 

We have listed the best exercises machines to use with bad knees below. 

Cross Trainer 

The motion of a cross trainer is perfect for runners knees, these stride machines are a cross between walking, jogging and running and have the advantages over treadmills as they are low impact. 

You have complete control over the workout machines resistance and it can help with strength training in your knees over time. 

Rowing Machine 

Rowing machines focus on a type of motion that helps with muscle toning in your back, arms and legs without putting weight stressors on your knees. Once again, you control the resistance of these machines to make them more knee-friendly. 

Stationary Bike 

Using a stationary bike with knee pain can be helpful if you are recovering from surgery a knee injury is not so weight-bearing on your knees and forces you to perform leg exercise to create healthier knee cartilage.

Resistance Training 

Resistance training such as leg curls or leg extensions can help with knee function without putting direct pressure on the hurt knee. Over time this can help you develop strength in your knee. 

Cross Trainers Vs Treadmills For Runners Knee/Bad Knees – Which Should I Choose?

Treadmills and ellipticals are both some of the most popular workout cardio machines you can use for exercising.

If you have bad knees the both of these machines will have their pros and cons for exercising with, we have compared them in greater detail below. 

Cross Trainers 

The advantage of elliptical machines for the knee joint over treadmills is that your feet never have to leave the pedal during elliptical training, allowing you to increase the intensity of your cardio exercise without increasing the impact on your knees.

They also allow you to pedal in reverse to help strengthen your leg muscles even more. 

Downfalls of cross-trainers in comparison to treadmills for bad knees are that their motion can feel a little unusual and takes getting used to. They are less beneficial for bone density improvement too.

Advantages 

  • Kind on arthritic knees. 
  • Adjustable exercise intensity. 
  • Reverse pedalling to develop muscles.

Disadvantages 

  • Learning curve. 
  • Not as good for building bone density. 

Treadmills 

Treadmills are better for bad knees than cross trainers as they are easier to use than cross trainers and better for building up bone density. Professionals have also said that when doing moderate exercise such as walking on a treadmill, it puts the same amount of stress on your knees as a cross-trainer. 

The problems of treadmills on arthritic knees or bad knees are when you crank up the intensity and start running, this high-impact can make knee pain even worse.

Advantages 

  • Great for building bone density. 
  • Easier to use.
  • Puts the same amount of stress on the knees as elliptical.

Disadvantages 

  • Knee pressure when running. 

Conclusion – Which Piece Of Exercise Equipment Should I Use For Bad Knees?

To conclude, cross trainers are a better option than treadmills for people who suffer from bad knees as they are lower impact and allow you to progress with intensity without adding pressure on your joints. 

Always consult your doctor beforehand just in case for proper medical advice. 

Tips For Using a Cross Trainer With Bad Knees 

If you have decided you want to try out a cross-trainer as a low impact activity for your bad knees, we have put together some useful tips below which will guide you through using your machine. 

  • Warm-up beforehand – Try walking on your cross trainer without any resistance or doing some stretches before starting your workout, this will loosen you up first and reduce the chances of pain. 
  • Keep posture – Keep your back straight and shoulders back, do not lean over too much when using your cross trainer as it can put you off balance and hurt your knees.
  • Wear the right shoes – Make sure your cross-trainer shoes have double arch support as these can help to assist with pain and alignment. 
  • Start slow – Always listen to your body and knees when exercising, if the pain gets too much consult a physical therapist.
  • Use the handlebars – Upper body handles on your cross trainer help with support and balance.

Final Words 

To conclude, you can use a cross-trainer to exercise with if you have bad knees as these machines are designed to be very low impact and you have control over the intensity of the exercise without increasing pressure on the knee joints. 

Always check with a doctor beforehand if you are experiencing persistent pain and follow our tips above for getting the most out of a cross trainer if you suffer from knee pain.

 

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Can I Use A Cross Trainer After Hip Replacement? Is It Safe?

Our Guide To Using a Cross Trainer After a Hip Replacement

If you have had just had a replacement or you are going to have one, you are probably wondering what exercise you can and cannot do after having surgery. 

