The Best Ellipticals

Elliptical trainers are low impact, easy on your joints, and challenge your upper and lower body simultaneously in order to increase muscle tone and create the ultimate calorie burner. In contrast to a traditional treadmill, these machines use a circular motion that mimics walking or jogging. Your feet never leave the cushioned pedals. Use the following information to help you select the best elliptical for your needs.

Budget

Consider your budget first when choosing an elliptical. You will also need to research the features available with different tiers of these trainers. They are offered in basic, standard, and elite models. Basic elliptical trainers for daily home use start around $500. If you are looking for something more advanced with heart rate monitoring, you could be paying around $1,500 or more. The goal is to not pay for features you won’t use.

Size and Style

Some elliptical machines are compact while others are foldable with wheels. Some models will have none of these features. Rear drive elliptical trainers are large and hard to transport due to the flywheel being located in the back of the device. Front drive machines, with the flywheel in the front, will be easier to move and store with a more compact size. Modern designs have a center drive construction. This creates a foldable, more compact machine.

Resistance, Brake, and Flywheel

The resistance and brake system along with the flywheel are important factors to think about before buying an elliptical. These items control the durability, how loud the trainer is, and the over-all feel of the machine. Look for elliptical trainers that have eddy current brake systems that operate with magnets to create the resistance. These electronic magnetic systems allow you to control the resistance with a simple press of a button while manual brake systems operate with a tension knob that won’t allow for resistance level adjustments.
The weight of the flywheel should also be considered. Basic and standard models have a flywheel weight of approximately 15 pounds while elite trainers have weights well over 17 pounds. The stride is smoother with a heavier flywheel. Look for elliptical machines that have “silent magnetic resistance” or “quiet drive systems.” These ones will be quiet and smooth with a more natural feel.

Console

The main thing to look for with the console is the number of workout programs offered. Most provide between 8 and 28. Elite trainers may have wireless heart rate monitors linked in with these programs. Just about every elliptical machine will have some kind of heart rate monitor in the handle bars, but they are not all wireless.
Entertainment options range from standard speakers to Android or Apple compatibility. Most elliptical consoles are now LCD screens. Look for backlit screens if you will be using it in a dimly lit area. Screen sizes range from the average 6 inch to elite model’s 10 inch displays. In addition, you may find extras such as cup holders, accessory trays, reading racks, and built in fans.
Customizable Features

Customizable features available on some elliptical machines include adjustable pivoting pedals, adjustable stride, and adjustable incline. These are terrific if multiple people will be using the same trainer. Elite machines may also offer automatic or electronic adjustments. If you can find one with adjustable pedals, this feature can alleviate the strain on your lower back. Adjustable pedals eliminate the need to lift your foot to match the stride. Some machines have pedals that pivot which will match your natural stride while the cheaper models only have fixed pedals.

Warranties

The warranty offered with an elliptical trainer is often a nod towards the machine’s quality. Warranties vary, but most will have a lifetime warranty on the frame. Parts and labor warranties often depend on the trainer’s cost. Basic models usually offer a 90 day warranty while elite version can go as high as a three year warranty. Look for warranties offered on the brake system as well. This type of warranty can be listed separately, but many times it is included as part of the frame.

Recommendations

If you are in the market for a high-end, home elliptical trainer, the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine offers plenty of special features at a cost of approximately $800. It allows you to monitor 13 different display feedbacks on an LCD window system with 29 programs and four user settings. You can keep up on your fitness goals with the Schwinn Connect data export and goal tracking system. The Schwinn 470 gives you 25 levels of resistance to work with as you improve your performance. The stride length is 20 inches with a 10° ramp range offering six positions. With so many settings and adjustments, this machine is ideal for multiple users or anyone looking for a trainer that will grow with them as their fitness level advances. It is large at 187 pounds, but transport wheels make it easy to move.

Those that simply want a basic elliptical machine without any bells or whistles will be satisfied with the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer. This quiet and smooth chain driven fan wheel machine offers dual action handle bars in its simplistic design. Although basic, this elliptical provides a decent upper and lower body workout. A user guide and workout video is included in the $109 cost. It does not come with wheels, but with a weight of 58 pounds, it is not too heavy to move when necessary.
For something completely different, you may want to try the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer. The compact size and shape of this machine makes it unique. It only offers a lower body workout, but this compact, lightweight machine is small enough to fit perfectly under a desk. You can use it at home or work for a low impact workout that protects the knees, back, ankles, and hips. You may not expect it, but this elliptical does offer electronic monitoring and it can track your exercise time. For a price of $80 you are getting a sturdy, steel constructed trainer with non-slip pedals.

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This page about Elliptical was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2023-11-30 08:11:06 and has been viewed 3913 times.