Elliptical trainers are modern machines that are taking the fitness world by storm. They can be a great addition to any family's home or can simply be a variation on the exercise routine that you follow at the gym.
One of the benefits of the elliptical that makes it so desirable for fitness fanatics is that it is a safe, low-impact machine that doesn't hurt the bones and joints as much as other types of workouts. Despite its advantages, it does still have its downsides.
Most joints and parts of the body are usually safe when using an elliptical trainer, but one part of the body can be frequently bothered when using this machine: the knee. The knee is a complicated part of the body that can be hurt in so many ways, even when using an elliptical.
The reason the knee is so frequently pained is because it is a delicate type of joint. It is made up of three bones, cartilage, and strands of ligament that can be thrown out of sync very easily.
I will start by informing you about the most serious kinds of knee injuries that can be sustained by using an elliptical. But keep in mind that these are not very common and can only be created if a person uses the machine improperly!
The most severe type of injury is called acute knee pain. When you were in high school, you might have heard of a star athlete "tearing their ACL", which required crutches and expensive surgery.
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a ligament that is located in the knee. If this ligament or any cartilage is torn, it can lead to severe problems.
You will realize it very quickly if any of these parts of the knee are torn! What is reassuring is that if you use the elliptical trainer in the proper way, these types of injuries are very rare and won't be a problem most of the time.
With that in mind, I'll move on to a more common injury that can plague you and your knees. It is simply overusing or overworking the precious joint.
If you are a fitness junkie and are working out on the machine too much, or you are a couch potato that has suddenly decided to start a rigorous fitness schedule, you might run into this problem.
If the joint is exposed to too much movement over a period of time, it can lead to fatigue and might make it more susceptible to more serious injuries. Luckily, these kinds or injuries are easy to treat.
When plagued with mild knee pain, you should follow the RICE formula. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
If you feel pain in the joint, stop exercising immediately and apply a bag of ice or ice pack onto the area for no longer than 20 minutes. If you leave it on for any longer it could burn the skin and create other problems for you to deal with.
While you are applying the ice pack intermittently, elevate your foot on a chair or something else. This will prevent blood from settling in the injured area, which can make it swell up or more and be a nuisance.
Usually this formula will solve most joint problems, and after proper precautions are taken the joint can be used again. If the problem does not go away, it will be necessary to go to a doctor or orthopedist to gain a proper diagnosis of what has gone wrong.
Most of these injuries can be prevented even before you jump onto your machine. Stretching before and after a workout can give your muscles and joints a much needed stretch that can make injuries more uncommon.
Also think about how much your body can handle during an exercise routine. If you are too proud or think you are fitter than you actually are, this can easily lead to problems. Be realistic with yourself.
Keep these tips in mind while you have a safe and exhilarating workout on your elliptical trainer! This amazing machine doesn't have to be a hindrance to your fitness or weight loss goals.
Author Resource:-
Ignacio Lopez is a personal trainer and has authored hundreds of articles relating to physical training and elliptical machines. He has been a health expert and physical trainer for over 15 years.
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