Elliptical Exercise Machines Are Here To Stay

Interest in elliptical exercise machines is on the rise. The low-impact home workout equipment can be found in almost every public gym and the increased use of these trainers in private home gyms is an established trend. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association's (SGMA) Superstudy® of Sports Participation, interest in exercising with elliptical motion trainers is growing by leaps and bounds. Since SGMA started tracking U.S. participation trends for the elliptical trainer in 1997, growth has been explosive — from 2.4 million in 1997 to 6.2 million in 2000. That's an increase of approximately 160%, making it the fastest-growing fitness trend in the U.S.

According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, a Boston-based trade association, the use of elliptical motion machines has spiked over the last five years with an estimated 6.7 million users enjoying the benefits of this innovative exercise equipment. Other highlights of this study on the elliptical cross trainer include the following:

• Nearly 95% of all elliptical motion cross trainer participants are at least 18 years of age and more than 50% of all participants are at least 35.

• The elliptical machine, often described as a cross between Nordic ski machines and stair climbers, appeals to many exercisers with knee problems.

• In 2000, female users of elliptical trainers outnumbered males by a 60% to 40% margin.

• The average age of an elliptical machine participant is 36, the lowest average age of all cardio equipment activities.

• Senior (age 55+) participation levels on the elliptical motion trainer has risen substantially since day one -- from 167,000 in 1997 to 640,000 exercisers in 2000, an increase of more than 280%.

Source: Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA