FEATURE – Maybe you’ve seen it around town, on the trail system or even in local races and wondered, “What is that contraption? A moving elliptical machine? A bike with no seat? A grown-up’s scooter?” It’s actually an ElliptiGO.
The ElliptiGO is the world’s first elliptical bicycle. Combining the best of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer, it delivers a high-performance workout that closely mimics running while eliminating impact and still allowing the rider the benefits of outdoor exercise. However, if the weather keeps you indoors, the ElliptiGO can be used as a stationary trainer as well.
Relatively new to the fitness world, the ElliptiGO is quickly becoming a favorite of competitive athletes, rehabilitation specialists and everyday people looking for a fun and effective workout.
As with most great inventions, it was created to solve a problem. After injuries stopped him from running, former triathlete and Ironman competitor Bryan Pate chose to use the elliptical trainer to stay fit because it was more comfortable than sitting on a bicycle, and it got him closer to the runner’s high that athletes can’t seem to live without. Unsatisfied with the monotony of working out in a gym, Pate was inspired to create a product that would allow him to enjoy running outdoors without aggravating his injuries. He partnered with Brent Teal, a mechanical engineer, triathlete and ultramarathoner, and the ElliptiGO was born!
The ElliptiGO is particularly well-suited for healthy athletes who want to enjoy a running-like experience while giving your joints a break from the constant, jarring wear and tear of pavement. As a crosstrainer, it maintains muscle memory and provides a high cardiovascular yet low-impact workout outdoors.
Ultramarathon competitor Dean Karnazes said, “(The ElliptiGO is) the best cross-training device I have ever used, bar none.”
Not only healthy runners can enjoy the benefits of the ElliptiGO. Each year, 35-85 percent of all runners will suffer some kind of injury, mostly from overuse. Training with the ElliptiGO can help keep your body at peak performance while eliminating risk of injury. Physical therapists are finding that the ElliptiGO is an effective addition to their rehabilitation regimen, and runners are finding that it helps them work through or greatly reduce their risk of injury.
“Athletes often become frustrated when injuries and rehab limit their normal training, and the ElliptiGO offers a fun workout that minimizes stress to the joints, strengthens muscles and allows them to return to more sport-specific activity earlier,” said Lisa Kearns, MS, PT, CSCS.
Most of us are not professional athletes, but we all know that being fit is the best defense against a wide variety of physical ailments. Aside from being fun and low-impact, the ElliptiGO engages core muscles, which protect the back from injury. As a weight-bearing exercise, it also helps to maintain bone density. Short on time? No problem. On an ElliptiGO, you are exerting, on average, 33 percent more effort than cycling.
Whether you’re looking to improve your running, return from an injury or escape the monotony of the gym, the ElliptiGO is a great choice. Give ElliptiGO St. George a call at 435-652-4199 or stop in to their showroom to take a test ride today.
Written by Melissa Goodwin for St. George Health and Wellness magazine and St. George News.
Ed. note: The opinions stated in this article are the author’s own and not representative of St. George News. Readers are encouraged to evaluate and understand both the associated risks and rewards before engaging in any health practice.
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