Elliptical Machines

Elliptical Workout - 3 Advantages of Working Out With Your Elliptical

2009-03-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

If you're trying to decide between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment, consider the workout advantages an elliptical provides. What's so special about an elliptical workout? Here are 3 unique advantages of using your elliptical trainer to workout:

#1) Forward & Back Motions Provide Better Workout Results

Almost all elliptical trainers offer both forward and back motion (also called dual action motion). This allows you to work different sets of muscle groups in your legs (hamstrings vs quads) which adds up to more calories burned, more muscles toned and an overall better body workout.

You can't walk backwards on a treadmill (ok, you can but that might be difficult. And peddling backwards on a bike might not be so helpful. The dual action ability of your elliptical trainer helps you work more muscles. Plus you have the potential to burn more calories

#2) You Get A Lower Impact Workout

A properly designed elliptical trainer mimics your body's natural stride - the way your foot moves elliptically when walking, running, or jogging. You stand upright striding in a forward or reverse motion. Your feet never leave the pedals.

Because of this, impact is basically eliminated and there is much less overall stress on your knees, hips and back, joints and back. (Just make sure you get a properly designed elliptical trainer - not one of the cheaper department store versions!)

Because of the lower impact of an elliptical workout, the elliptical machine is becoming very popular with the older population or those who are more easily prone to sports injury.

#3) Upper Body Arm Bars Help You Burn More Calories & Get A Superior Overall Body Workout

Many elliptical trainers offer moveable upper body arm bars. By working both legs and arms, your heart rate elevates more quickly which encourages your body to burn calories faster and more efficiently.

It also results in a lower perceived rate of exertion (basically you don't feel like you worked as hard as you really did). This may mean that you end up burning more calories, even without feeling like you did much of a workout.

By offering upper body arms, an elliptical machine workout also helps you tone your arms, shoulders and back for better definition.

An elliptical trainer workout has many advantages over other exercise machines. It gives you an overall body workout that burns extra calories and gives you an extra efficient workout. Just make sure you choose one that meets your needs and is properly designed for maximum comfort.

Calories Burned On An Elliptical Trainer

2009-03-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

If you're trying to choose between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike, one of the most popular questions is

'How many calories can I burn with an elliptical trainer?'

You want to get the most bang for your exercise buck - that's understandable. Here are some calories burned estimates for elliptical workouts - and 4 tips to burn more calories with your elliptical trainer!

General Estimates of Calories Burned with An Elliptical Trainer:

- 150 pound woman, 30 minutes of elliptical exercise: 387 calories

- 180 pound man, 30 minutes of elliptical exercise: 464 - 500 calories

- 120 pound woman, 30 minutes of elliptical exercise: 310 calories

General Estimates of Calories Burned (According To Elliptical Manufacturers)

- Elliptical manufacturers claim you can burn up to 720 calories an hour with an elliptical workout.

Factors that dictate how many calories you burn include:

Workout Duration

Interval Training

Elliptical Tension Settings

Body Composition (Muscle to Fat Ratio)

State of Cardiovascular system (regular exerciser or new to exercise)

Weight

Sex

Upper Body Arm Usage

And for those of you who want to burn the maximum amount of calories on your elliptical machine, here are 4 tips to increase your calorie burn:

- Build in Intervals

Most elliptical trainers offer incline and or tension that you can increase or decrease while workout out. Try building in 30 second incline intervals every couple of minutes to your workout.

This will not only push your body further and burn more calories during your workout - but it can also elevate your calorie burn for up to 24 hours after your workout.

- Use Upper Body Arms

Many ellipticals offer you upper body arm bars that you can use to build your arms muscles into your workout. More muscles worked = more calories burned. If there are no upper body arms, grab a couple of 2 - 5 pounds handweights and swing your arms while striding.

- Take Advantage of the Forward and Backward Directions

Using more muscles (and ones you may not have used before) also increases your calories burned, even after your workout. So take advantage of the fact that most ellipticals allow you to go forward and backward. Switch up your routine every few minutes to rev your calorie burn.

- Break up your Workout

Experts are now telling us that 2 mini-workouts may even be better than 1 long workout as far as fat burned. Why?

Any exercise will temporarily rev up your metabolism - so if you can do 15 - 20 minutes in the morning, and 15 - 20 minutes in the afternoon, your metabolism will stay charged up for a longer time. (If you can't do this, don't worry - remember that a 30 minute workout will still burn more calories than a 15 minute workout!)

So there are some tips to skyrocket your calories burned on your elliptical. Remember however that the best workout is one you enjoy - since it increases the likelihood that you'll want to do it again!

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

2009-03-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Treadmills vs. Ellipticals vs. Bikes - Which is right for you?

2009-03-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Consumers are faced with many different equipment options to try and meet fitness goals, and sometimes it can be confusing. So here is an easy-to-use reference guide that will help determine what type of equipment is best suited to you.

Directly below is a summary comparison of elliptical trainer vs. treadmill vs. exercise bike training options to show the physiological benefits of each. This information presents an effective way to decide which is best for your individual needs, and help you get started on the right path to fitness.

Treadmills - Maximum opportunity to increase cardiovascular, weight loss and bone density.
• Burn more calories than bike orelliptical
• Build maximum lower extremity bone density
• Customize workout with Decline / Incline features
• Minimal impact with SOFT deck technology

Elliptical Trainers - The benefits of weight-bearing exercise without the impact.

• Low impact workout that's easy on body and joints
• Arm handles allow for a full body workout
• Lower perceived rate of exertion
• Burn fewer calories per hour than a treadmill

Exercise Bikes - Low impact. High performance.
• Low-No impact workout easiest on body and joints
• Available in upright and recumbent, for virtually every performance level
• Most economically priced piece of equipment
• Lowest calorie burn / hour compared with a treadmill and elliptical

Treadmills:

This popular form of weight-bearing exercise offers you the best opportunity to build bone density in the lower extremities and greatly improve overall muscle tone. Unsurpassed for a cardiovascular and fat-burning workout, the treadmill can help you to burn 50 to 250 more calories an hour versus a stationary bike or an elliptical machine.

While running and walking generally create more impact on your bones and joints than exercise bikes or elliptical machines, most high-end treadmills are constructed with surfaces that help to absorb impact and pounding. This provides a big advantage over outdoor workouts on asphalt or concrete.