For the first six weeks after your replacement, you should not use equipment or do cardiovascular exercise apart from walking to regain your balance. After this period it is possible to do light working out with your cross-trainer. 

In our guide below we will cover why using a cross trainer is beneficial after having a hip replacement, which exercises machines to avoid and some tips for using one when you feel strong enough. 

Let’s get into it!

Why Exercise Is Important After a Hip Replacement 

After having a hip replacement your physical therapist will put you through an exercise program for you to regain strength without putting too much impact on joints. 

Although after a hip replacement you should avoid exercise after 6 weeks, then start to slowly integrate exercise per week back into your lifestyle when you have balance and can walk freely without support or a crutch. 

Without an effective exercise program after a hip replacement recovery time can be longer and you might find it harder to regain strength. 

Benefits Of Exercising With a Cross Trainer After a Hip Replacement 

If you are not sure about choosing a cross-trainer to exercise with after a hip replacement, we have put together some of the benefits you can get from this form of exercise below.

Always check with your doctor and physical therapist in advance before you start working out with a cross-trainer as recovery time varies for everyone. 

  • They are low impact – Cross trainers are popular exercise machines to choose for a low-impact type of exercise. Compared to a treadmill or exercise bike, the range of motion on these trainers do not require your feet to leave the pedal which reduces the impact on your hips and lower body. 
  • Very safe to use – Unlike a treadmill, a cross trainer is very safe to use, this is because they only move when you move, however when someone stops on a machine like a treadmill the belt will continue to go which can cause injury. 
  • You have complete control – This low-impact exercise machine give you complete control over your exercise, where you want to go at a slow or a fast pace or up and down the resistance. This allows you to work your way back into exercise at your own pace.
  • It works all your muscles – A cross trainer is one of the only cardiovascular exercise machines that work nearly all of your muscles. Your lower body muscles such as your glutes and legs are activated during the range of the motion and your upper body muscles are activated by the handlebars. 
  • Gets your heart rate up – Although a cross trainer is a low-impact exercise machine it still can work up a sweat and is great for building cardiovascular strength again after a period of rest from surgery. 

Exercise Machines To Avoid After a Hip Replacement 

Cross trainers are a great exercise machine to use after a hip replacement, but there are some machines that you should avoid using till you have completely recovered. 

We have listed the exercises to avoid after your hip replacement below. 

Treadmills 

It is not recommended to use a treadmill soon after hip surgery, these machines can be very strenuous and high impact and with limited range of motion can cause hip pain. 

If you do want to use a treadmill after hip surgery then you should stick to walking and keep at a slow pace. 

Leg Press 

Using a leg press after a hip replacement forces you to bend your knees at 90-degrees which can make hip replacements worse and potentially cause injury.

Inner Thigh Adductor 

This workout machine forces you to create resistance with your inner thighs when you push them together, this can cause excess strain on your hips and are not beneficial exercise machines.

Exercise Bikes 

When working out on an exercise bike this causes your hips to externally rotate during pedalling, if you use one of these bikes too soon after a hip replacement surgery this can aggravate your hips and make recovery longer. 

If you want to use an exercise bike after having a hip replacement check with your doctor first, start slowly and make sure you have seat comfortability to reduce strain on your hips.

Steps For Using a Cross Trainer With a Hip Replacement 

Whether you have had knee replacement surgery or hip surgery, you must make sure you are using your cross trainer carefully to minimise the chance of injuring yourself while you exercise. 

We have listed a few important steps below for using your cross trainer after surgery. 

  • Step one – First of all set your cross trainer to the lowest resistance then slowly get on the trainer and set your feet comfortably on the pedals. 
  • Step two – Place your arms on the handlebars of your trainer then start to pedal backwards slowly until you reach a comfortable pace, then switch to a forward motion. 
  • Step three – Gradually move the resistance level up as you get stronger, always consult your doctor in advance before switching up exercise for the best recovery. 

Best Exercises For a Hip Replacement

If it is too soon to get back on a cross-trainer after your hip replacement then you should still try to integrate a few exercises to regain your strength.

