Since the very beginning of their first launch, elliptical trainers have shaken the market thoroughly. These trainers are complete rockstars, whether about the ease of use or low joint impact workouts. But are elliptical trainers effective for people facing common issues or bad knees? Well, that’s a good question. Let’s find out what is the best elliptical for bad knees,
According to certified reports and investigations, elliptical trainers are suggested if the patient is going through joint issues like bad knee, arthritis, or even paralysis. And these are not just regular store owners who are suggesting the use of ellipticals. All of them are renowned and qualified physicians, surgeons, and physiotherapists.
So, you must be thinking, what makes elliptical trainers so amazing regarding rehabilitation exercises? Well, let’s take a look at the structure of these trainers. We can easily conclude that the machine schematics of elliptical trainers offer the lowest joint impact factor we can get from a bike, treadmill, or any other trainer itself. Hence, making these trainers the best choice for people with bad knees. Let’s try to look at the bigger picture here so we can understand the issue better.
How does the Knee Move On an Elliptical?
A significant difference between elliptical trainers and other commonly used workout machines is that elliptical trainers are not limited to a particular body region. Instead, elliptical trainers are designed to distribute the effect of the workout throughout the body evenly. In other words, there is no way an elliptical trainer is going to stress out your knees or any other body part.
Now, the question is that how elliptical trainers move the knee? Well, the knee movement in an elliptical trainer is more like going on an inclined hike or going up a flight of stairs. Also, the elliptical trainers do not offer back support; that is true. But to fill this vital spot, elliptical trainers provide elongated arm workout rods which keep the whole-body structure balanced.
Luckily, I have already talked about the best elliptical for home under 500, and you can read that article for more detail.
Let’s talk about the mechanics which move the knee in an elliptical trainer.
Generally, the two-foot plates in an elliptical trainer follow an ellipse path to maintain the low-impact policy of elliptical trainers. But one thing that’s unique with the elliptical trainers is that you can track forward and backward movements while using an elliptical trainer. Here’ how,
- The forward knee movement is the most common type of movement, followed by most stationary bikes and multiple trainers, except the elliptical trainers. While tracking the forward knee movement, both feet move forward, following a clockwise direction pathway. The forward knee movement is famous for putting maximum impact on the frontal knee muscles, shaping them more effectively.
However, the knee movement is still the same for both forward and backward knee movements. That is why following a forward knee movement path or a backward knee movement is totally up to your personal choice.
- As the name implies, the backward knee movement is the opposite knee movement of the forward knee movement. Following a counter-clockwise direction pathway, the backward knee movement is not common at all. Comparing this feature with workout machines available in the market, the backward knee movement comes only in the elliptical with noticeable results.
But what does backward knee movement do? First, the knee impact isn’t affected whether you are following a forward or backward knee movement routine. Second, the backward motion allows the back knee muscles to be impacted the most, hence starting muscle strengthening and shaping from the back of the knee.
How the Best Eelliptical for Bad Knees Benefits?
To understand why elliptical trainers are so massively successful with rehabilitation workouts for bad knees, we need to precisely understand what bad knees are.
The term ‘bad knee’ is a universal term used to describe any pain associated with the knees. This pain may result from some injury, hormonal imbalance, ruptured ligaments, cartilage, tissues, or even arthritis, which is a common reason behind knee pain among older adults.
So, why are elliptical trainers good for bad knees. Well, the reason is pretty simple, ‘The low impact machine schematics’ Among all the trainers, treadmills, or stationary bikes available in the market today. Elliptical trainers are ones with the lowest knee impact ever.
In other words, there is no way an elliptical trainer will put unnecessary or excessive strain on your already aching knee joints. Instead, the elliptical trainer will distribute the collective impact of the workout through the body evenly. Hence, a great way of enjoying a refreshing activity will also help you get out the stiffness and excessive pain in your knee region.
So, it is necessary to find the best elliptical for bad knees to immediately start your home workout.
How can Bad Knee Problems be Cured With Elliptical?
Knee problems can be painful and frustrating at the same time. On average, about one in four adults has been facing aching knee problems in the US alone. On a global scale, the figures are truly alarming.
But, how can I know that I have knee problems and not just a temporary aching phase just because the tree I was trying to climb was slightly higher than I expected? Well, this is a great question. The only way you can be sure about this if you consult a certified physician or physiotherapist. Only the professionals can tell whether it is just a temporary pain or any torn ligaments involved.
Now, think about this. Your knee is already aching, but you must get your knee moving gradually so that you can recover as soon as possible. But, whenever you try to work out a little by using a stationary bike or even a treadmill, the joint impact is too much to be borne by your already aching knee. That is where elliptical trainers come to the rescue with their low-impact machine schematics helping you to work out as smoothly and as painlessly as possible.
It is not only the bad knees that you can rehab with an elliptical workout, but elliptical workout benefits are also unlimited. Shedding extra pounds to build muscles can be used for a variety of jobs.
Elliptical Workout Plan for People With a Bad Knee
Well, one thing is clear. Elliptical trainers truly have special healing powers when it comes to people with a bad knee. But remember, using the proper workout routine is vital for a speedy recovery as well.
No need to worry if you’re new to this or don’t know anything about the essential steps of a workout plan using an elliptical trainer, especially when you already have a bad knee. Here are some points that you must keep in mind no matter what. You’ll be back to the old days in no time.
Always Start With a Warm Up
Most of us think that warming up before starting the main exercise is just a waste of time and nothing more. Who even does that?
This is where most of us are gravely wrong! Lying or sitting in a constant position throughout the day and then suddenly jumping on the trainer will do more harm than good. That’s why warming up a bit before exercise will surely loosen up some of the stiffed joints. Hence the elliptical trainers will become more effective, which is something you want.
Maintain a Healthy Posture
But what is a healthy body posture exactly? In terms of exercising, a healthy body posture is generally described as your body position when no excessive or unwanted strain is being applied to any region of your body.
Think about this; you’re already facing a bad knee. So, an odd body posture will have two outcomes. First, either your knee joint will be subjected to excessive pain, which will worsen the condition. Second, or any other part of your body will be bearing this extreme pain that you don’t want to experience anymore.
For those who also wish to improve posture the best elliptical for bad knees can be the biggest gift.
Keeping Your Knee Condition in Mind
Probably the essential thing to keep in mind while using an elliptical trainer, especially when you already have a bad knee. Your knee is made up of rubber. There’s no way it will keep running and running if you try to work out for long hours.
In most cases of bad knees, patients aren’t even able to move their knees without feeling a sudden bolt of pain running through their leg. That’s why trying to push your aching knee up to its limits so that it can heal faster is not a good idea at all. Like all the great times, the process of healing will take time.
Wrap Up — Best Elliptical for Bad Knees
Knee pain can be excruciating, that true. But it is so admiring to see that even during these challenging times, there’s no way you’re ready to go down without putting up a proper fight.
There’s no doubt that the process of healing will take time. But with the right approach and with the right equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, you’ll be running in the upcoming county marathon once again in no time. All you need is the spirit you have and the right approach.
So, stop researching and get the best elliptical for bad knees to work on your rehab your knees.
Elliptical vs treadmill vs bike is a thoughtful comparison where our experts share why they recommend elliptical instead of treadmill and bike.