Most treadmills also include electronic features and settings that allow you to customize your workouts to meet your specific fitness needs. Almost all models include speed and incline settings and can be programmed for individual calorie-burning, speed and mileage goals.

Besides offering all the benefits of an outdoor walk or run (without the hassles of obstacles or the environment) in the comfort of your own home, the treadmill has proven to be the clear training choice for achieving maximum fitness results in the shortest amount of time.

Ellipticals:

Part treadmill, part stairmaster, and mimicking the pedal movement of an exercise bike, theelliptical trainer offers a unique combination of fitness benefits, without the impact on knees, back, hips or joints. This weight-bearing exercise allows you to burn calories more efficiently than non-weight-bearing workouts, plus effectively builds bone density.

More than just a lower-body exercise, arm handles combine with leg motion to provide a total body workout. In addition, the elliptical helps to create a lower "perceived rate of exertion" - you do more work and burn more calories while feeling like you're producing less effort.

This cross-training-style machine can also typically be programmed through electronic settings to meet your specific goals of calorie burning, speed and distance. One other unique advantage is that the elliptical can also be "pedaled" backwards in addition to forward, to effectively work a full range of leg muscles.

The elliptical has proven popular with those who are looking to receive the benefits of a full-body, weight-bearing workout, without the stress and pounding.

Exercise Bikes:

Although they have been in existence for years, exercise bikes have returned to the forefront of the workout scene. This is due in large part to advances in technology, improved designs and the immensely popular "spinning" programs that allow participants to simulate outdoor cycling in the comfort of their own homes or a group classroom setting.

Unlike other forms of "weight-bearing" exercise (such as running or walking), exercise bikes offer participants an opportunity to increase their heart rates without substantial stress on knees, ankles, feet or hips. In addition, built-in resistance features allow you to tailor your workout to your specific goals, by simulating hills, flat ground and rolling terrain. Many models even offer electronic features, which allow you to program the bike for a specific goal or workout. This is very helpful for achieving effective, measurable results.

Generally available in recumbent or upright designs, stationary bikes are designed for practically every level of performance and body design, whether you're an experienced cyclist dedicated to improving your peddle stroke or a weekend warrior simply looking to break a sweat.

True Fitness Technology, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium quality cardiovascular and flexibility products. TRUE’s innovative and award-winning products are among the best in the fitness industry and enable users to look better, feel better and play better.

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

2009-03-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle groups than a treadmill.

While both are excellent choices, they do have distinct differences. By knowing the difference, you can decide if an elliptical workout, the treadmill workout or even a combination of both works best for you.

Elliptical Workout

When comparing an elliptical workout to a treadmill workout the first thing you will notice is the elliptical trainer has much less impact. This low impact is especially good for people with joint, knee, lower back or hip problems.

An elliptical workout also works the upper and lower body simultaneously which makes your heart rate climb faster than with a treadmill workout. The elliptical trainer works your legs, back, shoulders, chest and your arms making it a total body workout.

Another great feature of an elliptical workout is you can add variety by pedaling backwards. This backward pedaling motion targets your lower body quadricep muscles.

Treadmill Workout

A treadmill workout can also give you an excellent aerobic workout and a lot of people still prefer it to an elliptical workout. If you prefer to run, jog or walk to exercise it's obviously a smarter choice.

If you are just beginning to workout or just don't want a total body workout a treadmill workout might be perfect. Most treadmills offer a different intensity level that you can increase as you get more fit.

A treadmill workout provides a different variety over an elliptical workout by allowing you to run, jog or walk on an incline. While it is a less intense workout, it is a great way to burn fat while promoting good cardiovascular health.

Even though treadmills remain the number one piece of fitness equipment sold today, elliptical trainers are quickly becoming very popular. With more and more health clubs adding more elliptical trainer machines, more people will try elliptical workouts.

Both elliptical workouts and treadmill workouts will build bone density, burn fat, promote good cardiovascular health and increase your energy level. The important thing is to workout on a regular basis whether it's at home or in a gym.

If you are looking to purchase a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, the bottom line is, you usually get what you pay for. There are great values especially online but it just makes sense to get quality equipment that will last.

Whether you prefer a treadmill workout or an elliptical workout choose the one that you feel is right for you. That way you will work out more often, lose more weight and be much healthier.

Elliptical Crosstrainer Benefits

2009-03-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Considering an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can benefit you?

This article will list several unique benefits of working out with an elliptical trainer. If you're trying to decide between an eliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment, here are some unique elliptical trainer benefits:

· No Impact:

Recently my 60-year-old mother tried my elliptical trainer and she was shocked at how easy it felt on her joints (she's a regular treadmill user).

Elliptical trainer workouts are safe on the joints and provide a no impact workout (as opposed to a treadmill where you feet hit the deck with every step). This is ideal for people with back, knee, hips and joint problems as well as older people looking for a no-impact workout.

· Weight Bearing Exercise:

While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise still helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis.

As well, weight-bearing exercise helps you burn calories much more efficiently (and keeps your calorie burn high for several hours after a workout)

· Saves Time

Because most elliptical trainers incorporate upper body arms, elliptical workouts tend to involve the whole body and give you an overall better workout - meaning you burn more calories in less time. That's always a benefit.

Elliptical trainers have also been proven to offer a lower 'Perceived Rate of Exertion' when working out. This means that you're doing more work and burning more calories while feeling like you put out less effort.

· Fights Boredom & Great For Crosstraining

Because elliptical trainers are a mix between the treadmill and a stair climber you have a great opportunity to cross-train.

I was actually shocked when, after using my elliptical for a month, I could easily climb a very steep hill that had almost wiped me out before. My fitness level had skyrocketed and I didn't even know it.

Plus, the fact that you can move backwards on an elliptical as well as download workout programs from the Internet (with iFit compatibility that many ellipticals offer), you won't get bored easily. That means more workouts and more calories burned!

· Space Efficient

Most elliptical trainers are smaller than a treadmill and can be more easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming. If you are cramped for space or have a smaller home gym, an elliptical trainer can be a great way to save space while getting an overall body workout

So those are some of the most prevalent benefits of using an elliptical trainer. Keep in mind that elliptical trainers are not for everyone. However they do offer some great workout features that would benefit any athlete - from beginner to elite!