We have listed the best physical therapy exercises for people who had a hip replacement recently below. 

  • Ankle pumps – Lie down on your back and slowly start to push your foot up and down, do this for around 10 minutes per day. 
  • Straight leg raises – On your back still, tense your thigh muscles with your legs straight and lift your legs a few inches. Hold this for 5 to 10 seconds and do this exercise for hip pain increasing the time as you get stronger. 
  • Standing knee raises – Hold a chair for support and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lift your leg to your chest (not above the waist). Repeat a few times holding your leg to strengthen the muscle. 
  • Hip extensions (standing) – With your chair again for the support, extend your legs backwards and hold, repeat 10 times and a few times a day. 

Last Words 

Overall, a cross trainer is a good machine to exercise with after a hip replacement if you are looking for safe exercises to build up your fitness again.

Always wait six weeks till after your surgery or till your doctor recommends to make sure it does not affect your recovery process. Try flexibility exercises in combination with cross-training to help you regain strength through exercise per week.

 

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Can You Keep a Cross Trainer Outside? Find Out Here

Is It Possible To Store a Cross Trainer Outside? – Our Best Storage Tips!

Cross trainers are a great piece of home gym equipment to invest in, they allow you to stay fit and healthy or meet weight loss goals all in the comfort of your own home. 

Many people forget, however, to have a cross-trainer inside of your home you need to ensure that you have enough space to store it and use it, leading many of us to ask, can you keep a cross-trainer outside? 

Well, it is not typically recommended to store your cross trainer outside, but if you have to, you need to ensure it is in the right temperatures and protected against outdoor elements. 

We have put together a short guide below that will tell you exactly how much space you will need for a cross trainer and some ways to protect it if you have to store your machine outdoors. 

How Much Space Do You Need For a Cross Trainer? 

Before you decide on where to store your cross-trainers, it’s a good idea to double-check if you have enough space inside, to begin with as indoor storage is the preferred option for a cross-trainer. 

A cross-trainer will likely take up the same amount of space as an average-sized treadmill would, you should budget at least 2 meters of space for your cross-trainer. You could invest in a folding cross trainer which would save you even more space too. 

Just like a non-folding treadmills machine, you also need to ensure you have space around it for safe use, for example, you should have 1 meter left behind your cross trainer and double the width of each side. 

Ensure you have enough ceiling height for your cross-trainer too like you would need with treadmill surfaces once mounted on the machine.

Tips For Storing Your Cross Trainer Outdoors

If you have decided that you do not have enough room to store your cross trainer inside then you might be left with no option but to store it outside. 

While this is not the best-case scenario, it is not impossible to store your equipment outside, so we will mention some tips below to help you out. 

  • Look for the best storage space – When deciding where to store your cross trainer outside you should make sure that you find a place with little moisture and no dust, as these can all negatively impact your machine. 
  • Clean the space and use a mat – Clean where your trainer is going to sit and place down a mat for it to sit on, this will prevent any scratches and stop dust from getting into the machine from the bottom of the device. 
  • Cover your cross trainer – One of the best ways to protect your cross trainer outside is to use a cover for it as a standard treadmill cover, this will stop the machine from getting affected by UV rays and mildew or moisture. You can even get a customised cross trainer cover like a custom treadmill cover which will fit your machines specs exactly.

Considerations For An Outdoor Home Gym

You might prefer to keep your cross trainer outside due to the more pleasant environment to work out in and build a small outdoor home gym due to limited space inside. 

Whatever your reasons, there are a few considerations if you are looking to have a small outdoor home gym. 

  • Think of an outbuilding – So as you can have the best experience for your outdoor gym, we would recommend trying to put it in an outbuilding of some sort such as a patio or gazebo for extra protection from the outdoor elements. 
  • Portability – Cross-trainers and other exercise machines are not very portable, so you should consider if your model is folding and the total weight of it before putting it outside and whether or not you want it to stay there permanently. 
  • Electricity – Ensure that your exercise machines have a source of outdoor electricity for the machine to be plugged into. 
  • Ground cover – No matter what, your cross-trainer needs to be put with some kind of ground cover such as a mat or paving stones to keep the ground flat and level, as well as protect it from moisture from the floor.

