Elliptical Trainers Buying Guide
Elliptical trainers have grown to be one of the fitness industry's top products since their introduction in the 1990s. As a great alternative to running on a treadmill, they are much easier on the joints and the perceived amount of effort exerted is noticeably less, yet you are still burning a good amount of calories. If you are starting to find the treadmill boring or want to give your knees and ankles a break, an elliptical trainer may be the perfect exercise equipment for you.
Top Rated Models
Here are some of the top rated models according to ConsumerSearch.com and EllipticalTrainers.com
Under £1,000
Mid-Range (£1,000 to £2,500)
High End (£2,500-£5,000)
In Your Home
Why buy one?- Elliptical trainers make a great addition to any home gym.
- As one of the most popular forms of cardio vascular exercise, they are great for quick workouts as well as longer training sessions.
- They save you hundreds on a gym membership and allow you to workout in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
- You'll definitely be more likely to get off the couch if you have a machine nearby.
- You won't waste time traveling to and from a gym.
Location - Before you buy one, make sure you have some place to put it. They are usually around 5 feet long, around 2 feet wide and at least four feet tall.
- If you want to be able to the move it easily, some models come with wheels to enable you to move it from room to room.
- Placing them in front of a television enables you to easily watch your favourite shows while you workout. However, if you don't have enough room in our T.V. room, there are also machines that come with attached televisions.
Finding the right Elliptical Trainer
Types
There are two major types of elliptical trainers that each have their advantages and disadvantages. The type you choose really depends on your preference and price range.
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Rear Drive Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical Trainers that are rear drive are usually smoother and quieter. Because of this they tend to be a little more pricey and the majority of the top rated models are rear drive. |
Front Drive Elliptical Trainer
Since these are less smooth and have a more mechanical feel, they tend to be cheaper than rear drive machines. Neither type is defintiely better than the other, it really just depends on your preferences. |
Price Range- First dertermine how much you exercise. If you're going to using it a lot, you should probably go for a more expensive model. A cheap elliptical won't be able to take heavy usage.
- Ellipticals in the £500 to £1,000 range are for modest exerciser. These are pretty flimsy, but someone who uses it less than four times a week should get some good use out of it.
- For those who exercise regularly (at least four times a week), machines in the £1,000 to £2,500 price range should suffice. They are more durable than cheaper versions and usually come with good warranties.
- If you're into intense workouts, you should probably go for a high quality machine. This means spending around £3,000 to £5,000.
- Look for long warranties. Good warranties mean that they are well-constructed and will need less maitenance repairs.
- Buying a more expensive machine will pay off in the long run. They usually have longer warranties and will out last cheaper versions.
- Look for machines that offer trial periods. This allows you to test certain models to see if their the right fit for you and your home.
Functions and Features
Stride- Make sure that the model you purchase has a long enough stride. People who are tall will need a longer stride length on the elliptical (over 14 inches).
- Some more expensive models allo you to adjust the stride length to you height and weight.
Incline and Resistance
- Most machines off different levels of resistance that allow you to adjust the intensity of your workout.
- There are two methods for creating resistance on ellipticals.
- The budget to mid-range models use a motorized brake. This mechanical particle brake uses a series of small parts to create friction.
- Pricey models use a system called ECB, or eddy current brakes, which consist of electromagnetic discs.
- The more expensive you go, the more durable, quieter and smoother the machine is going to be.
- The amount of resistance is usually controlled on the display panel.
- Some machines have specific program settings that you can choose from (Fat burner, cardio workout, etc.), that will adjust the resistance according to your height and weight.
Arm Handles- If you're looking for a more full bodied workout, look for machines that have arm handles.
- Machines with no arm handles focus more on just lower body workouts.
- Many models feature stationary grips in addition to moving handles. They are usually located below the monitor.
- Some handles have built-in heart rate monitors so that you don't have to wear an external device. These handles heart-rate models are not the most reliable.
Control Panel- The control panel can perform many functions, such as monitoring your heart rate and displaying workout programs.
- It is also where you can set distance, timers, calorie counters, and stride counters.
- The control panel is also what you use to adjust resistance and incline on many models.
- Programs:
- If you want a control panel that features preprogrammed workouts, check for a decent screen with easy-to-read numbers and displays.
- Some models offer only three to five preprogrammed workouts; others may have as many as twelve.
- If you feel that having more options will increase your habits to workout or if you think that you'd have more of a challenge, certainly consider getting the best program options available, including races and custom workouts.
- Some models can remember your data. This is very useful if you are an athlete in training.
- Make sure the programs include warm ups and cool downs so as to avoid injury.
Heart Rate Monitor- Many machines come with a built in heart rate moniter that shows up on your control panel.
- The are usually located on the arm handles and are activated by tightly gripping the marked areas.
- A machine with a heart rate moniter is well worth the extra cost. The allow you to safely have a more effective workout.
Pedals and Handles
- Make sure that they are wide enough for your sneakers and have a rim so you don't easily slip off them.
- Pedals with thick treads will give better traction.
- Some machines offer adjustable pedals, which is great if you have a variety of different sized people using the machine.
- Ellipticals with handles will give you better balance and give you more stability during workouts.
- Look for handles with built in heart rate monitors.
Maximum Weight
- Watch out for models that have an upper limit on how much weight they can support.
- Choose accordingly and give yourself some room to spare. Also take into account the other people who might be using the machine and whether they fall under the weight limit.
- Most of the time a higher weight limit translates to a higher price tag.Higher-end machines tend to be very heavy and stable, which usually means that they won't have an upper weight limit.
- Mid-range machines can usually support from 200-300 pounds at maximum capacity.
Major Manufacturers
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