Elliptical Workouts

2009-03-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

Elliptical workouts basically involve aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Elliptical cross trainers can be intimidating at first glance but once you get familiar with them you will find them easy to use and a fun part of your routine.

To begin your elliptical workout, stand with your feet firmly planted in the movable footpads. The advantage of your feet being stationary makes this a smooth and non-jarring motion that is unique to the elliptical cross trainers. Grab the handles to add the upper body movement for a total body workout.

Elliptical motion feels very natural and compliments normal body movements only making it feel like the workout is easier. Elliptical workouts are equal or greater than similar equipment such as the treadmill creating a safer workout. It reduces the harmful stress and impact on your muscles and joints.

With time a major concern in our daily lives, an elliptical workout can be very desirable. It provides a total body workout utilizing one machine therefore saving time in having to go from machine to machine to achieve the same effect for all the different areas of the body.

An elliptical trainer benefit is they are safe for beginners and will even challenge the pro athletes. And because most people like to use these machines, they are more likely to workout on a regular basis. Consistent elliptical workouts will help in attaining good overall cardiovascular health.

It generally takes twenty minutes of elliptical exercise to start burning calories and improve your cardio health. If you are just starting out, exercise for twenty minutes and work up from there as your fitness level improves. Try to set 3 days a week as your goal to workout and work up to 5 days when you become more fit.

Another elliptical trainer benefit is they are perfect for burning fat. To burn fat effectively, you need to exercise at a moderate pace for a long period of time. Elliptical cross trainers give you the slow, aerobic, long duration type of exercise that works best to burn fat.

If you are looking for a good overall workout in the shortest amount of time, the elliptical workout is an ideal choice.

Elliptical Trainer Benefits

2009-03-01T17:29:00.000-08:00

There are so many elliptical trainer benefits to list that some would say it's the perfect way to exercise. Elliptical exercise trainers meet the overall need of any exercise program. They combine a weight bearing exercise that limits the impact on the body while optimizing the cardiovascular benefits creating a total body workout routine.

One of the best elliptical trainer benefits is the weight bearing exercises that help in maintaining and improving bone density. Elliptical cross trainers burn more calories and make you feel like you have been on a brisk walk with all the benefits of a good jogging session.

The elliptical motion of the machine provides low impact because your feet never leave the footpads. It creates a smooth and continuous movement that eliminates the stress on your joints. This provides a totally impact free cardio workout routine.

The elliptical exercise trainers are programmed with different training settings to help monitor your cardio workout routine and allow you to set one, two or all three of the following: resistance, speed and ramp. The workouts can be very intense or relatively easy depending on the training program you select.

Elliptical cross trainers provide a great workout for your lower body as well as toning and building leg muscles. It's ideal for losing weight because it burns more calories that a treadmill or exercise bike. If you are overweight it helps you burn calories while you seem to be leisurely gliding along. Grab the moving handles and work the upper body muscles for a total body workout routine.

Elliptical cross trainers are one of the best pieces of exercise equipment to hit the fitness industry in years. They provide a relatively easy and enjoyable form of exercise that you will look forward to coming back to over and over again.

Several gyms are buying more elliptical exercise trainers because the demand is so great. Once you use one you'll be hooked because thirty minutes is all it takes for a total body workout routine. You exercise at whatever level you are or whatever level you want to achieve.

You can challenge yourself on your high energy days or you can just maintain on other days. The choice is up to you. Getting fit, losing weight and improving your overall health are only a few elliptical trainer benefits.

Elliptical Trainers and Burning Calories

2009-02-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most frequently asked questions is do the use of elliptical trainers help me burn calories compared to other cardio machines?

With our busy schedules it is completely understandable that you want to get the most results for the time you spend working out.

As you may know how many calories burned during a workout will vary depending upon your weight. A 150 pound woman may only burn 387 calories while a 180 pound man may burn 500 calories on the same machine for the same length of time.

Many elliptical trainer companies say you can burn around 800 calories per hour of elliptical training workout. The following factors dictate how many calories you will actually burn during your workout:

- Workout Duration - This is simply how much time you spend on the specific workout. It is usually recommended that you do it for a half hour to an hour.

- Interval Training - Taking small breaks, followed by a cool down period is recommended for extended workouts.

- Elliptical Tension Settings - These tension settings help you control the intensity of the workout. Using a higher intensity can improve the effects of the workout.

- Current weight - as stated earlier a heavier person will burn more calories than a smaller person.

Are you interested in a few more tips to burn more calories with your elliptical trainer? Below are a few suggestions you can follow to burn more calories.

- Built in interval settings:

Nearly all elliptical trainers offer an incline and or even tension that you are able to increase or even lessen while workout out.

Midway through your workout try increasing the tension or incline to give you an extra push at burning more calories. This can also help raise your calorie burn for a few hours after your workout.

- Utilize Upper Body Arms

Many ellipticals offer you upper body arm blocks that you are able to utilize to build your arms muscles into your workout. Even more muscles worked = even more calories burned. If there are no upper body arms, grab a few of two - five pounds handweights and swing your arms while striding.

-Split your work outs:

Experts are today telling us that two smaller "mini-workouts" can even be better than one long workout as far as how many calories are burned.

Exercise with speed up your metabolism, doing one workout in the morning and one in the evening will give you two metabolism "boosts."

All in all an elliptical trainer is a great way to burn a ton of calories.

Working Out With Low-Impact Elliptical Exercise Machines - Benefits Of Elliptical Cross Trainers

2009-02-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Elliptical exercise machines are soaring in popularity, and for good reason. They are among the most effective pieces of fitness equipment on the market today. The “all over” workout you get with elliptical cross trainers is well suited to many different fitness levels and it is easy to learn the proper techniques for using one.

Benefits of Elliptical Machines

Elliptical trainers provide tremendous benefits to users, including:

•Weight Bearing Exercises – Fitness experts agree that a weight-bearing workout is the best way to improve conditioning, increase bone density, strengthen muscles, and burn calories efficiently.

•Low-Impact Workout – Despite providing a good weight-bearing workout, an elliptical cross training machine is very low impact. This means less stress on your joints during cross training exercises because your feet never leave the pedals and therefore do not experience high impacts.

