A Look at the Elliptical Machine

The elliptical machine (also known as the cross trainer) has grown in popularity in the fitness community. They’re found in almost every fitness room across the globe, and it’s not a secret as to why. Elliptical trainers are a great addition to a gym, or home, because of their unique designs, comfort, and the exercise they deliver. Most elliptical trainer users are very pleased with the workouts that they get by using the machines.

The Design:

At first glance, most people describe an elliptical machine as a bike/stair-climber mix. Their designs make working out seem effortless, yet still give way to great results. Most elliptical trainers are designed to let the person on them have full control over the speed, while the machine can control the tension of the pedals.

The Pedals:

The pedals are set on a track that allows them to move in an oval, reducing the jarring and joint strain often associated with treadmills, or stair-climbers. This track, in some elliptical machine designs, can be raised and lowered depending on the intensity of the workout. Traditionally, however, only the tension is heightened, making the legs work harder, however keeping the joints safe.

The Control Panel:

There are some elliptical machines that do not have a control panel, but most high quality cross trainers do. This is where the length of the workout, intensity, and personal information of the person is inputted. Some elliptical trainers actually have preprogramed workouts for those seeking to build up stamina, lose weight, build cardiovascular strength, or wish to customize a program.

The Cost:

Although buying your own elliptical trainer would cost a pretty penny, there are many who do, and find a lot of enjoyment out of owning their own cross trainer. You can find inexpensive elliptical trainers for $200 or lower. Though, if you’re looking for a heavier, higher quality option, you might want to look at purchasing a top brand. These cost much more, ranging anywhere from 2,000 dollars to close to 5,000 dollars a piece.

So as you can see with this very basic information, the elliptical machine is in a completely different league than a treadmill, bike, or stair-climber. Cross trainers are gaining a great amount of popularity due to their sleek and quiet design, low joint impact, and fair prices. They will continue to rise.

If you’re still unsure whether or not an elliptical trainer is right for you or not, you could always go to a gym or fitness center and give on a test drive. It’s a safe bet that if you give it a fair try, you will not be disappointed, or choose to exercise with anything else.

How Effective Are Elliptical?

There is no doubt that exercise is good for everyone. There is simply no other way to stay lean and create the body you have always wanted. The type of exercise you perform will depend on your physical condition, stamina, and health related needs.

While walking on a treadmill can be beneficial for many people, ellipticals are more effective in creating the walking experience without the impact on the joints. Knees, hips and ankles receive less pressure from ellipticals than when walking on the street or when using a treadmill, providing the exercise needed without the potential for joint damage. Ellipticals are effective for weight loss programs as well as for cardio workouts.

Proper Posture Is Necessary For Using Ellipticals

When working out on ellipticals it is important to maintain a proper posture. You should use the handles, that move the arms along with the legs, to help you remain upright to maintain a straight alignment of the spine. With the moving bars to hold onto, ellipticals are effective at improving upper body mobility.

Standing on the equipment, ellipticals are effective at keeping the back straight throughout the entire program will further prevent joint pain, making them a popular choice among older persons looking to improve their cardiac health. Some plans recommend placing a flat object on the head, such as a book and holding it there while walking to help maintain the proper posture.

Ellipticals Are Effective Only When They Are Used

Through regular use, ellipticals are effective for weight loss, building lower body strength and in providing a cardio-vascular workout for overall general health. Ellipticals can also be used while wearing a weight vest. This will provide more resistance and a tougher workout for your muscles. But the key phrase here is, "through regular use."

When most people buy gym memberships or home gym equipment they never use them. You need to realize that it takes a lot of hard work to stay fit. To benefit from an elliptical machine you need to be using it at least five days a week for thirty minutes to an hour each session.

Also don't disregard your diet. Health and fitness are two different things and it is important to realize that in order to fully benefit from using an elliptical machine you need to do it conjunction with a healthy diet that includes mostly organic fruits and vegetables. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

Cybex Arc Trainer vs Elliptical Trainers

Cybex Arc Trainers are a great piece of fitness equipment. The development of the elliptical trainer has transformed the fitness centers and gyms across the country. The ability to do a full body workout with little or no impact allows you to burn more calories by exercising a larger group of muscles on your body. Elliptical trainers are in many cases replacing treadmills in local gyms and YMCA's. When elliptical trainers first appeared the feel of using this new piece of fitness equipment was compared to running on air.

However some users had trouble using the new cross trainers. Probably the largest complaint came in the form of knee discomfort. Almost the entire body motion on an elliptical trainer is through the knee. If you have a preexisting knee injury then the use of an elliptical trainer was at times uncomfortable. Some people would even warmed up their knees on a treadmill prior to climbing on an elliptical trainer. However if you talk to most elliptical trainer users you will find very few complaints. One additional problem comes from users that lean to far forward while using an elliptical machine.

This puts undue strain on the back leading to cramps or post exercise back pain. Correct posture while using any piece of fitness equipment is important and this is especially true when using any cross trainer. Cybex has created a new cross trainer called the Arch Trainer that seeks to change the fundamental motion used in most ellipticals.

The Cybex Arc Trainer comes in several models all of which are considered commercial grade fitness equipment. They are priced accordingly with even the in home models exceeding $4000.00. Most people first come in contact with the Cybex Arc Trainer in their local fitness center or gym. Its flywheel is located at the front of the arc trainer just like the older Cybex elliptical trainers. The location of the pedals appears to be located slightly further to the rear of the arc trainer then you would find on many elliptical trainers. Upon mounting the arc trainer you almost immediately find that you are standing in a more upright position. As you begin to make your stride you will feel your hips doing more of the work.

Most people find that using the Cybex Arc Trainer is slightly more comfortable then using some elliptical trainers. The incline feature of the Cybex Arc Trainer is really nice and easy to use. A thirty minute workout provides essentially the same workout as a top quality elliptical trainer with adjustable incline features. It appears to work all the same muscle groups that an elliptical trainer impact. The Cybex Arc Trainer handle bars work in the same motion as your feet do. Basically as the left foot goes forward so does the left handle bar in a very natural cross country skiing motion.

Cybex Arc Trainers are built to last and have lots of features that make them a premier piece of fitness equipment. The console is nicely setup and it has up to 12 exercise routines with varying resistance levels similar to many quality elliptical trainers. The biggest drawback to the Cybex Arc Trainer is the price. For the average fitness enthusiast it would be a major investment to purchase a Cybex Arc Trainer for in home use. A quality elliptical trainer provides the same exercise benefits as the Cybex Arc Trainer at less that half the price. If you really want to use the Cybex Arc Trainer as part of your exercise program we suggest you look for a fitness center that already has them.

How to Use and Choose an Elliptical

Elliptical can be used for cardio exercise, burning fat and calories, and strengthening muscles. No matter what you use your elliptical for it's good to know basic use and safety. Elliptical machines have moving parts, so when you first step on an elliptical trainer, be prepared! Once your feet are secured on the pedals and you have your hands on both handles, start moving your feet forward. The elliptical will begin to move and your rhythm will follow an elliptical pattern. Elliptical trainers offer tension variation that you can increase or decrease while working out. Try building in 30-second incline intervals every couple of minutes to amplify your workout. To end your workout, simply slow your movements until the machine comes to a stop.

Here's a safety tip: Remember to start off slowly. You can vary the resistance and add more power to your movements later. You may be tempted to power your way through the programs but try and stay in the mid range of the elliptical pattern. And remember - always consult a physician or health care provider before beginning an exercise program.

While the basic use of an elliptical is simple, shopping for a home elliptical can be very intimidating! There are so many different brands, models and styles it can be next to impossible to choose the right one for your home. For most people, buying a home elliptical is a major investment. It's also a good investment for those who have decided to make a conscious effort to be fit and healthy. That is why it is important to put together a checklist that identifies attributes that are most important for you and your workout. Here are some tips that should help you out:

1. The first thing you should consider when choosing an elliptical is the construction. A well-constructed elliptical is something that everyone in your family can enjoy. You will want an elliptical that is built with high alloy steel or aluminum frame that is strong enough to support the heaviest person. Some machines come with a weight limit - make sure that limit won't inhibit your workout.

2. Watch out for noise! A major consideration for a home elliptical is the amount of noise it can produce. While most machines will be very quiet, you may come across one that makes noise. A loud machine can drown out a lot of noise - kids, television, oven timers, etc. And some small, repetitive sounds can drive a person crazy and provide you with one more reason not to exercise. We recommend testing an elliptical before you buy it. Step on it and go through some motions so you can assess the noise level and see if it's something you can live with.