Final Words 

Overall, there is no reason as to why you can’t keep a cross-trainer outside as long as it is in a temperature-controlled environment with floor protection and necessary equipment protection such as a cover and a shelter from the rain. 

We would always suggest having exercise equipment inside if possible, but you should ensure you have enough space around the machine for safety purposes and double-check ceiling height, cross-trainers take around 2 meters of space, so be aware of this when planning where your machine will go.

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Can I Use A Cross Trainer With Achilles Tendonitis? Find Out Here

Cross trainers are a popular choice for home fitness equipment, but they are often overlooked by people who are looking for equipment to help with achilles tendonitis. If you have tight calves, or you are a beginner exerciser, a cross trainer may not be for you.

However, if you are looking for an equipment that can help you work your lower body without putting additional stress on your Achilles tendon, you may want to consider a cross trainer.

Your trainer is a great piece of exercise equipment, but what happens if you have achilles tendonitis? Unfortunately, cross trainers are notorious for causing all sorts of injuries, and achilles tendonitis is just one of them.

The foot pedals are usually the culprit, because they are attached to the front wheel, and your foot is controlled by a lever.

While they are very efficient, the strain they put on your legs and your achilles tendon is enormous. If you have achilles tendonitis, you should use an elliptical trainer instead.

There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a cross trainer with achilles tendonitis. For one, cross trainers are smaller than treadmills or elliptical machines, so they may be better suited for small spaces.

They’re also easier to move around and assemble, which can be helpful if you’re often traveling for work or pleasure.

The Ultimate Guide to Achilles Tendon Injuries

The ankle is made up of the tibia, fibula, and the talus. These bones come together to form the ankle joint which also consists of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are surrounded by a joint capsule.

The bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the ankle form complex movements. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It is made of a band of fibrous tissue that connects a muscle in the calf to a bone at the back of the heel.

The Achilles tendon pulls on the heel to help the calf muscle contract and become shorter. This allows the foot and toes to point downward and the calf muscle to help lift the heel off the ground.

The achilles tendon is a thick and large tendon, approximately 15 centimeters long that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a vital role in your ability to walk and run, and is extremely important in your ability to keep your balance.

The achilles tendon is vulnerable to injury, and when it is injured, the result can be debilitating pain that keeps you from walking and running.

Injuries Need to Heal

You are probably here because you have been suffering with achilles tendonitis for some time now and you are sick and tired of going to the gym and even if you do manage to go to the gym, you are not able to do all the exercises that you want to do. If that is the case, you are not alone.

Many people suffer from achilles tendonitis and some of these people even stop going to the gym altogether because they are afraid of aggravating their tendonitis even further and end up doing nothing.

Today we are going to talk about how you can use a cross trainer while recovering from achilles tendonitis.

There are a lot of people that want to know if they are able to take an exercise class in a gym or go to a basketball game. For some people this is impossible. They can’t move around without experiencing a great deal of pain in their Achilles tendon.

The first thing that you are going to want to consider is the fact that you need to go at your own pace.

If you try to go too fast or push yourself too hard, you could end up with more problems than you started with. The quickest way to get hurt is to push yourself too hard and end up having to take more time off than you need to.  

You are going to want to take it slow and focus on moving forward. You want to be able to push yourself a little bit, but not too much.

For others, they can move around without pain, but just a little bit of movement causes them pain. Unfortunately, the Achilles tendon cannot heal on its own.

Even if you stop doing whatever it is that causes the pain, it will not get better on its own. It doesn’t matter if you wait a year or two, it won’t get better without medical help.

If you have been exercising in a gym you may have heard a number of people talking about cross trainers. What are cross trainers and how can they benefit you?

Cross trainers are a kind of exercise equipment that is used in the gym session.

