3 Problems With Seated Ellipticals to Be Aware Of

Seated ellipticals are a variation on standard elliptical machines that simulate the act of running, biking and climbing while sitting down.

While a seated elliptical can be beneficial for individuals who have trouble exercising while standing or who are recovering from an injury, the machines require a level of coordination that some might not be comfortable with, resulting in improper form, which can cause injuries.

An initial problem that many buyers of a seated elliptical face is safe and proper assembly of the unit. The average seated elliptical is between 180 and 200 pounds. As a result, it's heavy to lift and move. According to Octane Fitness, caution must be used when moving and positioning your seated elliptical unit.

Assemble the unit with several friends or professional movers, making sure to bend down fully and use your legs to lift any of the heavier aspects of the machine itself. In addition to using caution when moving the object, proper assembly is essential to using the product properly.

While some seated ellipticals come pre-assembled, others require full assembly. Putting together an advanced piece of equipment like a seated elliptical can often result in improper operation of the device.

Adjustable seats and seat backs come standard on seated ellipticals. While the variety of angles that you can lock the seat into offer the potential for greater comfort and mobility, improper positioning of the seat can result in back injuries and additional muscles strains.

As a rule, your seat should be far enough away from the pedals that your feet fully extend when pushing the pedals away from your body. Keeping the seat too close to the pedals can result in cramping and leg pain.

With regard to the seat back, adjusting the angle depends entirely on your height. If the angle is too severe, you can injure your back or leg muscles by riding in an awkward position.

Seated ellipticals are often utilized by individuals who are looking to put less impact on their knees and low back muscles while exercising, which are often older adults or people recovering from prior injuries.

Despite the need for adequate back support, some seated ellipticals come without seat backs. This can result in additional tension being placed on your low back as well as your other core muscles. As a result, it's important before purchasing a seated elliptical to research which one has the most back support.