•Cardiovascular Workouts – An elliptical machine or cross trainer provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, a key part of overall fitness. Whether you want to lose weight, firm up your body, or a combination of both, incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your workout routine is critical to your long-term success.

Other Factors

Anyone who has ever gone through the cycle of starting and stopping an exercise routine several times will tell you that one key to sticking with your routine is to find something that gives you maximum results in the shortest amount of time. Elliptical cross training fits the bill perfectly. Most people live busy lives and do not have several hours per day to devote to total body exercise, so an elliptical machine lets them get in a good workout in a minimal amount of time.

Motivation to exercise is a big issue for many people, but most elliptical machine users will tell you that they have an easier time staying motivated to get on their machine. This is because you can vary your workout tremendously, depending on the amount of intensity you want, and also do other things like read or watch TV while on your elliptical machine. This helps reduce boredom and increase the likelihood that you will use your elliptical for low-impact cross training regularly.

Proper Technique and Motion

Any exercise or fitness equipment can cause injury or discomfort when used improperly, and elliptical cross training machines are no exception. They are among the easiest pieces of equipment to use, but still require you to use proper techniques for maximum safety and fitness benefit.

Here are a few key tips to remember:

•Adjustment – Make sure the elliptical machine is adjusted properly to your size and range of motion. For most people, a step length of 18 to 24 inches is recommended to start.

•Intensity – Familiarize yourself with how to change the intensity of your elliptical cross training. You may be able to increase resistance, increase the incline, or a combination of both. Remember that it is better to exercise at a lower intensity until you have built up the strength and stamina to a more intense regimen.

•Posture – Always maintain an upright posture while on an elliptical workout machine or cross trainer. Keep your shoulders back, chin up, back straight, and abdominals tight. Do not lean forward over the balance bar or handles; instead, make sure your body weight is being carried by your lower body throughout the exercise.

What Makes The Best Elliptical Trainer?

2009-02-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

An elliptical trainer has become one of the most popular forms of exercise equipment to date. This newer form of exercise equipment is fast replacing other common equipment such as treadmills. There are many reasons for this; one very appealing and popular reason is that the elliptical trainer has less impact than that of the treadmill. When you exercise on your elliptical trainer you, you are avoiding ground impact. This means that your joints generally do not suffer any type of abuse, which can lead to pain that other equipment can cause.

Another high point for the elliptical trainer is that anyone using this trainer will receive a great cardiovascular workout that carries a large efficiency rate at the same time. An elliptical trainer allows you to receive a full body workout, without the need for further additional equipment. Other exercise equipment generally only allow for a workout on one section of your body, meaning to get a full body workout you would have to invest in another piece of equipment. Furthermore, with an elliptical trainer you receive a better workout, which burns calories, tones your body, and works your heart, with less effort.

When shopping for an elliptical trainer there are certain things you should look for. First, consider your budget and look at the price. The well-known saying, “You get what you pay for”, applies here. Yes, a good elliptical trainer can be costly, but you will save money over time by purchasing one with high quality and will last. You should also look for the features that the trainer provides. For example, the stride length, you will want at least a 21” stride length. Additionally, look for an adjustable incline, arm handles for upper body motion, how quiet the machine is, that the equipment comes with adjustable resistance, and that the motion is smooth in feel.

Consider safety when you are purchasing your elliptical trainer. Do not purchase any machine that does not provide you with periods of cool-down and warm up. You should also avoid a trainer that provides you with handrails that will get in the way of your work out. Make sure the handrails are there, but out of the way and not preventing you from gaining the maximum workout in the experience.

Avoid any elliptical trainer that does not provide you with an excellent warranty program. Your chosen warranty should cover labor for one full year and parts for anywhere between one to three years. Look for a piece of equipment that has a console that is easy for you to read and understand, as well as one that in virtually maintenance free.

There are many extra features that can come with your elliptical trainer such as heart rate monitor, interactive features that can adjust your workout automatically, and even the ability to connect directly to a website from your trainer. Always make sure that sales staff selling the trainer, is qualified in knowledge and service. You should also test the trainer out before purchase, make sure it is the one you want and works well with you.

Elliptical Trainer Reviews Dont Get The Facts Straight

2009-02-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

There are many misconceptions regarding elliptical trainers. I believe this is a result of the large number of elliptical trainer reviews Websites popping up on the Internet each and every day. In an effort to tout the benefits of elliptical training, Webmasters post the usual laundry list of the well-publicized advantages of elliptical trainers. In the process, like the old game of "Telephone", each time the message is repeated, it gets slightly or sometimes significantly garbled in the retelling.

To make matters even worse, sometimes medical and fitness professionals along with the manufacturers of elliptical trainers will give out unproven or even incorrect information. This article will address the most common misconceptions and inaccuracies regarding elliptical trainers.

1. Elliptical trainers are zero impact fitness machines -- Since back here on the planet Earth where all mass is subject to the Law of Gravity you will still experience some impact when using an elliptical trainer. There's just no way around this. Not even in the zero gravity environment of outer space, since an elliptical requires gravity in order to work. I'm sure Sir Isaac Newton would be spinning in his grave if he knew how many times this misconception gets propagated.

Yes, elliptical trainers are LOW-impact machines and the impact is noticeably less than running on a treadmill, but there is still a small degree of impact. People who have knee injuries or chronic tendonitis in their knees may find that even the low impact forces of an elliptical trainer to be uncomfortable.

2. Elliptical trainers are not weight bearing -- This is a corollary to Misconception #1. The fact that you are standing up on the foot pedals when using an elliptical trainer makes it a weight bearing exercise. Again the force of gravity is acting upon the mass of your body, which is supported by your legs. It's not the same as when you are seated on a stationary bike or rowing machine. Weight bearing exercises such as elliptical training are a good way to strengthen the bones in your lower back and hips.

3. You need to workout longer on an elliptical trainer than on a treadmill because the higher impact of the treadmill causes you to expend more energy -- The goal of any aerobic exercise is to get your heart rate into an elevated state -- either in a fat-burning or cardio-conditioning zone and keep it there for the duration of your training session. Subjecting your joints to excessive impact in order to get there is just plain crazy! The way to do this is to get the large muscles of your lower body in motion and if you can also involve the muscles of your upper body by using the moveable handles of an elliptical trainer then so much the better.