3. One feature that is new for some elliptical is side steps. For some, stepping onto a treadmill can be difficult due to the moving parts. Side steps will allow you to step up onto the machine, grab the hand rails or handles and stabilize yourself before stepping onto the pedals. This will prevent you or one of your family members from accidentally tripping, stumbling or falling off of the moving parts. Remember - this is a machine and not a toy! Don't leave anything to chance.

4. And finally, don't forget the bells and whistles! The newest models come with many extra features, like audio inputs and heart rate monitors. Using a heart rate monitor during your workout will help you adjust the speed or incline to keep your heart rate in the optimum zone. It's a good investment in your health!

What are the Benefits of an Elliptical Trainer?

More than likely you have heard about an elliptical trainer.. You know what they are, you know what an elliptical trainer looks like, but how exactly does an elliptical trainer benefit you? Many people can look at a it, but they really do not understand how the elliptical trainer can really benefit them. We will go over some key benefits of the many benefits that a elliptical trainer provides which will show you why they are becoming more popular then ever.

The biggest benefit of an Elliptical trainer is the time you can save by using this machine. There are many people who lead extremely busy lives and do not have a great deal of free time to spend exercising and keep their body in good health.
With an Elliptical trainer, you can eliminate the need to not only go to a gym to work out, but it will also eliminate the time, money and effort to join a gym. This machine is very convenient to use and it provides a full body workout in less then thirty minutes. This is very good news to hear for someone that has a very limited amount of time to schedule into their busy day for working out.

Another key benefit of an Elliptical trainer is that they have very low impact and do not require any specific muscular skill. Low impact basically means that you have the lowest risk of obtaining an injury form using the machine for your workouts. This is very beneficial when you compare working out with weights and other fitness machines. A elliptical trainer also does not require you to perform strenuous positions or have strength requirement to use the machine.
You can be on any muscular skill level and still reap the benefits of an elliptical trainer. This is what makes an elliptical trainer a versatile workout machine for all body types and age groups. You can have one Elliptical trainer in your home and it can be used by your entire household to maintain a strong fitness level for everyone in your home.

A elliptical trainer also provides cardiovascular and weight loss benefits. A Elliptical trainer is proven to strengthen your heart over continual use which reduces your chances for heart problems in the future. This can decrease your chances of such problems as a heart attack, heart disease and strokes for the future. In addition to maintaining a healthy heart, by continually using a elliptical trainer, you also increase your metabolism. By increasing your metabolism, you burn fat calories much quicker, thus preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss throughout your body. This will tone your muscles such as your back, arms, legs, and stomach.

A Elliptical trainer can help you maintain a healthy body by using a simple routine that can fit different age groups and body types. It is no wonder that these machines are becoming very popular and are in high demand. An elliptical trainer has many benefits that will cater to any of us while also helping us lead healthier lives through daily exercise.

Best Elliptical Machine - Top Features When Buying an Elliptical

Looking for the best elliptical machine? Ellipticals are one of the most popular choices in fitness equipment today.

They give you a lower impact workout than other machines. They can also be lighter and more compact than other machines.

Plus, because you use both arms and legs they give you a lower rate of perceived exertion. (This means you actually worked harder than you felt like you did - which can add up to more calories burned).

But there are so many brands and models on the market. How do you choose the best elliptical machine for you?

This article reveals 6 key features to consider before buying. So you can choose the best machine for you.

1) Stride Length.

This is one of the most important features when buying an elliptical. Stride length is the farthest distance between the pedals during the elliptical motion. Stride lengths vary from 12 - 21 inches.

Stride length is important as a longer stride length works your leg muscles more fully, giving you a more effective workout and helping to burn more calories. Plus a long stride gives you a smoother, more fluid feel.

Cheaper ellipticals usually offer a 12 - 14 inch stride. For the average height person an 18-20 inch stride is good.

Taller people or those who really like to pick up the pace may prefer a 20 inch or even a 21 inch stride.

2) User Weight Capacity.

Along with unit weight and quality of construction, user weight capacity is a great indicator of the stability of the elliptical. You don't want a machine that shakes or wobbles when you pick up the pace.

User weight capacities usually run from 200 lbs up to 400 lbs. Cheaper ellipticals run around 200-250 lbs and might be alright for 1 user under 200 lbs.

The higher you go - other things being equal - the more stable a machine you get. A great user weight capacity, especially for heavier users or more than 1 person is 300 - 350 lbs.

3) Resistance.

Resistance is basically how hard your legs have to push during the elliptical motion. Resistance gives you more of a challenge while you work out.

Increasing resistance can help you burn more calories, push to the next level or build intervals into your workout to boost metabolism.

Most elliptical trainers offer a range of resistance levels. Look for a trainer that makes resistance changes easy (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) vs a dial that you turn to increase resistance.

4) Incline.

Incline (also called Ramp) is not the same as resistance. Until a few years ago incline was only found on $4000 commercial models. However it's starting to make it's way into the home elliptical market.

Incline allows you to automatically increase your workout slope so you work different muscle groups. This optimizes your workout and burns maximum amount of calories.

Some ellipticals offer automatic incline (where you press a button to increase incline). And some offer manual incline (where you have to get off the machine to set it). Although incline isn't necessary to have, many people really like it.

5) Footprint / Folding.

The footprint is the width and length of your elliptical. While ellipticals in general are smaller than treadmills, they can still take up a lot of space. If space is limited in your home, make sure to consider the elliptical's footprint before you buy.

Another option to save space is to buy a folding elliptical. Some manufacturers are starting to make elliptical machines that fold up and this can save space if workout area is limited.

6) Console.

Elliptical consoles come in many different shapes, colors and sizes. Many give you standard feedback like speed, time, distance, calories burned and heart rate.

One thing that many of the best elliptical machines have is a back-lit console. This makes the display bright and easier to read.

Consoles that are not backlit (usually found on cheaper models) can be very hard to read. This is especially true if you have poor lighting in your workout area.

So those are 6 of the top key features to consider when choosing the best elliptical machine for you. Other popular features include upper body arm bars, personal trainer workout programs and built-in speakers for your iPod or Mp3 player.

Finally, when buying your elliptical trainer, remember to consider everyone who will be using it. Consider their weight capacity, height (for stride length), workout preferences and fitness goals. Do this and you're practically guaranteed to find the best elliptical machine for you.

Elliptical Comparison - What To Look At When Comparing Elliptical Trainers

If you're buying an elliptical, you'll want to make several elliptical comparisons and get the best deal. Enter the Internet. With the knowledge you can find online, buyers can get a much better deal than they used to get at their local department store.

So what do you need to know when making elliptical comparisons? While the elliptical market is getting more crowded each year, there are some simple things you can look for to find the best value models.

This article will give you 7 main features to look at when you compare elliptical trainers along with where to make easy elliptical comparisons.

1) Stride Length - This is essentially the farthest distance between the pedals during the elliptical motion. Stride length ranges on ellipticals from 12 to 21 inches.

Stride length is important as a short stride length doesn't fully work your leg muscles and doesn't give you as effective a workout as longer stride ellipticals. Cheaper ellipticals usually offer a 12 to 15 inch stride.

For the average height person an 18 inch stride is good. Taller people may prefer a 20 inch stride and shorter people may prefer a 16 to 18 inch stride.

2) Upper Body Workout Arms - Most people want the option to work their arms while exercising. This helps provide resistance training for your upper body so you burn more calories and get a better workout overall. This feature is found on most elliptical trainers however on some - even the higher end ones - it is not available.

You also want to make sure you don't have to lean over while using the bars which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models which don't have the proper arm to leg pedal ratio).

3) Weight Capacity - The user weight capacity is a great indicator of the stability of the elliptical trainer. For example, a 250 lb user weight capacity may mean that it can take up to 250 lbs however it is not nearly as stable as one with a 350 lb user weight capacity.

The 250 lb elliptical also probably won't hold up as well if you want to pick up your pace. Highly stable elliptical trainers will have higher user weight capacities (depending on your weight this could be 300 lbs and up).

4) Warranty - While warranties range for different elliptical trainers, you want to choose an elliptical with at least a one year parts warranty - preferably longer.

Just like user weight capacity, the length of the warranty is another indicator of the quality of parts used to build the elliptical machine. A longer warranty indicates a higher quality of elliptical construction.

5) Console: - While there are a range of different options here, it really depends on you. Do you want to see calories burned, speed, time, distance, heart rate? Do you want to see them all simultaneously?

One thing to watch for is that the console is well lit so you can read it while you exercise. Many cheaper ellipticals are hard to read, especially if the lighting in your workout area is not the best.

6) Resistance - Resistance is basically how hard your legs have to push during the elliptical motion. Resistance gives you more of a challenge while you workout and can help you ramp up your calorie burn or work intervals into your workout.

Most elliptical trainers do offer a range of resistance levels. Look for a trainer that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment).

7) Price - Ellipticals range in price from $300 to $3000. It's up to you what you pay but just keep in mind that with elliptical trainers - price usually reflects quality - you do get what you pay for.

Economy priced ellipticals (under $800) are simply not built as well as higher quality ellipticals in the $900+ range and this can end up costing you in repairs, injury and less effective workouts.

Finally, when buying your elliptical trainer, remember to consider everyone who will be using it, their weight capacity, workout preferences and fitness goals.

By knowing these facts when making elliptical comparisons, you're way ahead of 99% of most elliptical buyers and well prepared to choose the best elliptical for you.

All about Smooth Elliptical Trainers

More then likely you have heard about Smooth elliptical trainers as the Smooth elliptical trainers are not only one of the best selling elliptical trainers over the Internet, but also are one of the highest rated manufacturers right now. Smooth elliptical trainers are made by Smooth Fitness, who added several more models to their Smooth elliptical trainer's product line. We are going to help you find out all about Smooth elliptical trainers and what makes them so great, so you can see why Smooth elliptical trainers are one of the hottest products out there today.

The first thing that you will more then likely notice about Smooth elliptical trainers is the great price that they have for all that the Smooth elliptical trainers offer. Smooth elliptical trainers do not fit into a budget buy or expensive price range, but instead, the smooth elliptical trainers are actually mid priced.

You will not find a Smooth elliptical trainer for over two-thousand dollars, however, you can compare the features of Smooth elliptical trainers to more expensive models form such manufacturers as Precor and see that despite the large price gap, they have many similarities. This is why you really get your moneys worth form Smooth elliptical trainers, because they can compete with other elliptical trainers that cost over three-thousand dollars.

Smooth elliptical trainers have patented technology as well. You can adjust your elliptical motion based upon your height. This might not seem important; however by not having your bodies motion correctly aligned with the machine can actually keep you form burning off more calories then if your body was properly aligned with the machine. Proper alignment with your bodies' motion also decreases the risk of a possible injury which makes smooth elliptical trainers safer to use then most. These features also add to why Smooth elliptical trainers are so great and also give Smooth elliptical trainers an advantage over other machines.

Some other useful features that you will find on Smooth elliptical trainers are electromagnetic braking; upper body arms which will help give you a full body workout, pulse sensors built into the hand grips, as well as having a high weight capacity. All of these features are what makes Smooth elliptical trainers so desirable by consumers. Another great feature is the noise control that smooth elliptical trainers have.

There have been many satisfied customers who have claimed that the machine is completely silent. The reason for this is, is that Smooth elliptical trainers use whisper mechanics. The electromagnetic brake system also has no motor and less parts then regular brake systems, which means that the chances for the brake system to have problems is greatly decreased on the Smooth elliptical trainers.

Not only do Smooth elliptical trainers have a very good warranty, but because of all of the fantastic features and the use of up to date technology, the Smooth elliptical trainers have received very good ratings. Because Smooth elliptical trainers carry such a high value for such a low cost, Smooth elliptical trainers are recommended for people who cannot afford the high end elliptical machines and are on a slimmer budget. With the Smooth elliptical trainers, you can get a high end machine at the fraction of the cost.

Elliptical Trainer Prices - What To Know Before You Buy

One of the first things people look for when buying an elliptical trainer is price. When shopping, it helps to know the 3 main price categories of elliptical machines and what you can expect to find in each price range.

This will help you decide exactly what you need to spend (and it may just save you some money!) So here's the lowdown on elliptical trainer prices:

Economy:

Economy elliptical trainers usually range from $300 to $1000. These kind of trainers are not usually suited for heavier persons or frequent use. They also may not be too stable if you decide to pick up your pace while working out.

The quality of economy ellipticals does vary across the board. Some economy machines offer higher quality construction. Others well, break down or emit an annoyingly high pitched squeak after a week of use - don't laugh, it happened to me.

Economy ellipticals usually offer very short warranties (i.e. 90 days) if they offer a warranty at all. The warranty tells you something about the quality of parts.

Economy trainers tend to last from 6 months to 5 years depending on frequency of use, quality of parts and how the machine is cared for.

Mid-Priced:

Mid-priced crosstrainers usually range from $1000 - $2000 and are in a much higher quality class than economy units. Mid-priced elliptical trainers could also be viewed as 'high quality home machines' and are more than adequate for most home users.

Many mid-priced models also offer higher user weight capacities and a highly stable base so they would suit a heavier user or more frequent use. Most of them will also not let you down if you really want to push your workout and pick up the pace.

Mid-priced machines are also usually covered by much more extensive warranties which again, tells you about the quality of parts. Their consoles are more advanced compared to economy units and they tend to offer more built-in exercise programs and workout monitoring information.

Mid-priced ellipticals tend to last from 2 to 12 years depending on a number of factors including frequency of use, quality of parts and how the machine is cared for.

High-End Home or Commercial:

The last price category is commercial or high-end home elliptical trainers. High-end models range from $2000 up to $6000. These are the best of the best in elliptical exercise equipment - often the kind of machines you find in a gym or health club.

They usually offer high user weight capacities, extremely stable bases and other premium features like incline and personal trainer programs. They're also larger and heavier than other ellipticals (which contributes to the stability).

High-end models are built to last 10 years or more and can easily withstand frequent use or heavier users. They are especially suited for the advanced athlete who wants to push their training farther or for the commercial gym.

So those are the 3 main elliptical price classes. Each one suits a different type of user and fitness level. Once you know what price range you need, you're well on your way to choosing the best elliptical machine for you.

What You Should Know about Elliptical Exercise Machines

If you have decided to join the millions of others who are turning to elliptical trainers as their preferred home exercise equipment, there are a few things that you should know before you actually buy. Of course, elliptical trainers are well known for providing a solid cardio workout with very little impact on your body's joints. But which machine is best to choose? Here are some things to consider:

The first thing to know about elliptical exercise machines, is that they aren't cheap. In fact, most online consumer reviews indicate that the lower-priced machines reflect substandard quality. Most reviewers tend to think that the best ellipticals start around $2000. There are some that get decent reviews under that figure, but generally speaking, most high quality elliptical trainers will cost more. So be sure that you have enough money in your budget to afford a quality machine before you buy. You may be able to afford one of the cheaper machines initially, but most likely you'll pay for it in repairs and downtime.

Another important consideration of elliptical exercise machines is their size. These are not small machines. They can take up the same amount of space that a large piece of furniture will. There are folding units available, but very often the quality begins to suffer when you add in portability. So if you have your heart set on an elliptical trainer, be sure that you have the room at home to be able to support it.

Safety is also a consideration with these kind of large motorized machines. They may look innocent enough at a casual glance, but they can still be very dangerous for small kids to play on if important safety features are not built in. So if you have children at home, be sure that your elliptical trainer has a shutoff device that will allow it to only be turned on by an adult.

Finally, you need to understand that just reading reviews and buying an elliptical trainer online based on those reviews is not a good idea. They most important information that you can have about an elliptical trainer is how well it fits you as you use it. That is information that no one else can have, so it calls for you to do some homework of your own and actually try out the various elliptical models in person. Usually you can find them at local sporting goods stores and department stores, although the very best models may be harder to find. But the time taken to familiarize yourself with each elliptical exercise machine will be well worth the investment made.

So if you think that an elliptical exercise machine will work well for you, following the suggestions given above should help you be better prepared and more informed as you make your final buying decision.

Elliptical Machines and Trainers - Great Choice for a Total Body Workout

An elliptical machine is an exercise machine that is stationary and is used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive stress on your joints. It allows you to exercise without the risk of injury and is great for people that are overweight or for the aging population. Read on to discover more great reasons for using an elliptical machine.

An elliptical trainer does not strain your joints because your feet never leave the pedals. The machine moves in an elliptical movement and you feel like you are walking or running on air. There is none of the jolting that you get when you are running on a traditional treadmill. An elliptical machine is much kinder on your joints, hips and back.

Another great reason to use an elliptical machine is for the weight bearing exercise that it can provide. This is important to combat the effects of osteoporosis. There are few other exercise machines that can give you a good cardio working in addition to a weight bearing exercise.

An elliptical machine can work the upper and lower parts of your body. In fact, you are able to get a full body workout from an elliptical machine. When you start to use this machine, it is important that you get familiar with all of the things that it can do. Learn how to use it for various parts of the body to maximize your workout routine.

