Elliptical Machines produce an aerobic and fat burning exercise using both lower and upper body movement. The advantage of ellipticals over treadmills is the impact on knees and ankles is minimal, thus injuries are reduced or not re-ignited.
Cost of Home Elliptical trainers
Price is not always directly related to quality. It can reflect size, computer abilities, accessories, assembly, and name recognition.
Prices range from $100 for a basic foot elliptical. Thousands of dollars can be spent for a heavy professional elliptical that promises hours and years of tough services for its users.
Questions to Consider Before Buying an Elliptical
- How many people will use the trainer?
- How often is it expected to be used? Daily or twice a week or several times a day?
- What is the ultimate purpose? Is it weight loss based on aerobic activity or cardiac rehab? Is using the elliptical a prelude to returning to the gym or preparing the athlete for marathons?
- What is an acceptable budget for this purchase? What is affordable? Have an upper and lower limit in mind before a salesman insists the $2500 machine is the only appropriate purchase.
- How many pounds can this machine support?
- Are the extra features necessary? Perks such as a TV and extra cup holder are nice but add on to the cost. Multiple programs such as random hills, power training, etc. add interest to the workout. Pulse measurement can be done manually. Inclines do add complexity to the workout.
- How big is the stride? Adjustable stride is nice but the right length stride is important. Anyone falling outside the range of 5’4” to 5’11” might need adjustment to the typical 18” stride. Can it stride backwards and forwards to alter muscle use?
- What is the warranty? Usually the longer the car is expected to last, the longer the warranty. Ellipticals are no different. Question any 3-6 month warranty for any equipment over $1000.
Schwinn Elliptical Trainers
Models 438,431, and 418 (which was rated as a great value buy Consumer Review),are good moderate priced elliptical machines under $1000. All have the 18-inch stride and front drive. Articulating foot pedals are found on all higher cost ellipticals and Schwinn, a moderate priced elliptical, has this feature and several user programs.
Frequent retightening of the screws alleviates the noisiness of this machine with use. Smooth Fitness has a similarly excellent moderate priced elliptical but Schwinn is usually a few dollars less.
Octanes, an Expensive Elliptical
This elliptical from GymSource is excellent and has a smooth quiet ride. The stride varies up to 26 inches and every imaginable program is embedded into the machine. It is an excellent machine at club prices. It is heavy and a 2nd person is needed to get it out of the store and into the home. Look for discounted ones to make the purchase worth it.
Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer
The ellipticals are made in the Far East and cost between $100-$3000. There are space saver attributes. The trainer rates favorably with users. Assembly is time consuming and support is difficult to access. The $3000 range isn’t necessary for the average home user.
Precor, the Professional Gym Elliptical
This high end elliptical (over $4000) lives up to expectations and is for the serious exerciser. This shouldn’t be the first elliptical machine used but it may be the last. Most reviews are quite favorable.
Ellipticals Costing Less than $500
It’s difficult to produce a sturdy machine at this price. Weslo is in the lower range with a typical 90-day warranty. Those with automated consoles tend to malfunction with time. Ellipse 110 is another in this range.
The Elliptical Under $200
The inexpensive small foot pedal elliptical trainer requires a good ability to balance since there is no upper body or arm support. A few sessions with a personal trainer might prove more beneficial that working with this low cost machine.
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
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