Monday, 27 January 2020

A-Z Glossary of Elliptical Trainer Machines Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 2 (G-R)

A-Z Glossary of Elliptical Trainer Machines Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 2 (G-R) on Elliptical Zone

Handlebar controls
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers will have handlebar controls with which you can change resistance levels at the press of a button instead of having to go into the console.


Heart monitor
The heart-monitor measures your heart-rate as you exercise to help you stay within your target heart-rate zone.  Different elliptical trainers may offer different methods of heart-rate monitoring – either pulse grip sensors located on the handlebars or via a wireless chest strap.


High-inertia flywheel
A flywheel with a high rotational inertia effectively opposes speed fluctuations to ensure smooth consistent momentum.


IFit
IFit is a subscription based service which offers a wide range of additional workouts by qualified fitness trainers, training routes from around the world with Google Maps, online fitness tracking and much more.  Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers are IFit compatible, either directly on their own console’s screen or via an app on your own mobile tablet/phone.  You won’t find this compatibility with the cheaper elliptical machines.


Incline
Some of the higher-end elliptical trainers have an incline feature that allows you to adjust the level of the incline to simulate uphill climbs.


LCD
Liquid crystal display.


Levellers
Levellers are adjustable “feet” on the bottom of the elliptical trainer that enable you to level the machine on uneven floor surfaces.




Magnetic resistance
Elliptical trainers that use magnetic resistance typically have a very powerful magnet that creates resistance when it moves towards or away from the machine’s flywheel.  Magnetic resistance is typically smooth and quiet in operation.


Manual power
The elliptical machine is not electrically powered and does not need to be plugged in.  You just get on and go!  Batteries are normally required for the machine’s console to work.


Media tray
Some elliptical trainers feature a media tray which is a handy shelf typically located on the console where you can place a book, magazine, tablet or mobile phone to keep you occupied as you exercise.


Motorized power
Motorized or electric-powered elliptical machines have to be plugged into a power socket.


Moving handlebars
The long handlebars on an elliptical trainer that move in unison with your foot pedaling action to add an upper body workout to your exercise.


Multi-position grip handlebars
Some elliptical trainers feature multi-position grip handlebars which allow for different hand placement positions, effectively enabling the user to target different upper-body muscle groups.


Performance tracking
Performance tracking simply means the way in which a machine tracks your workout in order to display your workout data on its console.


Perimeter-weighted flywheel
Perimeter-weighted flywheels found on some elliptical trainers ensure easy start-up and provide smoother / more consistent momentum.


Programs
Most elliptical trainers offer a variety of workout programs to choose from, accessible via the machine’s console.  Programs may include for example: standard, profile, heart-rate, calorie burn, intervals & more.


Pulse sensors
Pulse sensors are typically built into the elliptical trainer’s static handlebars and holding onto them enables the console to measure your pulse heart-rate.  Not all machines have this feature.


Quick keys
Quick keys on an elliptical trainer’s console typically allow you to increase or decrease the resistance level without having to delve into the console’s menu system.


Rear drive
Rear-drive means that the flywheel and drive axle is located at the rear of the elliptical machine.  A rear-drive system typically gives the user a more "centered" feel and gives a more natural stride that feels more like walking or jogging, resulting in less strain on your back.


Resistance levels
Most elliptical trainers utilize magnetic resistance for smooth and quiet operation and typically offer a range of resistance levels that enable you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.


RunSocial app
Some of the mid to higher-end elliptical trainers are compatible with the RunSocial app which you can sync with your own mobile device (phone or tablet) and run alongside other people from all over the world in real time, with a wide range of locations and routes to choose from.




You are reading Part 2 of the A-Z Glossary.  Click on the links below to read the rest of my A-Z Glossary of Elliptical Trainer Machines Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained:



N.B.  It’s always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking any new exercise regime.

*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime.  E&OE.


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