They are a combination of a treadmill and a stair climber. They have features that are similar to both of these machines. This makes them a great alternative to using a treadmill and a stair climber.

You do not have to be worried about your joints when using this machine. You can use it without having to worry about any kind of injury.

Those with weak ankles or achilles tendonitis might find it difficult to use a cross trainer especially if they have not built their strength up yet.

It is difficult for us to give any absolute advice, but you should ask yourself if you have built up strength in your ankles and achilles tendon to the point where you are not worried about them anymore. If not, you might not want to try out the cross trainer just yet.

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Can I Use Cross Trainer With Calf Strain?Find Out Here

Will a Cross Trainer Make My Calf Strain Worse? – Our Guide

Most very physically active people will experience a calf strain at some point during their fitness, this can be caused by running or overuse of the calf area and will most likely have to be seen by a physician. 

If it turns out that you have a calf strain, you will be told to rest for a period by your doctor, during this time you can do stretching exercise, but after this period you will be to reintegrate light exercising too, and a cross trainer is a great low-impact choice to exercise with. 

How Do You Look After a Calf Strain?

If you suspect you have a calf strain your doctor will likely have to do an x-ray or a kind of scan to see how bad the strain is. This will help you to understand how bad your strained calf muscle is and the exact time frame to rest it for. 

Most likely, your doctor will give you a RICE protocol to follow before you can start getting back into exercising again with previous calf injuries. 

  • Rest – Depending on how bad the persistent calf strain is you might be on crutches or told to avoid activity other than walking. 
  • Ice – You will often be told to ice your calf strain within respectable time after the injury to stop swelling from occurring. 
  • Compression – Wrapping your calf muscle can also help to bring down swelling.
  • Elevation – A strained muscle like your calf should always be elevated for better healing.

What Exercises Can You Do With a Calf Strain? 

When workout time comes after doing RICE with your calf strain, you cannot hop straight back into high-impact running again to prevent future calf injury, instead, you will be told to stick to light low impact exercises so as the healing process can continue. 

  • Swimming – Swimming is perfect for someone with a strained calf who wants a form of exercise that will not trigger the injury. 
  • Rowing – Rowing stops you from bearing weight on your legs and is a great form of cardio.
  • Cross-training – Since most of the time your feet do not leave the pedals, a cross trainer is a form of great low-impact cardio.
  • Stretches – Stretches are important while your strained calf is healing and in the period after, it helps with rehab and to re-strengthen your muscle. 

Can a Cross Trainer Cause Calf Pain?

It is very possible in some cases that a cross trainer can cause calf pain if used incorrectly or in excess. We have listed the common causes for calf pain from a cross trainer below if you suspect this might be the culprit. 

  • You didn’t stretch – Stretching before and after a cross trainer workout is very important as it predominantly works the lower body, always stretches your calves out before and after to minimise the chances of injury during workout time. 
  • Too much resistance – Moving backwards on your cross trainer with too much resistance can strain the soleus muscle in your calves which will gradually get worse over a few days to come. 
  • No pacing – It is important to have rest days in between your cross trainer workouts and move up resistance slowly, this way you give your body a chance to recover and avoid calf pain. 
  • It’s DOMS – DOMS happens when your body is repairing microscopic muscle tears after a workout. It can last up to three days but typically is not a big reason for concern.
  • You are wearing the wrong shoes – If you are not wearing the right support while using your machine then this can indeed lead to injury on your legs or feet, make sure your shoes have supportive soles for this kind of exercise.

Last Words 

To conclude, you can use a cross trainer after a calf strain with your doctor’s approval for light exercise, always ease yourself back into the exercise slowly and stretch beforehand and after to reduce the chances of injury and pain (but not if you have Achilles Tendonitis). 

We also recommend resting your calf strain for a period before starting exercise again, as this can make your recovery slower if you do not give yourself time to heal properly.

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Can I Use A Cross Trainer With A Bad Back? Here’s Our Answer

When it comes to having a bad back, there’s a lot to be careful of. It’s safe to say that each and every one of us would like to avoid that kind of pain.

