Friday, January 11, 2008

Elliptical Machines - What You Must Know About Elliptical Trainers Before You Buy

Choosing the best elliptical machine for you is more complex than just trying one out and deciding to buy it on the spot. There are many features to consider. And you'll want to know what all of them are and what you need and what you can do without. In the history of fitness and aerobics, elliptical machines are the only aerobic products that have made a breakthrough. Checking Consumer Reports magazine is a good place to compare features and costs of elliptical machines.

The best way to determine which elliptical machine is the best fit for you is by making a list of all the features that you're looking for in a trainer. You can find low cost or cheap elliptical machines with a little bit of research online. So if you're thinking about home fitness and exercise equipment, seriously think about an elliptical trainer.

Most gyms, fitness clubs and even many homes have already acquired their own elliptical machines. Now that you've decided to choose an elliptical machine for your home gym you will be faced with many different machines and many different brands, and it can be very overwhelming when you are trying to choose the best machine for you. High-end elliptical machines, like SportsArt Fitness, Quantum Fitness, Precor, Life Fitness, and other brands found in specialty stores, can accommodate users up to 400 lbs (180 kg) and range in price from $1200 to $5300 (US).

An elliptical workout provides you with an overall body workout without all the strain. Elliptical exercise equipment combines the movements and benefits of hiking, cross country skiing, and biking. Because elliptical machines are a mix between the treadmill and a stair climber you have a great opportunity to cross-train.

Most elliptical trainers are smaller than a treadmill and can be more easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming. An elliptical workout burns about 13 calories per minute. With quality elliptical exercise equipment, you feel the movement as fluid.

There are quite a few benefits for using an elliptical trainer but probably one of the most important benefits is the absence of impact. Elliptical trainer workouts are generally safe for the joints and provide a no-impact workout as opposed to a treadmill where your feet hit the deck with every step. With an elliptical machine there is no need to remove your feet from the foot pads so there will be little stress on your knees, ankles, hips and back. Because of this the elliptical machines are good for people who are disabled or who have serious mobility issues such as multiple sclerosis, where picking up numb feet and/or legs make it difficult to use a treadmill.

Elliptical trainers use the arms and the legs making it a cross trainer, in a smooth and natural motion. And elliptical machines give you a weight resistant workout which is very important because, weight resistant workouts burn calories faster and more efficiently. If you're cramped for space at home, an elliptical trainer can be a great way to save space while getting an overall body workout.

Elliptical machines help give you a more healthy body by maintaining healthy bone density. The basic features of an elliptical machine include the drive system, the resistance system and the length of stride. According to the manufacturers, a general estimate of calories burned by an elliptical trainer can go up to as much as 720 calories an hour.

There are many benefits that can be enjoyed by using an elliptical machine. Elliptical machines will continue to develop and provide an optimum workout for its users. The best elliptical machines offer many advantages over other forms of exercise and other exercise equipment. And you can easily find the best discounts and low cost elliptical machine without sacrificing quality. Make sure to eliminate any expensive features you don't need and check out reviews and ratings.

No comments: