If there’s one thing you’re going to regret once you’re older, it’s probably not doing something about exercising your joints and keeping them in top shape.
Take it from me, someone who’s barely in their mid-thirties and can already feel the onset of aching knees and a painful path to agedness.
Elliptical machines are generally considered a low-impact activity and are therefore one of the safest workout routines for you. This is especially true if you want to relieve joint pain in your knees and keep your muscles stimulated at the same time, as there is no impact on your joints.
This is especially true if you want to relieve joint pain in your knees and keep your muscles stimulated at the same time.
What’s the deal with Ellipticals?
Elliptical machines are highly recommended for knee pains because of the reduced strain on the joints, while your leg muscles work to simulate the effect of climbing stairs, or running.
Imagine going through an entire cardio workout while your knees are relieved of extra pressure. Kind of wild, if you ask me.
Studies have proven how regular workout, in general, has helped seniors alleviate knee pains over time.
If you start off with elliptical exercise, it’ll probably make it that much easier to feel relief and achieve an intense workout regime at the same time.
Knee Pain
A common reason for aching joints (without injury) is weakening bones due to age.
Or, if you’re not that old, it’s probably because of a lack of healthy exercise and an insufficient diet.
If you’re anything like me, your knee pain is definitely caused by idleness and no workout regime whatsoever, and it will come back to haunt you indefinitely.
The best-suited exercise for knee pains is a low-impact exercise; it’ll trigger all the right muscles without straining your knees.
And that is exactly what elliptical machines are for. Side Note: Check out my full article on the Teeter Freestep L3 Elliptical which is great for knee pain sufferers!
Can Ellipticals Damage your knees?
This is actually a commonly asked question.
If you’re going easy on the knees during intense cardio sessions, won’t it just weaken the muscles further, if your knees are not stimulated enough?
The imbalanced muscles in such a workout could possibly add to knee pains, as a matter of fact.
The best way around this is to operate the machine with good know-how beforehand.
Cardio workouts help improve blood flow in the muscles around your knees, nourishing them to reduce inflammation (the common cause of knee pains in senior citizens).
So you’re still good to go if you do it right!
- You Might Like To Read: What Muscles Does A Recumbent Bike Work?
Stretch!
Another trick to keep in mind is the post-workout routine. This is important in order to relax all those tightened muscles.
Simple lengthening and stretching positions should be okay to loosen up the muscles and help avoid knee pain (it makes you look pretty Zen, too, so that’s always cool).
Treadmill vs. Elliptical: Which is better for knees?
Treadmills are usually the backbone of anyone’s at-home gym. Hey, even my brother has one and he doesn’t even work out!
So, people might argue why the elliptical is hyped up when the treadmill is used for basically the same type of workout.
There’s that main difference, again; it’s all in the knees!
Sure, you can complete a pretty intense cardio routine running on the treadmill, but it’s forcing strain on your knees with every step.
Every time I ran on it, my legs ached real good but the knees were left in pain for days after. (Now, my machine holds my towels for me).
Be it for weight loss or stamina or anything else, you can pretty much reach the same goals using an elliptical machine like the treadmill, but this time even seniors with joint pains can join in.
How Ellipticals Hit All the Right Spots
I’m sure by now you’re convinced that ellipticals are a good alternative therapy for knee problems as compared to other gym exercises.
Let’s go all the way and talk about the other benefits of an elliptical workout.
Fat-loss
Elliptical machines help burn calories by the amount of movement involved (read more on how to burn belly fat on Ellipticals ).
Some elliptical trainers even come with movable arms, so all your limbs are in motion. It especially helps with belly fat, because you’re using your core to maintain rhythm in your movement.
Upper body
Like most gym equipment, using ellipticals require a certain amount of balance.
Which means, keeping the shoulders wide, back straight, arms strained. All the muscles are stimulated to provide the right amount of stress and in turn, added strength.
Lower body
Even more so on the lower body, the thighs and calves contract and relax in a rhythmic, low-impact motion to train the legs. It’s a way less stressful motion to achieve proper exercise.
Walking
Do you know how you can change the settings on a treadmill to a light walk? A simple yet effective regime with so many health benefits.
You’re kind of doing the same on an elliptical; the leg motion and stride length are akin to the pace of a natural walk, for when you want a little downtime in your routine.
Physical therapy
Because of the proven health aspect of relieving knee strain, ellipticals work as physical therapy for people suffering from knee injuries, looking for a low-intensity method of recovery.
Now, of course, I’m not going to say that this is an endgame; a lot of different people will prefer other methods, some will find out that ellipticals aren’t really doing it for them.
That’s okay, to each their own.
But, the point still goes that for a safe, productive, and therapeutic setup at home, elliptical machines work better than most.
Before you Start
If this article excited you in any way, that’s great! But, don’t jump onto your elliptical machine just yet.
Here are some helpful tips I recommend you follow pre-workout. They’ll make your experience way better.
Warm-up!
Vigorous exercise without first loosening your muscles could easily lead to painful cramps during your routine.
Stretch, run a lap around your gym, throw in some good old jumping-jacks. Just be sure you’re all warmed up before starting.
Correct Gear
Your footwear matters a lot, for any exercise.
Since ellipticals are all about proper leg movement, your shoes need to have the right arch to ensure the best placement.
You don’t want to have aching feet wearing imbalanced soles, or putting too much pressure where it hurts.
The Right Posture
Like I said before, balance is key. It’ll help you maintain stamina and avoid unnecessary aches in odd places.
Make good use of the handlebars– they provide support and good shoulder movement.
Also, keep your back straight; suck that gut in and you’ll be that much closer to a more toned abdomen.
Equipment Know-how
It always helps to be familiar with your elliptical machines beforehand.
This way, you can avoid messing with the mechanics, as well as go through your routine seamlessly.
Ask your gym instructor to educate you!
If you’re still wondering:
There are probably some questions floating around in your head about how legitimate ellipticals are when it comes to knee health. Let’s answer them.
What is the best Exercise machine for bad knees?
The best kind of machine to use is one that allows you to work out without putting weight on your knees.
Recumbent bikes and Ellipticals are both suitable because they work the same way: low impact force on the knees.
Why is an Elliptical bad for you?
If you’re not watching your post-workout drill, using the elliptical might do more harm than good.
The reduced strain on the back and knees might weaken the muscles there, as most would argue.
But, if you’re careful and go through the motion of properly stretching your body after your routine, you’re keeping your joints stimulated and nothing will go wrong!
Finally…
So there you go – everything you needed to know about whether or not elliptical machines ruin your knees.
They really don’t!
Research has said it, now I’ve said it, that’s got to make it worthwhile.
If you’re not keen on investing immediately, try an elliptical machine out at your local gym and see if it works for you!
But it’s important to take the initiative, anyway. Trust me, your future self will be on their (perfectly healthy) knees thanking you.
