Here’s a quick quiz:

1. Do you like exercising outdoors?
2. Do you ever find cycling uncomfortable or tedious?
3. Do you enjoy running but have dodgy knees or back?
4. Do you want your fitness to be fun?
5. Have you ever been sidelined from high-impact exercise due to an injury?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you just might be in the market for an ElliptiGO. In fact, the ElliptiGO was invented by Bryan Pate in 2005 simply because he answered ‘yes’ to all of the questions above

ElliptiGO was born out of passion and necessity when co-founder and Ironman athlete Bryan Pate could no longer run due to injuries. He could train on the elliptical machine but hated being indoors. He recruited his friend, co-founder Brent Teal, who is an ultra runner and mechanical engineer, to develop the world’s first elliptical bike and an outdoor means for running without impact. Five years later, the ElliptiGoO is taking the running and fitness world by storm.

Adjusting to elliptical cycling

It may look awkward, but the ElliptiGO has a quick initial learning curve – just a few seconds before you realise it’s easy to balance and ride.  Most people start adjusting within the first minute of riding, and after 15 to 30 minutes, they’re really comfortable

It balances surprisingly well.  Basically, if you can ride a bike, you can ride an ElliptiGO. It handles similarly to a bike. The steering input is longer, so it takes five or six turns before you really get comfortable making sharp corners, but once you’ve worked that out, you’ll find it performs like a bike in terms of handling

Is an ElliptiGO for you?

The ElliptiGO is great for anyone looking for a fun, comfortable form of outdoor low-impact cardio exercise.  It’s designed to deliver a great workout that’s equivalent to running but without the pounding experienced during running.  It’s perfect for:
– The former runner who wants the running experience but can’t handle the impact
– The injured runner who is trying to get back into running or stay fit while injured
– The fitness enthusiast who isn’t conditioned to endure the conventional road bike riding position (doesn’t like the seat pain or has lower back/neck issues that make the riding position too uncomfortable) or doesn’t want to spend the time required to get in a good workout on a road bike

Because the ElliptiGO is more like running, you can get a good workout in 30-45 minutes. The ElliptiGO is a fun, non-damaging form of cardio training that delivers real performance improvements while reducing the likelihood of injury

The workout: Calorie burn comparison

The University of California at San Diego recently completed a study. They drew two conclusions: First, the ElliptiGO burns approximately 33% more calories than a road bike at a given velocity. Second, the ElliptiGO was more equal to running than cycling in terms of heart rate, rate of perceived exertion and energy expenditure.  These two factors are what enable riding the ElliptiGO to be about as efficient as running in terms of your workout

Other benefits

You can train harder without the risk: One of the first things you’ll notice is that your heart rate is as high, if not higher, as your running workouts. This is partly due to the standing, weight-bearing riding position and the increased wind resistance as you gain speed. The foot position is designed to be closer than the Elliptical machine, and the range of motion is longer, much like a running stride. This translates to a running-like motion in a high-intensity package with no pressure points (saddle, neck, soreness) or impact on the body. It’s an excellent option for those that can no longer run as frequently or at all

It climbs hills like a mountain goat: The ElliptiGO has eight gears, just like a bike, which allows for efficient hill climbing and is a great way to strengthen your core and legs. Unlike running, which requires a toe push-off, efficient ElliptiGO riding involves a flat foot on the drive arm and an emphasis on pushing through the midfoot and heel. Doing so activates the gluteal muscles, strengthening with every stride

Physical therapists often report that weak gluteal muscles are one of the most common running issues and can lead to aches, pains and inefficient form. You can also ride the ElliptiGO on flat terrain and use the resistance of the gears to develop core and leg strength as well. Learning how to engage the gluteal muscles and gain a sense of what that feels like can translate to more efficient running form on roads

It’s easy to learn and highly social: It looks tricky to ride, but it isn’t. The handlebars are similar to a mountain bike and the stem height is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of people. The wheelbase is wider and the weight lower than that of a bike, which helps to create stability. Those who cycle or use the elliptical machine feel comfortable in minutes. Because you can ride the ElliptiGO at speeds of 13 to 20 miles per hour and faster, you can participate is cycling events and ride with your cycling friends

You can leap tall buildings in a single bound: OK, maybe not buildings, but ElliptiGO riders are taking to setting world records all over the USA. In fact, co-founders Pate and Teal have already ridden in century rides, across states and climbed Mt. Evans, the highest paved road in North America (sea level to 14,000 feet) in three and a half hours. ElliptiGO is running without impact and much, much more. It’s a new way to train, race and explore the world

Take it for a test drive

The ElliptiGO has now reached the UK. For further details of where to try and where to buy, go to elliptigo.co.uk

Be warned , the ElliptiGO is expensive, ranging from £1,599 to £2,999. According to the inventors, it’s expensive because it works, and to get it to work, they have to use costly parts and materials.  Apparently , you’ll see the quality of these parts and materials when you take a look at the ElliptiGO. When you compare the cost to a high-quality elliptical trainer or a nice road bike, you’ll find that it’s actually priced very competitively