If you are shopping for an elliptical trainer of your own, it’s important to remember that cheap is not better. A good elliptical machine is going to cost you at least $700 and can go as high as $1500. The best way to make a decision is to do research on the Internet and gather customer reviews on different brands of elliptical machines.

When you are shopping, always try out a machine before you buy it. If you are going to be spending this much money for an elliptical machine you need to make sure that you can use it. Some people find that the movement of the upper body and the lower body is too much for them. Find out if you can use an elliptical machine before you buy one.

If you are in the market for a piece of exercise equipment that can give you a total body workout, look no further than an elliptical machine. Do some research and choose wisely.

Elliptical Machines Benefits Will Help Jump Start Your Road To A Healthier You

Are you bored to death at the thought of walking on your treadmill? Is the thought of getting on your cycle driving you crazy? You may just being looking for a low impact workout that is easy on your knees and hips. If the answer to any of the above is yes then elliptical machines benefits could be your answer. An elliptical fitness trainer is not hard on your body yet delivers a very effective cardio workout.

Elliptical machines are sometimes called different names such as elliptical cross trainers, gliders, or just ellipticals. Making use of elliptical equipment exercise programs is a great way to add something different into your workout program. It is easy to add variety to your normal everyday workout schedule. This goes a long way toward helping keep you on track and working out regularly.

Because people of all ages are able to work out on elliptical machines they have become much more popular in recent years. One of the elliptical machines benefits that make them so good to use is because it is really a complete cardio workout. This gives you a lot of benefit in a short amount of time.

Ellipticals are actually a variation of the very fashionable cross country training machines that were so popular just a few short years ago. Elliptical machines benefits include a cardio workout that does not put undue stress on your body. This is why it is considered to be low impact. Because it is easy on your body this will allow older people and people with some types of injuries to safely improve their fitness level.

Because of the many different variations of exercises you can do on your elliptical machine there is never a need to get bored. Most of the elliptical machines should include different modes such as walking or stair stepping. You can walk both forward and backward on these machines. The best part is these exercises will have either a low impact on your body or almost no impact at all.

People looking to burn the most calories in the least amount of time often like elliptical machines. Some of the makers of these machines claim you can burn a lot of calories in one hour of time. You need to keep in mind that the results you get on one of these machines will depend on you. You have to consider things like how hard are you willing to work and how does your metabolism work.

Elliptical machines can achieve very good results if you decide to use them. Using this type of exercise equipment can really help you meet your workout goals. Elliptical machines benefits can really help jump start your fitness if you decide to try one.

Elliptical Machines - Best Elliptical Machine Secrets Will Save You Money!

Are you looking for the best elliptical machine at the best possible price? If so you'll want to read my tips to find out which will be the best buy for you and/or your family. Choosing any elliptical trainer is much more complicated than just stopping in your favorite sports or fitness store, testing it out and buying it on the spot. Much more thought and research should be put into any fitness equipment that you buy today.

In the history of personal fitness and aerobics, ellipticals are the only aerobic products that have made a breakthrough. They only really came into the marketplace a few years ago and they've been gaining in popularity fast among users of all ages. Because elliptical machines are a cross between the treadmill and a stair climber you can easily cross-train too.

Elliptical machines offer the best cardiovascular workout. It doesn't matter if you're a novice or seasoned fitness user the elliptical trainer will work well on any exercise program you choose and you'll find your own comfortable personal fitness level. It works well with a nice rhythmic flowing movement.

The good higher-end quality machines can give you a comfortable stride because they are larger and have better construction. Although there are trainers available with a 14-inch stride, make sure to pick a 21-inch stride for the best use and settings.

The elliptical trainer is a low/no impact machine so it's the perfect machine for anyone suffering from joint problems that often occur in the knees, hips, back and ankles. That' one major reason that they became so popular is that they give you an excellent aerobic workout without much stress to the joints. If you suffer from any kind of balance problems they are a better choice than the treadmill where good balance may be necessary. An elliptical workout provides a good body workout with very little strain.

Buying an elliptical machine online shouldn't be hard to do and you'll reap the benefits if you spend time comparing rankings, reviews and ratings. The basic must-have features include the drive and resistance systems and the proper stride length.

Make sure the model you choose has an adjustable and wide range of inclines. This will help with your aerobic activity as you move along in your workout or exercise routine. You'll also want varying levels of resistance. The combination will give you the best possible workout. Make sure your adjustments are not jarring. You may want a trainer that has a few different programs that have been preset into the computer.

Make sure your elliptical trainer is quiet. You may want to be able to watch TV or listen to your favorite music or not disturb sensitive family members who need a quiet environment. Check to see that it has proper safety features. You may want cooling fans. Warm-up programs and cooldown programs help you work your muscles properly. A heart rate monitor is always a good feature to have. You can easily check out your aerobic and heart rate goals.

Of the many benefits the most important is the low impact benefit. They also have been proven to give a lower 'feeling of exertion' when you work out. Some studies report that because they optimize energy expenditure, that most people will burn more calories. The machine uses all the muscles in the lower part of the leg. And all the movement helps maintain healthy bone density. If you don't have a lot of space or have a small workout area, they can be a good way to save space over other home exercise equipment.

There are a many good, popular and higher-end brands of elliptical machines in sports stores, specialty stores, fitness stores, big box stores and online stores including Precor, Life Fitness, SportsArt Fitness, Horizon, Nordic Track, Smooth, Schwinn, and Quantum Fitness. Many can handle users up to 180 kg (400 lbs) or so. They can range in price from $1200 to $5600.

If you want to save a lot of money, make sure to check out the online prices. Compare them to the offline prices in your sports, fitness specialty or big box stores. You'll find that many of the dealers online will offer to ship them free. And if you know the model number that you want to buy you can check out the machine in your local stores and then compare the prices online.

The sports equipment consignment stores and used sporting goods stores usually have used or slightly used ellipticals at very low prices. Some of these will be in very good condition. That is because many people buy equipment they think you'll use and then they don't follow through as you probably know.

Try asking for a business discount, health professional discount or senior discount if appropriate. In any case ask for a discount, even if it's on sale. Look for sales all year round. And there are still other ways to buy them cheaper.

To sum up there are many manufacturers of high technology home elliptical machines. There are many health benefits that can be reaped. You can easily find a low cost trainer with a little research. And if you've never used one you should give it a try before you buy.

Best Elliptical Trainer: 5 Key Features To Look For When Shopping

So you're buying an elliptical trainer? Elliptical trainers give you a low impact, safe workout that burns a maximum amount of calories in the least amount of time.

But with all of the different elliptical brands out there, how do you choose the best one? Here are 5 key features to look for when shopping to help you find the very best elliptical trainer.

1) Forward and Reverse motions

The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. It works different sets of muscles and results in more calories burned overall.

This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most ellipticals have this option but it's always a good idea to make sure.

2) Adjustable resistance

Quality elliptical trainers will have a range of resistance levels. Increasing the resistance increases the calories burned. It also helps you continue to challenge your body as your fitness level improves.

Look for an elliptical trainer that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout

3) Upper body workout arms

While you really don't need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them. They do help to provide resistance training for your upper body - and again, result in more calories burned.

However make sure you don't have to lean over while using them which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models).

4) Quiet operation

Look for an elliptical trainer that is specifically designed to stay quiet. A truly well designed elliptical machine should be fairly quiet at all intensity levels.

Also - cheaper ellipticals can develop a squeak after a few months of heavy use so be careful to buy a quality brand of elliptical machine and steer clear of the cheap department store models.

5) Elliptical Incline

It used to be that only high end, commercial elliptical trainers like Precor offered this option however lately more affordable models like Proform and Nordic Track are offering incline on several of their machines.

Incline is not the same as resistance. It changes the incline of the elliptical motion and helps to work different sets of muscles for increased fat burning and toning.

So those are 5 key features that make up a quality elliptical trainer. By looking for most of these 5 key features, you'll be assured of finding the very best elliptical trainer for your needs.

Elliptical Trainer Comparison - How To Make An Accurate Elliptical Comparison Before Buying

If you're buying a home elliptical trainer, you'll probably want to make several comparisons before you buy. With ellipticals skyrocketing in popularity, there are more and more new models out each year. This can make choosing the right machine a challenge.

This article will give you 3 easy tips when making an elliptical trainer comparison. You'll learn what you need to look for and how to find the best machine for your personal workout needs.

Follow these tips and you're guaranteed to choose the best elliptical for you!

1) Compare Apples To Apples

There are 2 places to buy a crosstrainer – online and at a store. It's not fair to compare ellipticals sold online to ellipticals sold at a store. They are two different animals.

