Research Corner - Q&A Elliptical Trainers: Exertion vs. HR by Steve Rhyan | Date Released : 30 Jun 2003 0 comments Print Close Question: Can you please tell me why elliptical trainers have a high perceived exertion rate, yet the heart rate does not always match? Why are they so challenging, even for a fit individual? Answer: I am unaware of any research completed with an elliptical type machine. The reason for this is unclear due to the popularity of this piece of equipment. However, we can explore your question and try to extrapolate a reasonable answer as to the function of an elliptical trainer (ET). As you have stated, most people find this machine difficult. It seems that the motion by itself is difficult to do and is an unnatural movement. Let's briefly mention a few things while looking at the way the body works when using the ET. The first thing is the foot never leaves the footboard. That constant contact time may increase the time of work and therefore increase the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Other events that cause constant foot contact like the ET is cross country skiing or the ski trainer. As you know, cross country skiing requires a lot of work and therefore very high RPE. Next glance at the ET shows us there is no “glide” phase. This means you are working constantly and never get to coast, which causes high heart rates and RPEs. The last obvious thing is cooling. Here you are, working like crazy, and you get no airflow unless you have a giant fan blowing on you. If you are outside running, riding and even snow skiing, you get airflow and evaporation for cooling. Most places I have seen have minimal airflow in the aerobics area, which causes people to sweat like mad and feel like they are working to the max. And they probably are due to the amount of body heat they are generating and their high RPE. Here is another question: can someone using an ET improve his/her fitness level for another work environment? With no real research to answer this question, it becomes speculation. However, here is what I have observed while working with a group of firefighter clients. Six out of 75 students trained on an ET device before a Physical Agility Test (PAT). A PAT is made up of running with and without hose, crawling with hose and a lot of stair cases, with and without hose. This test is the first big step in getting hired, and it is looked at with great importance. After taking the PAT for time, they did not do very well and ALL six of the students dropped the ET and started running and doing stairs as suggested. What makes their decision compelling is they all decided to drop the ET independently, without talking to each other. I found this very interesting. I do not know if this helps you and your client, but you may want to ask the client(s) why they like the machines and go from there. Back to top About the author: Steve Rhyan Steve is a member of: National Strength and Conditioning Association American College of Sports Medicine American Society of Exercise Physiologists. <br><br> Steve has been an athlete, coach, teacher and trainer for over 20 years. Steve received his Undergraduate degree in Physical Education/ Biology and Graduate degree in Physiology of Exercise from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. He has taught from middle school to college and coached high school, college and professional athletes. <br><br> As an athlete, Steve was a professional moto-cross racer for 10 years. He was California State Champion several times, ranked in the top 10 Nationally and in the top 20 Internationally. Steve has also participated in the Decathlon, numerous Triathlons, several Fitness Challenges and won the Police Heptathlon in San Diego, CA. To better understand "Body-Power," Steve studied Kajukenbo(Hawiian Karate) for several years and received a Black Belt. He is pursuing an education in Kodokan Judo to further understand anaerobic conditioning and the application of strength, power and agility. As a coach he specializes in Moto-Cross Racing, Track & Field, Mountain Bike Racing and Surfing. <br><br> Steve is presently a part time lecturer in Exercise Science at Santa Ana College for the Police and Fire Services and is Director of Strength and Conditioning at Specialized Personal Training(SPT) in Mission Viejo, California. At SPT, he specializes in Sports Medicine and Fitness Training for all ages, but especially people over 40 years of age. One of Steve's clients won the female division of the Navy Seal Fitness Challenge, she is 50 years old! Steve has several articles on training for a Fitness Challenge published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning. When he is not writing, studying, teaching or training you can find him, with his family, on the beach surfing. Aloha. <br><br> "I learn by going where I have to go." 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