The truth is that for many of us, it’s something that we don’t just have to put up with. We can do something about it. That’s where cross trainer home comes in. 

If you have a bad back, finding the right cross trainer can be tough. While some models are better than others, all of them can be a little too hard on your back if you’re prone to injuries and back pain.

Cross trainers, or elliptical trainers, are the most popular cardio machines out there. They’re inexpensive, they don’t take up a lot of space, and they’re easy to use.

But can you use a cross trainer if you have back problems? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of back problem you have.

The elliptical machine, also known as a cross trainer, is one of the most popular cardio machines at the gym.

A lot of people love it because it is easy on the joints and gives a great workout, and for others it is the only cardio equipment they can use. But for some people the elliptical can be a problem. One big reason is the position of the machine. The elliptical cross-trainer is an aerobic exercise machine that helps you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness. It is an easier alternative to the treadmill, which is great for people with lower back pain.

Bad Back And The Cause 

A bad back is the most common problem with back pain. It is estimated that there are about 50 million people in the United States who suffer from back problems. The back is a complex structure that can be affected by a number of causes.

It’s also one of the most common reasons people stop exercising and playing sports. So why does bad back happen, and what can we do about it? Bad backs are a result of wear and tear on the spine. The spine is made up of bones that are cushioned by cartilage cushions. Over time the cartilage can wear away, leading to bones grinding against each other. This grinding rubs the cartilage away, causing inflammation. The wear and tear can be caused by physical stress, such as lifting heavy objects, or a lack of exercise, or it can be caused by not having strong muscles supporting the spine.

There are 3 types of back pain:

  • The first type is the pain that comes from an injury to the soft tissue spine, which is quite common.
  • The second type of back pain is referred pain from the joints, muscles, tendons, bones, or ligaments of the neck, shoulders, mid-back, upper back, lower back, or other areas. It is also common.
  • The third type of back pain, is nerve pain. Common symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness radiating down one or both legs.

Benefits of exercises for Your Bad Back

Did you know that  back pain is one of the most common reasons that people miss work or miss out on participating in leisure activities?

Did you know that most of the time back pain is caused by a lack of exercise?

Did you know that exercise for your bad back is a great way to help relieve stress on your back?

As we age, we tend to notice changes in our bodies. This is true for joints, muscles and even the spine. Our joints become less flexible, our bones become less dense, and muscles begin to atrophy.

If you haven’t been exercising, you might find that bending over to tie your shoes or reaching for objects on the floor is difficult. If you already exercise, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to help prevent or treat back pain. The answer: yes!

Before you start any new exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor. A medical professional can help you determine what exercises are best for your specific back condition, and can also advise you on the proper way to execute each exercise.

Exercising to relieve your back pain is challenging. If you have back pain, you will find that it takes a lot of effort to stretch, lift weights or exercise in any way without making the pain worse.

To exercise your back properly you need an exercise plan that focuses on slow, gentle stretches, rather than on strength training or aerobic exercise. These kinds of exercises are best for relieving your back pain.

Back Pain? Best Cardio Machines and Exercise Equipment for Bad Back

  • Stationary Bikes for Back pain

Stationary exercise bikes are an excellent way to build strength and endurance. Whether you are recovering from a back injury or working to strengthen your core, these machines can help you reach your fitness goals.If back pain is your primary concern, however, a stationary bike may be the better choice for you.

  • Elliptical Cross-Trainers For Back Pain

They can make a huge difference for people who suffer from back pain. Exercising on a cross trainer is a great way to strengthen your back without putting any strain on it.

Elliptical cross-trainers are used to improve the physical condition of the body. 

Elliptical cross-trainers are used for: * Chronic back pain * Arthritis * Knee problems * Muscular problems * Poor balance * People who cannot bear weight on their legs * Depression.

  • Treadmills for back Pain

A treadmill is a good way to burn calories and lose weight. But many people are now buying treadmills primarily to help with back pain.

Treadmills have been found to provide the same benefits as swimming, without the impact. And a treadmill can be safer than other equipment when you have back pain.