For example, at a store, you get to try out the trainer before buying. However the disadvantage is that you'll also pay more for it. Stores usually sell a limited number of brands as well, which will limit the models you can compare. If you want to compare more machines you have to locate and drive to the various stores around your neighbourhood.

When you buy online you can compare a large selection of ellipticals from the comfort of your own home. You can also save money. For example, there are several elliptical trainer wholesalers that sell directly to the consumer and can save you up to 45% off retail prices. You can often find deals on shipping and sales tax as well.

So for example, a trainer that runs approximately $1500 in a store might cost you $999 online. So to be accurate, make sure you compare online to online and store to store ellipticals.

2) Know the Key Ingredients to a Quality Machine

Lots of features make a great elliptical trainer. (For example number of programs, construction, availability of arm bars, forward and backward motions, etc.) However there are 3 essential features to any high quality elliptical. They are:

Brand Name

Smoothness of Ride

Warranty

Excellent brand names build great machines (the majority of the time). They have the experience, reputation and know-how that you're looking for when you buy. When you research look for names that keep coming up over and over again which will give you a sense of which brands are best.

Smoothness of the elliptical ride encompasses everything from stride length to properly aligned armbars to the proper alignment of footpads. Cheaper units don't always have the alignment right which can cause a jerky ride and result in a less efficient workout.

The warranty gives you a good idea of the quality of construction. Look for a lengthy warranty as that tells you that the elliptical was built to last and to stand up under fairly frequent use. Try to steer clear of the 90 day warranties you get with most department store brands if you can. (Unless you like returning a 200 pound piece of equipment to the store).

3) Know What You Need When You Compare Machines

It's always great to get a bargain but also try to think in terms of your workout goals. For example, are you planning to exercise regularly? You'll need a medium or high end crosstrainer built to withstand freqent use.

Do you like to pick up the pace when working out? You may want to select a highly stable piece of equipment with a higher user weight capacity.

What about other people who will be using the elliptical? Do they have height, weight or workout considerations?

By knowing these things when you compare elliptical trainers, you'll be able to choose a machine that best fits your needs (instead of just choosing the one that's on sale this week). You'll get more out of your investment and be much happier with your purchase.

That's it – now you're way ahead of 99% of people buying an elliptical trainer! Just remember that with elliptical trainers, you do get what you pay for – so don't skimp when it comes to your health!

Which Is For Me? Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers

Nowadays, elliptical trainers are all the rage. Still, the old school treadmill continues to be very popular with people of all shapes and sizes. If you're thinking about getting an exercise machine to use in your home, you may be wondering which is best for you.

Treadmills and elliptical trainers are both great exercise tools that you can use in the privacy of your own home. Both are full of benefits for your body. But, in some cases one or the other might be better for you.

Let's look at which machines best benefit which kinds of exercisers.

If You Want More Variety To Spice Up Your Routine...

...go with an elliptical. This is one of the major reasons why ellipticals have been gaining in popularity over the last few years.

Treadmills now have heart rate monitors, incline control, and programming options as standard features. But, even with all the increasing features that treadmills offer, elliptical machines offer you much more.

Even the simples, lowest grade elliptical trainers have more features than most high end treadmills. If you are serious about designing your own workout, an elliptical is for you.

If You Want To Lose That Extra Weight Quickly...

...you might prefer a treadmill. Treadmills have generally been shown to burn off calories quickly and more efficiently than elliptical trainers.

Lately, new research has challenged this. New studies have been saying that ellipticals can burn off just as many calories as treadmills with much less effort. But, the jury is still out on that.

If You Are Elderly And Looking For A Way To Keep In Shape...

...an elliptical is much better for you. Ellipticals offer a smoother and less stressful workout. People say it's like walking in air. Treadmills cause undo stress to your bones, which can be especially hard on the elderly. Go with an elliptical.

If You Are A Serious Runner...

...get a treadmill. An elliptical won't help you train for a big run. Serious joggers and runners always prefer treadmills because they perfectly simulate the experience of running. Ellipticals offer a different kind of workout.

If You Are An Athlete Looking To Supplement Your Training Program...

...an elliptical would be a good choice. Ellipticals offer more of a full body workout. You might just need a little cardio to round out your workout routine. In this case, an elliptical trainer would be ideal.

Treadmills only work out certain parts of your body, like your legs and lower abdomen. Ellipticals give your whole body a workout.

If You Just Want To Burn Some Calories And Get Your Heart Pumping...

Your best bet is to go to your local gym and spend a little quality time with each. That will help you decide which is right for you.

An Overview Of Elliptical Machines

In the region of America and Europe, there are many large companies connected in manufacturing of fitness equipment. These are makers of many different elliptical which sold at all different health stores are.

One example is the ProForm crossover elliptical strength trainer is a high-quality buy even at eight hundred dollars and it is the only one of its kind made by ICON, A distinguished feature about this ProForm crossover elliptical is its density and in core it consists of two machines being united into one and to come up to with a very attractive product, perfectly suitable for anyone wishing to do cardio workouts as well as strength training.

The machine is about eighty-five inches high and thirty-seven inches wide and eighty-three inches deep and is small as a strength trainer. It can supports user weight of about maximum two hundred and fifty pounds. The machine is also portable though it does have wheels for moving it about. It is also a hybrid machine which can house both cardiovascular and body structure exercises. It comes with 65 built-in exercises that aiming both upper and lower body muscle groups, the consumer can easily build up muscle power as well as stamina and endurance that most body builder lacks. On the disadvantage, the ProForm crossover elliptical is not so at ease when used.

Elliptical Machines For Light Exercises

Another trait of the elliptical trainer is targeted for use by those who require to work out calmly with their elliptical equipment and also in an unbalanced manner. That is why you can expect your elliptical to be light duty and basically well suited for working out in the home. For example, the 1280S elliptical trainer u can without difficulty pick up from any department store and which is selling in the middle range that will not exceed more than one thousand dollars. It is well appropriate for having a complete workout though you may have to put up with a certain amount of noise when you operate it.

You can also change the shape as also the slope of the stride though it has good looks and is what you may expect a good fitness product to look like. The bottom line is that they will only suit those who are no more than casual users and this fitness tools are known to sell well and buyers and satisfied with their purchase. Still, you need to be exercise caution before buying.

Other elliptical machines with cardiovascular enhancement technology

Other elliptical machines like the CardioCross Elliptical 900 comes with cardiovascular enhancement technology which can help you build endurance and stamina, as well as improving leg power and movement. The Reflex Step technology built-in the machine absorbs the power of your stride and uses that power to use it for the next; this feature will make your movements easier. It comes with a built-in heart rate monitor which helps monitor the safety level of your exercises as well as an EKG pulse training to make sure you get all the necessary information out of your pro form elliptical.

Enjoying While Working Out With Elliptical

Each year, different elliptical manufacturer releases new models every year, and each one is contains basic and complex features that possibly will make fitness a history. These improvements comprise of multimedia functions that not only stimulates the consumers during work-out; as well as gaming to combine both sweat and play in one machine. As a consumer, you should keep yourself updated with the different new version so that you are always getting the best of what you deserve.

Elliptical With Multimedia

Some elliptical come with multimedia features. For example, the 1280 S Interactive elliptical is a perfect combination of multimedia and workout all in one machine. It comes with a built-in CD player that you can add any music that can add to your workout rather than throw you into boredom.

Overall, elliptical is quite complex since it uses a lot of technology, though it is still likeable and in spite of not getting an extended warranty, most buyers still like it, though it is rather not practical for use in a gym; rather, you will get most out of it when used at home and although it does not provide the best muscle training, it is still satisfactory and at the price is a steal.

The Goodness Of Elliptical Machines

People who are devoted to great physical fitness will possibly seek on the use of elliptical machines. Many people want to get in shape, there are many things that you can do. Those using elliptical machines consist of world class athletes and senior citizens who want to keep up best possible health.

Most sports medicine experts and personal trainers will suggest a good workout that will provide for cardiovascular fitness. There are many ways to accomplish great physical fitness, and there is no right way for everyone. An elliptical machine can offer a broad range of choices for individuals who want to achieve physical fitness.

An elliptical machine is intended to provide a very smooth motion for the workout. People who are anxious about injuries while working out will find that this smooth motion does not bump their hips and knees. An elliptical can be planned so the exercises will provide information on the quality of the workout. Those who are concerned of their heart rate will be able to keep track of this while working on an elliptical machine. People of different ages will want to attain a certain heart rate correct for their age bracket, and an elliptical machine often provides this information with a quick look at the control panel. The reason that many people choose elliptical exercise equipment is that they can get the type of full body workout that they would like to get.

