Our News
Mon, 24 May 2010
Horizon Fitness launches new elliptical machine
Mere mortals will soon be able to train like James Cracknell, the highest placed Brit at the recent 25th Marathon Des Sables. Although James undertook much of his cardiovascular training on the Matrix Ascent Trainer, (usually found in commercial environments), those who would like to take inspiration from him but prefer to exercise in the comfort of their own home now can – at a fraction of the cost – with the launch of the Horizon Fitness Endurance 5i Elliptical Trainer.
Designed and manufactured by the Johnson Health Tech Group - which also owns the Matrix brand - the latest edition to the Endurance range encompasses several new innovations, including the Power Incline, which enables users to increase their workout intensity by up to 11 degrees - levels that even James Cracknell would wince at. However, for those who prefer a less extreme, but equally satisfying workout, the Endurance 5i adjusts accordingly.
Elliptical trainers are often seen as the hybrid of cardiovascular exercise equipment: the vertical movement of the elliptical mimics the stepping motion; the circular motion mirrors that of cycling; and the elongated stride is similar to jogging.
In fact, the Endurance range of ellipticals has its footplates sited so closely together – known as the Q Factor – that they almost overlap. This closely resembles the movement of someone running, thus delivering the most natural motion possible. The footplates also pivot throughout their range of motion to eliminate the heels rising, which increases comfort and stops the foot from ‘going to sleep’.
The low-impact, full body workout targets a myriad of muscle groups simultaneously, as opposed to focusing too heavily on isolated areas, with stride and arm movements corresponding for greater versatility. This helps burn calories and tone muscle efficiently and effectively, and, combined with a design that keeps the body upright and properly aligned so that stress on key areas of the body is reduced, often leads to longer and more intense workouts.