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Can I Use A Cross Trainer With Plantar Fasciitis? Find Out Here

Is It Okay To Use a Cross Trainer With Plantar Fasciitis?

For people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, finding a type of exercise that does not make your feet and heels hurt can be difficult. The illness comes from an inflammation of the thick tissue on your foot, and be caused by overuse of the foot or being overweight. 

Since elliptical machines are considered a low impact form of exercise they are suitable for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis and want to do cardio exercises safely without pain. 

To help you out with exercise while suffering from plantar fascia we have composed a small guide below which will take you through which low-impact machines you can use to exercise with for plantar fasciitis, the benefits of using a cross trainer for your low-Impact workouts and some tips for using one. 

Which Types of Exercises Can I Do With Plantar Faciitis? 

Before we dive into more detail about using an elliptical machine with foot pain, let’s briefly go over all the kinds of aerobic exercises which are suitable for people who suffer from this illness to help them get back into a safer exercise routine. 

Cycling 

Cycling with plantar fascia is typically okay as during the pedalling motion not much weight is placed on the heel of the foot pedals. Instead, your leg muscles are activated most with your calves flexing. 

The only drawback of this is that the contracting calve muscle can sometimes cause foot pain, so be sure to stretch out before and after your exercise to try and avoid this. 

Swimming

Swimming with foot pain is an excellent choice as no weight is placed on the feet, this resistance exercise can help strengthen your muscles, especially in the feet and is one of the most low-impact forms of exercise you can choose with this problem.

Rowing 

Rowing compared to running keeps the weight off your heels and is a great, low-impact exercise to get your heart rate up and burn calories.

Cross Trainer 

As we have mentioned above, using an elliptical exercise with this foot pain is low impact and will rarely make heel pain worse as there is little weight-bearing. 

However, when the back heel lifts during the forward motion on a cross-trainer it can aggravate your feet through plantar flexion. If this happens stop exercising on the machine straight away.

Benefits Of Using a Cross Trainer With Plantar Faciitis 

If you are still on the edge about whether or not an elliptical machine is right for your plantar faciitis then take a look at the benefits we have listed below to see if this machine could be right for you. 

  • Strengthens your muscles – Cross-training involves strength exercises in your arms, legs and glutes, this can tone them and make them stronger over time with resistance. 
  • Helps you lose weight – When combined with a healthy diet, you can indeed lose weight with an elliptical trainer as long as you are in a calorie deficit.
  • You have control – Whether you want to go fast or slow, you set the pace on your cross trainer which is important for people who are getting back into exercising after an injury. You can also play around with the resistance according to how you feel. 
  • It’s low impact – Since your feet stay on the pedals most of the time these feet exercises are low impact unlike treadmill running. 

Tips For Using a Cross Trainer With Plantar Faciitis

It is important if you suffer from plantar faciitis to not go all out when using the machine, you need to make sure that your exercise regimen does not make your foot pain any worse. 

We have bullet-pointed a few of our essential tips for using a cross-trainer with foot pain below. 

  • Wear the right shoes – Always wear the right athletic shoes with shock absorption and supportive arches for cross-training. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause plantar faciitis.
  • Keep the correct posture – Try not to push the pedals of your elliptical too hard when using the machine and avoid lifting them. Do not put pressure on the ball of your foot. 
  • Stretch – In addition to light low impact exercise, you should perform some stretches to help with your foot pain before and after working out. This can be ankle rolls, flexing your foot up and down and massaging your heel. 
  • Check with your doctor – If you suffer from foot pain then always follow your physical therapists advice to avoid making your pain any worse. Never force yourself to exercise if you are experiencing pain.
  • Try a foot brace at night – It has been proven that wearing a foot brace at night with plantar faciitis can help with the pain.

Final Words 

Overall, a cross trainer can be used with plantar faciitis, but you should always monitor how you feel during and after the exercise, if this makes it feel worse then always discontinue the workout routine and consult your doctor for advice. 

In addition to performing low impact, exercises make sure you are stretching, wearing the right shoes and keeping the best posture when working out on these machines.