With the elliptical exercise equipment, one can get a workout that focus on all different parts of your body at once. This is great because you will be able to truly make the most out of your workout. You will be able the weights that come with it in order to work on your back, your legs, your arms, and your entire body all at one go. This is because of the exclusive design of the elliptical exercise equipment. With the elliptical machine, you will be able to utilise the machine in different ways.

Although an elliptical machine may look like a test, these machines do not need a great deal of skill or athletic ability. It is perhaps a good idea to have a guide provides an introduction to this machine, but most people will be able to easily use an elliptical machine. These machines are made so someone just starting a physical fitness program will be able to start gradually and raise the speed to get a better workout each day. By the end of a week, many use will have increased their physical fitness as a great beginning.

This means that using the elliptical exercise equipment can help you to a full body workout very quickly as well. Many people do not have sufficient time during their day to work out, so with the elliptical exercise equipment. The elliptical exercise equipment is good for these people because it can let them to really feel sure about what they can do and why they can do it. In only a few minutes a day, a person can make use this new type of elliptical machine and make themselves into what they want to be.

These machines also offer a range of programs so people will be able to try out until they find the program that is best for their needs. Many of the machines offer programs that are ideal for weight loss or cardiovascular training.

The machines are easy to manage so most people can get to find a perfect program with the push of a few buttons. The machines often keep track of the calories burned during an exercise. The latest designs provide the information for people in different age group so they can set their workout for their needs.

There are other elliptical machines that are suitable for use in the home. These machines are not as huge as the industrial models so the family room might be a great place for a workout. There are some machines that can be without difficulty stored until it is time for a workout which means that these machines will not take up too much space until they are needed.

Using the machines is most important so each person concerned in optimum fitness should find the services that will be most favorable to their fitness needs. Not only can that, but members of the same family use the elliptical exercise equipment. Most of the brands are user-friendly and to set, which means that anyone can use the equipment at your own settings, whenever you need to.

The Space Saving Model Of Ellipticals

Most elliptical machines in the market today host superior features that can provide the best workout experience in our lives. Since these machines tend to be huge and quite large for any room in the house or gym, finding a place for it can be quite a tiresome task. But now, companies are now releasing newer model that gives you all the features you need at a smaller package than usual - the fold up ellipticals.

Fold up ellipticals are machines that is adjustable to incline to house a more rigorous workout. It also has a feature to easily fold the machine up to save space. These machines were quite limited during the beginning of elliptical fitness technology, but as time passes, manufacturers are now targeting the realistic side in which consumers are now basing their purchases.

One of the most accepted folding ellipticals is the Smooth 5.25 that has been known of vast reviews time and is surely best value for money. It offers a better and high end technology feature, and the price you are paying for it is low.

One of the features that show up with this folding elliptical is that the Smooth 5.25 can take the best and advance them further and there are also many upgrades that are available which means that you get superb without having to give up affordability which is why it position among the top ten budget ellipticals. Even when you are screening different folding ellipticals reviews, the Smooth 5.25 stands out as being the most well-liked treadmill on offer. Based on one reviewer of this folding elliptical, it can be set up easily and connected and will allow you to sweat out as many as thirty minutes of workout, and you will starts to be in love with once you get into the schedule of using the Smooth 5.25, and it is very quiet in its operations and is of health club standards.

The fold up ellipticals only has one benefit: save space. Often, elliptical machines are quite huge which requires a fair amount of space in your room. We always dispute over the fact that we could never have too much space in particular when our machine is sharing the room with you, yet we don't want to take away of them since that would beat the purpose of the convenience of having them around than going to the gym for it.

Fold up ellipticals solves these problems easily by the simple means of folding up the machine when you are not using it. Not only can you move these machines in a corner or in a closet when you're finished, you can also use the extra space to cater to some other activities that you have in mind.

Before, fold up ellipticals state only on the space-saving feature, and less on the by and large functionality of the machine. But not now, the brand like Precor have crop up with ways in which to mix high-end high-performance features with fold up ellipticals.

It was rather costly to buy these machines before since space-saving feature has fairly a demand in the open market. But thanks to the advent of technology, and some very creative designs, you can have your money's worth in buying the fold up ellipticals with enough features to please your fitness needs.

Before read-through of various elliptical trainer reviews, you need to first consider what are the factors that will be applicable in rating various elliptical trainers. Since these reviews are more often than not experiences from various consumers of the product around the globe, each one are full of information about the product as well as their first-hand experience from using it.

So before choosing some bulky elliptical machine that is quite bulky for your own home, you might think of browsing around with some of the newer fold up ellipticals that are existing in any fitness shops today.

The Smooth 5.25 folding elliptical also disperses of giving you the rocking and swaying motions that are familiar amongst the cheaper folding ellipticals since it is heavy weight, thus providing enhanced stability as well as safety. With these, and many more features it is not unexpected, most people choose this make for their folding ellipticals over all others.

The Benefits of Elliptical Reviews

Before spending your hard earned money on an elliptical, you should be certain that you are getting the best in terms of quality as well as value for your money.

The best resource for finding out about various elliptical trainers is to read up on some elliptical trainer reviews and looking through more than one will help you well in your decision on a particular make and model. After all, you will not want to waste your money on something that will turn out to be nothing better than rubbish. And to also know how much will the trainer cost and which would be ideal for your particular needs.

An elliptical review can also provide you with the details concerning the newest elliptical machine in the market. Not only providing you the healthy benefits to an elliptical machines, it can also offer you a frank view on what to expect in one.

Nevertheless, before read-through of various elliptical trainer reviews, you need to first consider what are the factors that will be applicable in rating various elliptical trainers. Since these reviews are more often than not experiences from various consumers of the product around the globe, each one are full of information about the product as well as their first-hand experience from using it. Therefore, it pays to know that various elliptical trainer reviews will look into on three particular groups, as far as price is concerned which include economy, mid-range as well as commercial.

Having spending the time reading up different elliptical reviews, you would find one particular elliptical make that stands out from the rest and that is the Proform 20.0. You would do well to consider the many diverse remarkable features that are offered on different ellipticals, and it is also possible to program dissimilar ellipticals to do different things with your next workout. According to elliptical reviews, the Proform 20.0 is selling at around eight hundred dollars and clearly, for that price comes stuffed with many features such as an iPod and MP3 player which are accompanied by superb pair of speakers which means you can channel to the music and enjoy your workout at the same time.

On top of this, these elliptical reviews tell you that the Proform 20.0 allows you to make use of the speakers as your very own electronic coach. This electronic coach will help you get through the different steps. Keep an eye out for elliptical reviews which stresses the health benefits and price of a certain product. These are almost two of the most widely sought subject when consumers are looking for the best elliptical machine for their needs.

These topics are generally assessment on different products and how they would change the overall workout session of the consumer, and if the features validate its total costs. As such, some elliptical trainers will be suggested because they are of the right power and because they are steady as well as come with longer warranties while others may rate the elliptical trainer according to how even are the ride and how simple the trainer to operate is.

Beside from the cost of the product, these categories of elliptical reviews should include the most essential health benefits like calories burned, muscle groups and cardiovascular benefits that you could get from the elliptical machine that you are planning to buy. Sometimes, you might be able to find elliptical trainer reviews being written on certain web sites and which may be prejudiced or simply individual opinions and though they may help you make a decision on a particular elliptical trainer, you still need to use caution before making a decision. Some companies may even pay others to put in writing good or bad reviews depending on which brand is being evaluated - which is from theirs or the competitors.

Another useful elliptical review that you should pay consider to is the strength of the product as well as the maintenance costs to keep it in good operating condition. It is quite true that most consumers in the market just buy the product without knowing its sturdiness and maintenance, depending everything on the cost rather than the actual design of the product and benefits of the product.

Since most luxurious elliptical machines in the market today are from well known brands like NordicTrack, one should also think about that the parts needed lest if something breaks down would be expensive as well. Reading an elliptical review about these factors could involve more savings than the overall costs.

If you need some help concerning your choice in buying elliptical machines then an elliptical review could absolutely guide you in the right direction. The end result is that you should take the elliptical trainer reviews as a guide and do some examine of your own before making your own decision with regard to different elliptical trainers.

Should you Buy a Key Treadmill?

For those who are new to treadmill workout and are planning to buy one, there are 2 major considerations in mind. These are cost and quality. This article will try to explain a particular brand called key treadmill and see if this product has both.
Like in everything else, there are also advantages and disadvantages in a key treadmill. Many reviews talk about the key treadmill stating the pros and cons of owning one. At the end of this article, you will be the judge.