4. The upper body handles of an elliptical trainer are meant to build up the muscles of your upper body -- There is actually a small bit of truth to this belief, but the thing to remember is that cardio machines are aerobic in nature and are not very effective at building muscle. Save muscle building for your weight training sessions.

The real benefit of upper body handles on an elliptical trainer is to involve the muscles of your upper body in the exercise in order to get your heart rate up quicker. The more pieces you get working at the same time the more efficient the whole process becomes.

5. It's possible to build a high-quality elliptical trainer using cheap components and cheap labor -- This is hands down the biggest misconception out there. It's mostly put forth by the fitness equipment manufacturers, but unfortunately many consumers fool themselves into believing it's true.

People certainly can't be faulted for wanting to save money and when faced with better quality ellipticals that sell for upwards of $800 and beyond, they settle for the $150 special from Wal-Mart. In most cases this turns out to be a purchasing decision they soon come to regret. The machine is unsteady and creaky and then just self-destructs after a short period of time.

The best advice is to take your time, do your homework and make an informed decision after weighing all of the risks against all of the benefits.

Home Gym Equipment: Elliptical or Treadmill?

2009-02-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

If you're buying some home gym equipment, you've probably only got the space for either an elliptical or a treadmill. Although you'll see both of these at healthclubs, few people will be able to stretch to having both at home. So which one should you choose?

The treadmill is a solid piece of kit that has been popular for many years. Part of its popularity comes from its ease of use. You just get on and start jogging. What could be simpler? It also means that you don't have to jog outside in the hot sun or driving rain.

If you're after a great cardiovascular workout then a treadmill is a good option. Most of the modern treadmills come complete with an onboard computer that allows you to program different workouts into them. So you can have interval training, incline training or just running on the flat.

The arrival of the elliptical trainer in the 90's has meant that you now have a choice of home cardiovascular machine. The elliptical is growing in popularity because it offers a more complete workout. You can be exercising your arms at the same time as your legs. Most people find working out on an elliptical more interesting than a treadmill. If you enjoy your exercise and don't get bored, then you're likely to stick with the program.

When considering an elliptical or a treadmill, a factor that is often overlooked is the noise that it makes. The smooth action of an elliptical is generally quieter than the pounding of a treadmill. This can be important if you want to watch TV or listen to music in your home gym.

Although you will improve your health by using either an elliptical or a treadmill, at the end of the day the best product is the one you enjoy using most. Some people like the variety that is offered by the elliptical trainer. Others prefer the predictability of using a treadmill.

Is Buying a Reconditioned Elliptical Trainer A Good Idea?

2009-02-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Given the choice, most people would love to have a brand new elliptical at home. But the cost of these machines mean that many people have to settle for a used or a reconditioned elliptical trainer.

Getting a reconditioned elliptical can be a huge cost saving. You can get this type of machine from some of the manufacturers and from specialist fitness equipment stores. These are typically units that have been used by other customers but have been restored to good working order and any necessary parts replaced.

If they have been refurbished by qualified and knowledgeable staff, there is no reason why these machines cannot go on and give a good level of service for you.

However, there is a downside to buying a refurbished elliptical trainer. Some units have been refurbished because of frequent use, say in a professional gym. Although the necessary parts have been replaced to get it working, the machine maybe more likely to breakdown in the future due to another mechanical fault.

The other downside that many people do not consider is how the market has moved on. Elliptical trainers are getting better all the time. They are quieter and have a smoother action. What may have been considered a 'top of the range' model a few years ago has now been superseded by many others. Would you be better off buying a brand new mid-range unit and getting the same level of performance compared to a refurbished elliptical trainer?

A factor that may be the clincher as to whether you choose a refurbished elliptical trainer or not, is whether it comes with a warranty. A good quality new machine will come with the peace of mind of a 2-year warranty. A refurbished model may only come with a short guarantee or no guarantee at all. This is often an indication of how confident the retailer is that the machine will last. If they are not willing to take a risk on the machine not breaking down, why should you?

7 Amazing Benefits Of Using an Elliptical Trainer

2009-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Many people believe that the elliptical trainer is the perfect piece of cardiovascular exercise equipment. Almost everyone will benefit from increasing their activity levels and the elliptical machine is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here are some of the benefits of using this equipment.

1. Every day tasks such as walking upstairs will be less tiring and easier. This will make your life more enjoyable as you can do things such as lifting a grandchild or carrying home the shopping without over-exerting yourself.

2. Your performance at sports and work will also be improved. If you play team sports, having a good general level of fitness will inevitably improve your performance.

3. The health of your heart and lungs will be improved. The heart is a muscle and like other muscles in the body, it responds well to exercise.

4. Improvement in self-esteem and mood. There have been various studies that have shown that exercise can improve conditions such as depression. It can also have a beneficial effect on the way we feel about ourselves.

5. Our body shapes can also be improved. Using an elliptical trainer can be an important part of a weight reduction program. In combination with a healthy diet this can bring about lasting changes in how we look.

6. Exercise can reduce the risk of early death from serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke. This is the reason that most doctors recommend people take more exercise.

7. Using an elliptical machine can also improve balance and coordination. This is because the arms and legs are worked out in a sequence that requires coordination.

With all these benefits, it is no wonder that the elliptical trainer is fast becoming the most popular piece of cardiovascular exercise equipment for use at home. It can also be found in gyms and health clubs across the country.

Benefits Of Exercising With Elliptical Machines

2009-02-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

Fitness is an elusive term covering a vast array of attributes: flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength, power. Fitness equipment is essential for proper exercise and a full body work out, and the regular use of fitness equipment is very beneficial to the body and for exercising specific groups of muscles.

Many personal trainers claim that the dual action exercise of an elliptical trainer can actually be more efficient in burning calories. Since you can adjust incline, speed and other factors, you can maximize cardio impact, making elliptical trainers more effective than weight lifting, leg presses, or other less comprehensive types of exercise. Elliptical trainers offer a non-impact workout that can vary from light to high intensity based on the resistance preference.

