Almost all exercises can be classified into two broad categories – aerobic and anaerobic.
Aerobic means “with oxygen” and refers to the use of oxygen in the body’s metabolic process.
Anaerobic means “without oxygen” and refers to the use of sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose to generate energy.
Aerobic exercise includes lower intensity activities performed for longer periods of time, such as brisk walking, running, cycling and swimming. However, in sports which require repeated short bursts of exercise, it is the anaerobic system that enables muscles to recover for the next burst. Hence, heavy exercises to build muscle, such as weighliftinga and powerlifting are examples of anaerobic exercise.
Regular aerobic exercise strengthens the respiratory system (heart and lungs) by increasing the heart-rate to higher than normal but manageable levells, causing the heart to use oxygen optimally. It also helps in reducing cholestorol and fat levels, and increasing stamina and strength. There is no particular aerobic exercise that can be considered the best, with a combination of the aforementioned exercise having the maximum impact. Hence, the best aerobic equipment is the one that allows you to perform most of these exercises – the eliptical trainer.
The elliptical trainer, also called a cross trainer, is a comparatively recent innovation in exercise equipment, combining the benefits of a stationary bike and a treadmill. Simply put, it is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running by working both the upper and lower body simultaneously. There are three types of elliptical trainers, depending on the motor or “drive” location – rear drive (1st generation), front drive (2nd generation) and center drive (3rd and current generation).
The main advantage of the elliptical trainer is its unique ability to provide a cardiovascular workout without jarring any of the joints or the back, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries. If the user has problems with arthritis or bad knees or ankles, there is nothing safer than an elliptical trainer workout. With the upright posture, the user does not face any back strain as with other equipment like indoor rowers. Also, with different workout intensities possible, it can be used by the beginner as well as the expert.