A complete form of exercise
A number of experts have claimed that elliptical bikes provide the most complete form of exercise, and far more thorough than an exercise bike. They are not wrong: some 80% of the body's muscles are used, leading to a thorough vascular and respiratory work out.

These device help you to exercise quadriceps, femurs, calf muscles and thighs (in the lower half of the body). They even have movable arms that help you to exercise the upper half of the body (chest, shoulders and back). In addition, the absence of a free-moving wheel enables you to pedal backwards thereby working the back part of the muscles.

Low impact
Pedalling in oval fashion (the main difference to exercise bikes) allows you to exercise without exerting your joints. Although the leg movement is very similar to running, the effort is less harmful to the body than running. This is why doctors recommend this activity when recuperating from cardiac, knee or back problems. It also improves coordination and your sense of balance and is a perfect activity for unfit individuals.

Adaptable uses
- The elliptical machine enables you to exercise the entire body aerobically. This means tha the body needs a continuous supply of oxygen and the muscles use fat reserves as their main supply of energy. This converts the elliptical machine into the perfect exercise to combine with a balanced diet and lose weight. If this is the aim bear in mind that the length of the exercise should be at least 20-30 minutes, which is when the exercise provokes the burning of fat. The effort should be constant, in other words, you should not stop pedalling for the exercise to be effective.
- If, on the contrary, you are just aiming to keep fit, it is best to exercise the arms and legs moderately and ensure that your heartbeat does not exceed 140 beats a minute.
- This machine is also perfect for intensive exercise, if you are in great shape. In fact, professional sportsmen use it to exercise over winter, working at a very high heartbeat (160/180).

Good choice for the home
When choosing an elliptical machine for the home, you should bear the following in mind:
- Stability. The stability depends on the weight of the machine and how it is fixed to the floor. The heavier and the larger the surface contact area, the better the stability.
- Comfort. For the pedalling to be comfortable, the following three conditions are necessary: the inert wheel should be heavy, for a more regular pedal action; the friction mechanism should be smooth; and the number of turns of the wheel in relation to the number of pedals should be as high as possible.
- Aim. Lowering your weight, strengthening muscles, cardiac rehabilitation, etc. Also, your fitness level and physical shape will be condition to bear in mind when choosing a model.
- Budget. Machines enabling you to control the number of revolutions, calories consumed, sped and beats as you move your legs, arms and body cost upwards of 500 euros.
- Space in the home. These machines take up about the same space as a standard exercise bike.