The Advantages

First stop is to talk about the good points of getting this product. You might want to verify these points by doing a research yourself. Here are the advantages of a key treadmill.

- It has the features of high-end treadmills. At first glance you might think it's expensive because of its top of the line features.

- The motor has a 10-year warranty. There are only a few treadmills that have this kind of warranty service. With this offer, this is considered on of the best feature of the key treadmill.

- Prices of key treadmills can come between $1,000 and a little less than $2,500. The more expensive treadmills range between $3000 and $5000.

- The product has average rating in structure and frame.

- Not all parts are made in the US. This brings the retail cost lower.

The cost of a key treadmill is relatively cheap for a product with high-end features. The motor warranty is usually offered by other brands priced at $5000 range. Generally, this equipment brand is not recommended for commercial purposes but for home use only.

The Disadvantages
There are also disadvantages that you may want to consider when planning to buy a treadmill. Here are some of the claims.

- Some reviews state that it breaks down often.

- Some users are having problems with the belt that keeps slipping.

- Consumers say that it creates some noise even at slow speed like walking and jogging.

However, these consumer feedbacks didn't say anything about the frequency of use. These users didn't clearly say if they were using it for commercial use like a gym or hotel. This makes a big difference.

A key treadmill is a good buy if it answers your workout needs. In the case of a key treadmill, ask first where this product is recommended for use. You may just have your money's worth if you see it this way.

How To Get The Best Elliptical Machine And Save Lots Of Money Too!

If you're in the market for home fitness equipment, you may be considering an elliptical machine. When you go shopping for an elliptical trainer you want the best machine in the marketplace of the best quality while saving as much money as you can. Some of the higher-end elliptical machines, such as those manufactured by SportsArt Fitness, Precor, Quantum Fitness, Life Fitness, and other brands found in fitness and specialty stores, can handle users who weigh up to 400 lbs. These trainers range in price from $1350 to $5600.

The elliptical machine makes the best choice in home equipment, if you don't want treadmill or exercise bike. The elliptical machine has been gradually gaining in popularity at home and in the gym. To determine which elliptical machine is the best fit for you, first make a list of all the features that you need or want.

Choosing an elliptical machine is more complex than just going to a big box, fitness equipment or sports store, trying one out and buying it without doing some preliminary research. If you have already decided to buy an elliptical machine for your home gym you'll find there are a lot of models and brands. It can easily be overwhelming when you're trying to decide on features and choose the best machine for you. Most if not all gyms, health clubs and fitness clubs have already acquired a line of elliptical machines. Make sure to try them out at a club if you haven't already

All elliptical trainers help to maintain healthy bone density. According to some of the manufacturers, an estimate of the calories that are burned using an elliptical trainer can go upwards to 730 calories an hour. And if you're cramped for space at home or have a small area in which to work out then an elliptical trainer would be a great way to save needed space while at the same time getting a good workout.

If you buy quality elliptical exercise equipment, you'll feel a more fluid movement. An elliptical workout gives you an overall body workout without a lot of strain. What makes the elliptical exercise equipment so great is that it gives you a no-impact workout and the resistance exercise helps you build bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

With an elliptical machine you don't need to take your feet off the foot pads so you'll have very little stress on your knees, ankles, hips and back. Elliptical machines give you a good weight resistant workout. This is important because, weight resistant workouts burn calories fast and more efficiently than other fitness equipment. And elliptical units combine the movements and health benefits of hiking, biking and cross country skiing.

Many people want elliptical machines that will store well. They want them to be handy when they need them and compact enough so they will fit in a closet when they're not being used. Another good feature in the elliptical trainer is you can move at a nice, comfortable speed but allowing for occasional bursts of high intensity moves.

The best elliptical trainers have a few programs preset into the computer. There are many good brands of elliptical cross trainers in the marketplace today. A few of the most popular brands are: Life Fitness, Precor, Quantum Fitness and SportsArt Fitness. Note that a typical elliptical workout will burn about 14 calories per minute.

You can save money on ellipticals by carefully checking the prices online and then comparing them to the prices in your local fitness or sports equipment stores. You'll find that many of the online stores offer free shipping. If you happen to know the model you want to buy you can try it out locally and then compare with the prices online.

If you will settle for a used machine, used sporting goods stores and sports consignment stores have slightly used ellipticals at deeply cut prices. Some of these machines will be in very good condition because a lot of people buy equipment intending to use it and then don't as you probably know.

You can always ask for a discount no matter what price is offered. You can ask "what is your best price" or ask for a business discount, senior discount, health professional discount for example. It won't hurt to try and it works a good share of the time.

Elliptical machines will continue to develop new features and provide an optimum workout. If you haven't used an elliptical trainer make sure to give one a try early in your shopping experience. You want to shop for the best possible deal without sacrificing quality. You can easily save a lot of money by doing some decent research and reading ratings and reviews.

Elliptical Or Treadmill - Which Should You Buy?

Are you thinking about investing in a piece of home exercise equipment and are wondering what the differences are between a treadmill and elliptical? Are you wondering if you should get the one that is the better value or cheaper? Or are you wondering if there are any health differences based on your lifestyle?

The biggest difference between an elliptical and a treadmill it that an elliptical is a "no impact" machine which is important for some people and it works your upper body too. And a treadmill allows a more truly realistic running movement, which may be important if you're working on being a better runner.

But a major advantage to a treadmill versus an elliptical is that the elliptical only allows you to have a stride length that is fixed along with a forward and backward motion. The elliptical trainer is thought by many heart conscious people to be a good machine for cardio fitness. However, it really doesn't address biomechanics and the proper timing of the ankles, knees and hips. When using this machine the function of the foot muscles is limited. Treadmills allow you to control the overlap of your feet, whereas the elliptical trainer keeps the feet a set width apart.

A treadmill is the natural way physiologically of walking or running. To live a longer and healthier life you want to make sure you have what is called "specific activity." It can give you specific and usually necessary feedback about your proper foot placement and technique, for example - the sound of each footfall should be very quiet, an elliptical cannot do this. If you'd like to get some instant feedback with a treadmill, place a mirror in front and to the side of the unit and work on the increase in your stride. This will help reduce any harmful stress while still maximizing the lymphatic flow and drainage in the body.

An elliptical and the treadmill both stimulate the lymphatic system and its flow which is a good thing, of course, but opinions differ due to the natural function of the foot on the treadmill, where it may be deemed better. It also allows more variety, intensity and depth to workouts, for example, working both the adductors and abductors of the hips as in side-stepping. Side-stepping helps to develop both the total inner and outer functions of both legs. It also reduces any possibility for overuse issues.

Muscles of the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet are used. You can also walk backwards which is good for people who have a history of shin splints and stress fractures-- this will enhance the muscular timing and biomechanics of your legs. For people who want more intensity and a challenge, try leaping high.

One very significant difference between the machines is the issue of balance. A person's balance is not a factor on an elliptical machine as it is on a treadmill and it's even possible that balance will improve over time. Professionals have recommended using tubing on a treadmill, attaching it behind or in front for more arm strength and upper body fitness. If you're familiar with cross-crawl patterning, it can help with it too.

If cost is a factor, of course there are many ways to save money on these machines. From discounts to wholesale prices, low cost or cheaper equipment can easily be found online.

In the end it all depends on which machine you like and more importantly which machine you will use more. Both the elliptical and treadmill are excellent pieces of exercise equipment and only good if you use them consistently and don't let them gather dust. In any event no matter which you choose you're sure to benefit making them an important part of your personal health plan.

Elliptical Machine Tips - Save Money On Elliptical Trainers

If you're in the market to buy an elliptical machine or elliptical trainer, you want to get the very best deal you can find. One of the first things to do is check out the reviews and Consumer Reports magazine is a good place to check to see if they have a recent review. You'll want to compare features and costs. You can find many reviews, ratings and rankings online too.

Many of the consumer models found in sporting good and big-box type of retail stores can only handle users weighing no more than 115 kg (250 lbs), and cost about $1000 (US) or less. You may have to go online to buy if you need one that will hold more weight.

The elliptical machine is quickly gaining popularity both in and out of the gym. Almost all gyms, fitness clubs and many homes already have their own elliptical machines. Check with your work associates, neighbors and friends to see if they can recommend an elliptical to you.

The elliptical machine is preferred by many because it's a low or no impact machine making it a perfect choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from joint problems such as the knees, ankle, hip or back. It provides an excellent aerobic workout with minimal stress on the joints.

If you've decided to buy an elliptical machine for your home or home gym you'll find many different machines and brands. It can be very overwhelming when you're trying to choose the best machine for you.

