Finding The Perfect Elliptical Trainer For You
By Mike Singh
Editor's Summary: Here's a really thorough set of questions
for you to answer before shopping for an elliptical trainer. Considering
each of these questions will help you find a great elliptical trainer
suitable to both your needs and your budget.
You've decided to get into shape, and you believe an elliptical
machine is the right equipment for you. But you may be wondering
how to find the best machine to fit your needs. There are a lot
of options out there, and a wide range of features and prices. Take
the time to evaluate your needs and budget, and you should be able
to narrow down your choices until you find the machine that will
give you everything you need at a price you can afford. Here are
some questions to ask yourself to help you make the right decision.
How much do you plan to spend? - You can buy an elliptical trainer
for less than $200, or you can spend $5000 on one. This is one case
where my recommendation is to buy the most expensive one you can
afford. Less expensive machines are lower quality, and will give
you a choppy ride. Plus, they just don't have the durability of
more expensive models. When Consumer Reports rated elliptical trainers,
every machine that they rated a "very good" buy cost at least $1100.
How varied do you need to make your workout? - Elliptical machines
have a pretty wide range of features. Most elliptical trainers can
be reversed for working different muscles in your legs, and most
have poles that you can use to get an upper body workout. Many have
pre-programmed workouts that will give you a full workout with a
warm-up and cool down, and comes in multiple intensity levels. Higher
end models tend to have more pre-programmed workouts, and an adjustable
incline. Knowing how you plan to workout, and what workout features
are important to you will help narrow down your choices.
What features do you want? - Is it important for you to be able
to monitor your heart rate? Take your pulse? How about knowing your
distance traveled and speed? These and other features like how many
calories you've burned, and even the temperature of the room you're
in can be displayed on your elliptical trainer. Decide which of
the features are most important and target your search to those.
How many people will be using the machine? - This is an important
question because it can guide you to machines that are more suitable
for multiple users, if that's what you need. For instance, some
machines have an adjustable stride length, and others have a set
stride length. Machines with a set stride likely will have a stride
too short for a very tall person. And, every machine has a maximum
weight capacity for users. On some machines, it is as low as 250
pounds, on others it is as high as 350.
How much warranty do you require? - Some machines come with a lifetime
warranty on the frame and up to one-year parts and labor. Others
have only a parts and labor warranty, and sometimes it is as short
as 90 days.
How much space do you have? - Higher end, gym type machines can
take up a lot of room in your house, and will need a permanent home.
Others can fold away for storage. Deciding where the machine will
be placed can help determine which machine is right for you.
How much size can you tolerate? - Elliptical trainers can weigh
as little as 90 pounds, or as much as 250 pounds. If you need to
be able to move your machine around, this can be a big concern.
On the other hand, if you have a home gym, size may not be a concern.
Determining your answers to these questions should put you well
on your way to narrowing down your choices of equipment. Once you
have an idea of three or four models of interest, be sure to read
a few elliptical trainer reviews before you buy. Then, make your
choice and start shopping around for the best deal. Happy shopping!
Mike Singh is a fitness instructor, who provides unbiased
health & fitness products reviews and
elliptical trainers reviews for consumers looking for quality
information. Checkout the largest collection of brand-name elliptical
trainer reviews, and low
carb diet recipes online!
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