Benefits

And although less exertion is required, the calorie burn and benefits to your heart are on a level equal or greater than treadmills, stair steppers and other types of home exercise equipment. The benefits are financial as well as physical, as purchasing these devices for your home eliminates those hefty monthly gym payments, not to mention the inconvenience inherent with traveling to and from a commercial gym.

What’s even better, by adding one of these machines to your training program, you can avoid the pitfalls of outdoor exercise by shutting out the heat or cold and ensuring no mean dogs stop you from reaping the benefits elliptical cross training has to offer. Moreover, advantages of the elliptical exercise machine are proportional to stride length so prolonging pedal movement raises user-experience and exercise benefits. One of the most popular elliptical benefits is the prevention of sore joints or to help people workout who already have existing joint problems.

Health

Exercise machines are also safe for beginners and for women in the early pregnancy stage, provided that they are done in moderation and with the guidance of a health professional. Exercise machines, although they may not be cheap are a worthwhile investment for those interested in fitness, health and in exercising daily. And whatever you do to benefit your heart now, will keep you healthy and fit for many years to come.

Most people get their health out of a bottle these days, be it a bottle of vitamins or pharmaceuticals. Having an elliptical trainer as a cardio workout companion pays handsome health dividends Improved cardiovascular function, overall conditioning, and healthy weight loss due to a revved up metabolism, are all part and parcel of the benefits of an elliptical trainer package.

Conclusion

Elliptical exercise machines are some of the most popular home fitness machines on the market. Superiority of ellipticals: elliptical exercise machines are commonly area economical elliptical cross trainers are not costly; bargain rate and cheap elliptical machines are a cinch to locate eliptical cross-trainers are nominal compaction, signifying, they are light on back joints, in comparison to the more intense impingement motorized treadmills or even in contrast to using stepping devices or step climbers.

Elliptical exercise machines provide some of the best cardiovascular workouts of any home fitness equipment. They are among the most effective pieces of fitness equipment on the market today. Find out more about Benefits Of Exercising With Elliptical Machines

Elliptical Machines and Trainers - Great Choice For A Total Body Workout

2009-02-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Elliptical Machines are Very Effective in Bringing About Weight Loss

2009-01-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

The very concept of elliptical exercise machines is to offer resistance as the feet and legs of the person using them move in the natural rhythm of a walk or a run while supporting the natural feel of the motion. Another reason why the elliptical exercise machines are more popular is that user can perform many exercises to the various part of the body within the same machine. All in all, elliptical exercise machines are not only great to work out at the gym with, but they are excellent to purchase for your homes also. If you are one of the many people who are overweight or even obese, elliptical exercise machines are a great way to get back in shape.

Elliptical Trainers

It is estimated that millions of Americans use elliptical trainers in their home gyms. Elliptical exercise machines are exercise machines that a person uses to simulate the walking or running motions of their legs and feet without moving in space and with minimal impact on the joints of the feet and legs. Elliptical exercise machines are advantageous because they are one of few types of home fitness equipment that offer a no/low impact workout. Elliptical Machines provide a full body workout with strength training and toning.

Home gym owners of any fitness level appreciate the low impact workouts and cardiovascular benefits of elliptical exercise machines. Some people compare the workout they get on elliptical exercise machines to pedaling on a stationary bike while standing up. The majority of elliptical exercise machines are equipped with upper handle bars that give users a truly total body workout. The best elliptical machines are, unsurprisingly, the more expensive ones.

Benefits of Elliptical Machines

If getting into shape and staying that way is on your agenda, don’t overlook the benefits of elliptical machines for helping you achieve your goal. The elliptical exercise machine offers many benefits over other more traditional forms of equipment. And for good reason: they provide many of the fitness, cardiovascular, and weight loss benefits of treadmills without the 'wear and tear' associated with running. Some Benefits of physical exercise with eliptical trainer are:

elliptical exercise machines are super fluid,

eliptical crosstrainers are very comfortable,

ellipticals are extremely effortless.

The benefits for your heart come from the fact that you are getting a total body workout and using many muscle groups. Weight bearing exercises like running, hiking and aerobics benefits the body in ways that non-weight bearing exercises like rowing and cycling cannot.

Cardiovascular Workouts

Whether you want to lose weight, firm up your body, or a combination of both, incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your workout routine is critical to your long-term success. Fitness experts agree that a weight-bearing workout is the best way to improve conditioning, increase bone density, strengthen muscles, and burn calories efficiently. When it comes to providing a great total body workout with a single machine, almost nothing can compare to working out on elliptical machines. The all over workout you get with elliptical cross trainers is well suited to many different fitness levels and it is easy to learn the proper techniques for using one.

Conclusion

Most people live busy lives and do not have several hours per day to devote to total body exercise, so an elliptical machine lets them get in a good workout in a minimal amount of time. Because most of these cross trainers work your upper body, elliptical exercise machines are beneficial in cardiovascular training and improving heart health. Ellipticals let you exercise your arms, chest, back and legs without putting a lot of stress on your joints. As you can see, elliptical exercise machines offer a large number of benefits over other types of fitness machines.

A Look at the Elliptical Machine

2008-10-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-05-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-04-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Elliptical Machines - Best Features To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer And Save Money Too!

2008-03-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Thinking about buying an elliptical machine or trainer? Before you start shopping, review our list of some of the best tips to help determine which elliptical trainer will work best for you and your current situation and how you can save money too.

Elliptical machines offer one of the best cardiovascular workouts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the elliptical trainer works with whatever your exercise level to give you the best experience for your fitness level.

A very important part of a successful cardiovascular exercise routine depends on the comfort level you experience while you're using the machine. An elliptical machine works well because it has a smooth, flowing movement that encourages you as you go.

It's important to note that a key part of its rhythmic movement depends on the length of the stride. There are some models on the market that have a 14-inch stride. But you should always buy a trainer with a stride length of at least 21 inches for optimal use.

You want to look for a machine with an adjustable incline and with varying levels of resistance. The incline feature will give you more aerobic activity. And as you become more experienced you can challenge yourself to an even more optimum fitness level.

The machine should offer a range of incline and resistance levels so you have a wide array of workout programs available to choose from. So when you decide to change incline or resistance levels during your workout, the change should be smooth and non-jarring so you can change the inclines any time during the workout you like, while enjoying an optimum workout routine.