The elliptical machine is an excellent choice for home equipment, especially if you do not want the traditional treadmill or exercise bike. You can find plenty of low cost or cheap elliptical machines with a little bit of research online.

Today most of the elliptical machines will come standard with an on-board computer. Many people look into elliptical machines that store well. They want to use them when they need them and be able to put them away in a closet when they're not in use. If you're cramped for space or have a small home gym, a spacesaver elliptical trainer can be a great way to save space while getting a good overall body workout. Most elliptical trainers are smaller than a treadmill and can be more easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming.

The general estimate of calories burned using an Elliptical Trainer are approximately 387 calories for a 150 pound woman who has done 30 minutes of elliptical exercise. According to the machine manufacturers, a general estimate of calories burned by an elliptical trainer can go up to 720 calories an hour. There are a lot of very good brands of elliptical cross trainers on the market today; some of the most popular brands are: Precor, Life Fitness, Quantum Fitness, Horizon, Nordic Track, Smooth and SportsArt Fitness. Elliptical workout machines came onto the scene only just a few years ago and they've been gaining in popularity ever since.

While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build bone density and therefore fight osteoporosis. Because elliptical machines are a mix between the treadmill and a stair climber, it gives you a great opportunity to cross-train.

With quality elliptical exercise equipment, you feel the movement as fluid and your legs travel in an elongated circular motion. Elliptical trainers use the arms and the legs making it a cross trainer, in a smooth and natural motion.

To get the lowest price on ellipticals, check online first. Then check your local sporting goods stores and ask for a discount. Sometimes this works. Ask for a business discount if appropriate. Check the local used sporting goods or consignment stores if you'd like a used elliptical machine.

If you have any 'pull' with the local health clubs see if you can arrange to get an elliptical trainer through them at their wholesale cost. Check out Costco or Sam's Club to see if they have any ellipticals in stock. Often they have the mid to upper range in quality with a good discount. Watch for sales of course. If you buy online, many of the manufacturers offer free shipping.

Many people with joint problems used to feel they had to give up on exercise, but that's not the case any more with an elliptical machine. Many manufacturers have developed elliptical machines today using high technology. Buying an inexpensive or low cost elliptical machine is easy to do today with so much information being available online.

Elliptical Comparison - What To Look At When Comparing Elliptical Trainers

If you're buying an elliptical, you'll want to make several elliptical comparisons and get the best deal. Enter the Internet. With the knowledge you can find online, buyers can get a much better deal than they used to get at their local department store.

So what do you need to know when making elliptical comparisons? While the elliptical market is getting more crowded each year, there are some simple things you can look for to find the best value models.
This article will give you 7 main features to look at when you compare elliptical trainers along with where to make easy elliptical comparisons.

1) Stride Length - This is essentially the farthest distance between the pedals during the elliptical motion. Stride length ranges on ellipticals from 12 to 21 inches.

Stride length is important as a short stride length doesn't fully work your leg muscles and doesn't give you as effective a workout as longer stride ellipticals. Cheaper ellipticals usually offer a 12 to 15 inch stride.
For the average height person an 18 inch stride is good. Taller people may prefer a 20 inch stride and shorter people may prefer a 16 to 18 inch stride.

2) Upper Body Workout Arms - Most people want the option to work their arms while exercising. This helps provide resistance training for your upper body so you burn more calories and get a better workout overall. This feature is found on most elliptical trainers however on some - even the higher end ones - it is not available.

You also want to make sure you don't have to lean over while using the bars which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models which don't have the proper arm to leg pedal ratio).

3) Weight Capacity - The user weight capacity is a great indicator of the stability of the elliptical trainer. For example, a 250 lb user weight capacity may mean that it can take up to 250 lbs however it is not nearly as stable as one with a 350 lb user weight capacity.

The 250 lb elliptical also probably won't hold up as well if you want to pick up your pace. Highly stable elliptical trainers will have higher user weight capacities (depending on your weight this could be 300 lbs and up).

4) Warranty - While warranties range for different elliptical trainers, you want to choose an elliptical with at least a one year parts warranty - preferably longer.

Just like user weight capacity, the length of the warranty is another indicator of the quality of parts used to build the elliptical machine. A longer warranty indicates a higher quality of elliptical construction.

5) Console: - While there are a range of different options here, it really depends on you. Do you want to see calories burned, speed, time, distance, heart rate? Do you want to see them all simultaneously?
One thing to watch for is that the console is well lit so you can read it while you exercise. Many cheaper ellipticals are hard to read, especially if the lighting in your workout area is not the best.

6) Resistance - Resistance is basically how hard your legs have to push during the elliptical motion. Resistance gives you more of a challenge while you workout and can help you ramp up your calorie burn or work intervals into your workout.

Most elliptical trainers do offer a range of resistance levels. Look for a trainer that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment).

7) Price - Ellipticals range in price from $300 to $3000. It's up to you what you pay but just keep in mind that with elliptical trainers - price usually reflects quality - you do get what you pay for.

Economy priced ellipticals (under $800) are simply not built as well as higher quality ellipticals in the $900+ range and this can end up costing you in repairs, injury and less effective workouts.
Finally, when buying your elliptical trainer, remember to consider everyone who will be using it, their weight capacity, workout preferences and fitness goals.

By knowing these facts when making elliptical comparisons, you're way ahead of 99% of most elliptical buyers and well prepared to choose the best elliptical for you.

Treadmill Review - Tips For Choosing The Best Treadmill For You And Save Money Too!

If you're looking for the best tips for choosing the best treadmill for you and your specific needs and for saving money too, here are a few that will help. Treadmills today are coming out with more and more new features or options such as TV's and miniature fans, which leaves more room for manufacturing defects and other problems.

This may require even more research on your part.Prices on the top 15 treadmills range between $1900 and $3500 on both the folding and non-folding units. The more expensive treadmills will have more horsepower, a thicker deck and have sturdier construction than the less expensive models and probably have a longer warranty too.

The folding models range between $1000 and $2600 but most cost between $1300 and $1500. You can get a very nice machine that will give you a good workout even with the lower-priced treadmills.Non-folding brands include Landice, NordicTrack, SportsArt, Precor, True and Vision Fitness. Folding brands include Bowflex, NordicTrack, Horizon Fitness, ProForm, Keys Fitness, Smooth Fitness, LifeSpan and Evo.

You don't want to find that when you bring your exercise treadmill home that it's faulty after you set it up. It'll likely be covered under the warranty but this can be annoying and disappointing. There may be no way to get around this except by reading treadmill reviews and checking ratings to find out which have fewer complaints so you can avoid repairs.When choosing the best treadmill for you consider how much space you have in which to store it.

It'll take up about as much space as a long loveseat and a folding unit will take up about half that space when you fold it up. One of the smaller folding treadmills is about six square feet when it's folded up. If you plan to run on it make sure the deck isn't going to be too small for you. All home treadmills are good for walking, of course, but if you plan to use it for running then you should choose a non-folding model because it'll be much sturdier than the folding models.

Make sure to check for the quality of the construction. Is it sturdy? Does it seem flimsy or unsteady in any way?Check out the features that come with some of the units such as an LCD TV. Do you really need it? If you already know you need a fan, setting up a portable unit for your workout may be a lot cheaper. Quite a few treadmill models have very small cooling fans that are built right into the console but a floor fan is cheaper and may keep you much cooler.

Check out the belt to make sure that it has enough usable exercise room for you or any other user in your household and that it can handle varying levels of fitness. Make sure it's big enough for walking with your stride length and that it can handle running if you plan to do so.Check out all the buttons and make sure they are user-friendly and that you can easily read the display. Check to make sure that it's easy to get on and off and that you can exercise on it easily.

To save money on your treadmill look for close-out sales, other types of sales and discounts and try to get it wholesale if you have the connections. Always try to get it for less. Ask the salesperson if there are any discounts available - senior discounts, nurses' discounts, health professionals' discounts, business discounts, etc. If there are none try to get something you can use thrown in with it, free. You may be able to save quite a bit if you buy online. But, if possible, try out selected models in a 'brick and mortar' store first.

Many online dealers offer free shipping.If you can settle for a cheaper used treadmill try used sporting goods or consignment stores or find some for sale on Craigslist locally. How about buying machines from fitness centers that are closing? We've had several in our area close this year as the big franchises have moved in.

Also the workout gyms and big health clubs get new equipment; see if you can buy one of their old treadmills that may still have a lot of life left in it.In any event these are a just a few of the best tips I've found for choosing the best treadmill for you and saving money too. Following these tips should help you make the right decision about which is the best one for you and how to get the best buy too.