When it comes to getting in shape, elliptical workouts are pretty hard to beat. Although the ever-present treadmill still ranks first among cardio equipment, the elliptical trainer is a solid second.
Elliptical trainers have found widespread support since their introduction in the mid-1990s. The low-impact workout and rhythmic movement of elliptical trainers is very appealing to those who cannot bear the weight of treadmills on their legs. bodies. Not to mention the monotonous nature of running on a treadmill.
Most people who use gyms and gyms are aware of the dangers associated with using the equipment in these facilities. At one time or another, most gym members have seen someone trip on a treadmill or have a mishap while using free weights. Although somewhat less common, accidents involving elliptical trainers are very real events and anyone involved in elliptical workouts should know what they are and how to prevent them.
Here are 5 key safety points to keep your elliptical workouts safe and enjoyable:
1. Getting on and off: This is where most accidents happen when using an elliptical trainer. The main hazard is free moving foot pedals and arm handles. Just like a bike, the pedals and arm handles are not locked in place, even when the elliptical is not in use. It’s pretty easy to lose your balance when you put all your weight on one pedal and then suddenly experience both pedals being thrown forward.
Always grasp the stationary handles while both feet are firmly in contact with the floor before stepping onto the elliptical. Instead, make sure the elliptical has come to a complete stop and your hands are firmly on the stationary handles before disassembling the elliptical. And never, ever hold the handles of the mobile arms while raising or lowering, as they also move freely.
two. Proper Posture – Although learning to operate an elliptical trainer is relatively simple compared to other fitness equipment, it is still important to maintain proper form. Don’t slouch and strive to maintain vertical alignment from your feet up through your spine to the top of your head. Also be sure to keep a slight bend in your knees to reduce stress on both your knees and lower back.
3. Keep your feet in contact with the pedals at all times; This seems obvious enough, but all it takes is one foot slipping off the pedal for a brief moment to have a pretty serious mishap on an elliptical trainer. If you begin to experience numbness in your toes, move your feet from heel to toe while maintaining partial contact with the pedals or, in extreme cases, stop the elliptical and dismount to remove the numbness.
Four. Be careful when navigating between elliptical trainers: In gyms where floor space is at a premium, elliptical trainers are often placed too close together. Therefore, use extreme caution when approaching and leaving an elliptical trainer when adjacent elliptical machines are in use. You don’t want to come into contact with moving equipment or other members of the gym. If fitness equipment is in close proximity to each other, please do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of gym management, as it is their responsibility to ensure that their facility is maintained in a safe manner.
5. Monitor your heart rate and breathing: If you feel uncomfortable or overly stressed at any point during your elliptical workouts, stop immediately and remain still on the elliptical while holding the stationary handles firmly. If you feel like you might pass out, try to get off the machine as quickly as possible and sit on the floor to avoid injury if you do pass out. If you don’t feel better after a short break, seek the attention of gym staff immediately. Better safe than sorry in these situations!
By following these 5 key safety points for your elliptical workouts, you’ll be in a much safer position when using an elliptical trainer. Most of them are just common sense, but it’s when we become complacent and forget the obvious that we set ourselves up for accidents. You may find it helpful to go through a mental checklist every time you’re ready to get on an elliptical trainer and never take your safety for granted while exercising.