Another important factor is to check and see how noisy the machine is? It's important when you're buying a new piece of home exercise fitness equipment to find a model that is quiet enough for you. When you work out, you want it to have a quiet, shushing sound, so you can listen to your favorite music or television program at the same time.

Check for good safety features. Make sure there is a cooling fan and warm-up and cool-down programs so you can work your muscles both comfortably and effectively.

Look for a heart rate monitor. It can help you work out smarter, not harder. With the heart rate monitor, you can be sure you're reaching your best aerobic/heart rate goals.

Look for upper arm handles that move smoothly with your normal routine. And with the dual-action upper body handles, you can get a complete body workout each time.

An LCD front panel display can give you a reading and monitoring system that's easy-to-understand and read. You can read the time, speed, distance, calorie output, hand pulse and other options in a very easy format.

Check to see what the maximum user weight is for the machine. Compare to the weight of the users in your household to ensure that they can all use the machine.

Do you have enough available space for the machine? Measure the area you plan to use and note the specs on so you can use the full range of motion without hitting a wall or a piece of furniture. An average unit will be about 52"x 24"x 62".

Try to find a fairly maintenance-free elliptical machine with a warranty of at least one year for labor and one to three years for parts so you have the ultimate workout exercise program each and every year. Whether you buy a new, used or refurbished machine read the warranty or guarantee first!

Check Consumer Reports magazine and see if they have a current elliptical machine review with ratings. You can save money by checking out prices online and comparing them to the prices in your local fitness or big box stores. Many online dealers offer free shipping. If you find the brand and model you want you can try it out locally and then compare with the online prices.

Some of the used sporting goods stores and used sports consignment stores have slightly used or refurbished trainers at much lower prices; some will be in remarkably good condition because many people buy fitness equipment and don't use it. If you really want to save a lot of money look for close-out sales, steeply discounted sales, lesser known brands and possible wholesale connections.

Keep these tips in mind when you're shopping for this great piece of home fitness equipment. These elliptical machines can give you a great workout, but as with all major purchases, it pays to know what to look for before you invest. Armed with these tips you should be able to buy the best machine and save money too.

How Elliptical Machine Workouts Can Help you?

2008-03-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

Many people wonder how elliptical machine workouts can help them. There are many benefits of elliptical machine workouts that can not only help you get into shape, but also encourage the most unenthusiastic person about exercising. Elliptical machine workouts have many benefits, and unlike using weights and other types of exercise equipment, elliptical machine workouts are much easier on the body.

Elliptical machine workouts do into require any special equipment, skill or fitness requirement, which makes elliptical machine workouts universal. Because of this reason alone, it is now wonder that elliptical machine workouts are becoming so popular.

One of the greatest features about elliptical machine workouts is that they are low impact. This takes a big burden of strain away from your exercises and also helps elliptical machine workouts more user friendly. Due to the low impact, elliptical machine workouts are very safe, as there is a very low chance that you will not injure any part of your body.

This is especially useful for people who are new to exercising and are not in full exercise shape, and this makes elliptical machine workouts user friendly for older aged adults. It may be surprising to some, but due to the low impact, elliptical machine workouts actually can burn more calories then form doing regular fitness routines. This can help you reach your fitness goals at a more rapid rate.

Another benefit of elliptical machine workouts is the lower perceived exertion that you feel after a workout. This may mystify some, however elliptical machine workouts really do seem easier and you are working just as hard as if you were doing any other exercise, if not harder. Elliptical machine workouts accomplish this because they copy the natural movements of your body. By doing this, elliptical machine workouts seem easier making it easier to provide a hard workout without it feeling like it is so hard.

There is a caution point to this however. You must remember to not over strain your body. Some elliptical machine workouts seem very simple because some machines provide a lower impact then the average machine. For this reason, you want to be sure to keep your elliptical machine workouts at a moderate level and time period. This will help you not work your body to hard and over strain it.

Depending on what type of machine you have, you can make your elliptical machine workouts into full body exercises. This is a great benefit, and even though not all machines provide a full body workout, elliptical machine workouts still provide the highest calorie burn in the shortest amount of time. So regardless of what type of machine you have, your elliptical machine workouts can be done quickly while still maintaining effective results.

Elliptical machine workouts also provide interval training. With elliptical machine workouts you can use different resistance levels and sometimes even different elevation levels to change your workout. This can help you build and lower different workout challenges to your elliptical machine workouts which makes elliptical machine workouts easily customizable.

As you can see, elliptical machine workouts are easy and offer many benefits that other exercise machines and fitness programs do not offer. Elliptical machine workouts are great for all ages, fitness levels and body types. Because of all the great features and benefits that elliptical machine workouts provide, it is no wonder that elliptical machine workouts are becoming so popular.

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

2008-03-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle groups than a treadmill.

While both are excellent choices, they do have distinct differences. By knowing the difference, you can decide if an elliptical workout, the treadmill workout or even a combination of both works best for you.

Elliptical Workout
When comparing an elliptical workout to a treadmill workout the first thing you will notice is the elliptical trainer has much less impact. This low impact is especially good for people with joint, knee, lower back or hip problems.

An elliptical workout also works the upper and lower body simultaneously which makes your heart rate climb faster than with a treadmill workout. The elliptical trainer works your legs, back, shoulders, chest and your arms making it a total body workout.

Another great feature of an elliptical workout is you can add variety by pedaling backwards. This backward pedaling motion targets your lower body quadricep muscles.

Treadmill Workout
A treadmill workout can also give you an excellent aerobic workout and a lot of people still prefer it to an elliptical workout. If you prefer to run, jog or walk to exercise it's obviously a smarter choice.

If you are just beginning to workout or just don't want a total body workout a treadmill workout might be perfect. Most treadmills offer a different intensity level that you can increase as you get more fit.

A treadmill workout provides a different variety over an elliptical workout by allowing you to run, jog or walk on an incline. While it is a less intense workout, it is a great way to burn fat while promoting good cardiovascular health.

Even though treadmills remain the number one piece of fitness equipment sold today, elliptical trainers are quickly becoming very popular. With more and more health clubs adding more elliptical trainer machines, more people will try elliptical workouts.

Both elliptical workouts and treadmill workouts will build bone density, burn fat, promote good cardiovascular health and increase your energy level. The important thing is to workout on a regular basis whether it's at home or in a gym.

If you are looking to purchase a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, the bottom line is, you usually get what you pay for. There are great values especially online but it just makes sense to get quality equipment that will last.

Whether you prefer a treadmill workout or an elliptical workout choose the one that you feel is right for you. That way you will work out more often, lose more weight and be much healthier.

How To Make Your Elliptical Workouts Fun Again

2008-03-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Elliptical trainers are very basic equipment, they are however fitted with many extra options that make your workout more effective. Items like calorie counters, heart rate monitors and devices to keep track of how far you have gone. Although interesting to use these devices don't really do much to make your elliptical workouts fun!

Fun Workout Tips

Work The Upper Body: Most elliptical machines are designed with the total body workout in mind. However using the upper body levers is an option that many people do not take advantage of. By utilizing this option you can target different muscle groups and keep your workouts interesting.

Stride Length: Chances are if you use an elliptical trainer at a health club or gym that you can adjust the stride length of the machine. To work you hips and buttocks more go for shorter faster strides. To target your complete lower body use longer strides. You can even change strides mid workout to mix it up a little.

Vary Your Speed: By doing short thirty second to one minute sprints followed by two or three minute normally paced strides you will shock your body in a new way and help build and tone your muscles in a new way.

Go Backwards: Running backwards on the elliptical is a great way to make your workouts different and interesting. You can do the whole workout backwards or switch off at certain timed intervals. Mix this with strides and speed burst and the workout can get very intense!

By doing your elliptical workouts slightly different each time you go into the gym you will lose weight and gain muscle faster. You will also stop workout boredom, the major cause of people quitting their exercise programs.

Fitness Solutions: Tips for buying Effective Fitness Equipment

2008-02-26T05:44:00.000-08:00

Do you want to stay fit, healthy and flexible? A hale and hearty diet of nutritious fruits and vegetables is the key as well as regular and continuous exercise.

The best exercise is one that you are really and sincerely going to be working out on, be it push-ups, stretches, jumping jacks or the regular jogging or the much tamer walking. However, there are people who prefer to work out using fitness equipment in their own homes.

For example treadmills, barbells, elliptical trainers, ab machines, rowing machines and weight benches. Some of the most effective fitness equipment can be found at http://elliptical-machines-info.blogspot.com The following are a few basic and important things to consider when buying those exercise equipments.

Do not believe what you see and hear

At least not everything, it is good if you assess all those claims exercise equipments declare in their advertisements. It is so hard to accept as true for example some statements that assure people that they will lose several pounds off their weight in as little as seven days or that you will decrease your pants size in one month. Even with the assistance of dietary supplements, it is not possible to accomplish changes as major as these in just a few weeks, much less days.

Fat Burner is a No Burner

Be skeptical about claims that say you will be able to burn a tremendous amount of fat in a specific area of your body, such as the hips, thighs, waist just by applying a specific type of ointment or lotion, etc. The only sure way to burn all those fat way is by changing what you eat. Exercise is the best solution to works out every area of the body whose fat you want to get rid of.

What Body Area are you targeting ? Especially when you are first beginning your fitness routine you should begin with one specific area at a time. You must be sure that the equipment you intend to purchase is designed to give you optimal results in the specific body area you are targeting. It would be wise to express your intentions on the purpose you hope to achieve with the equipment to a trained professional and get their input.

The only testimonial that counts is yours

Before and after pictures of people who claim that they were able to lose weight because of using such and such equipments may or may not be true. If ever they are, their experience is purely personal and that is no assurance that your unique body weight, body make-up will also undergo the same change they went through.

Read the fine print

It is always advisable to read the fine print of anything. Though you believe that the fitness equipment you are planning to purchase is a good one, reading the fine print really wouldn't hurt as it may say that you also have to decrease your calorie intake and not just rely on what the machine could do for you.

Do the math

There are advertising statements that say you could pay off the fitness equipment in a number of easy payments or by paying a mere thirty nine ninety five a month. Do not forget to inquire about shipping and handling costs and include that in your calculation. Also, add-on the required sales tax, delivery fees, set-up fees. Know all the details before you purchase.

Guarantee the warranty

It is best that you consider asking about details on their thirty day money back guarantee. Though this could sound good to you as the consumer, it may or may not actually do you good if for example you are going to return the item. You may actually pay for the shipping cost and it could cost you more than what you could guarantee to receive in thirty days. Check out the shipping costs on fitness equipment at http://elliptical-machines-info.blogspot.com

Use Ellipticals - modern step towards fitness

Ellipticals are one of the modern machines to attain fitness in true meaning. These machines are originally designed by exercise scientists to provide movement as free as possible from the impacts and stresses associated with the more conventional forms of exercise such as running, or using exercise bikes and other aerobic machines. The exercise done on these machines are safe as they protect the exerciser from getting any kind of strain, shear and compression type injuries.

Elliptical machines offer workout for both upper and lower body of the individual. This machine is one of various fitness equipments; provide the benefits of weight bearing exercise but without the harmful stress and impact on your joints and muscles. It is a cardiovascular exercise device. The elliptical trainer mirrors running and walking somewhat like a treadmill, however the difference is that instead of the foot coming down on a hard surface, the feet move in a smooth, seamless fashion like using an exercise bike. This eliminates a vast amount of damage to the knees, ankles and joints that a treadmill imposes.

Some of the remarkable features of elliptical machines are:

* Brakes- Its braking system is very powerful as most of them have magnetic brakes. * Movement- It is a smooth machine that allows smooth movements without any risk of jerk or shock to any body part. * Maximum workload - how much workload can the elliptical provide when used flat out? If you're fit look for at least 250 watts. * Programs - can offer variety and motivation by simulating various hill courses, allowing you to create your own or by controlling your heart rate. * Power - some elliptical machines are self-powered; others need mains connection.

In all, it has been stated that elliptical machines emerge to be one of highly popular fitness equipments that is highly cost effective and one that would let you maintain good physic. You would be able to get fitness in true meaning.

Calories Burned On An Elliptical Trainer

2008-02-20T05:02:00.000-08:00

If you're trying to choose between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike, one of the most popular questions is

'How many calories can I burn with an elliptical trainer?'

You want to get the most bang for your exercise buck - that's understandable. Here are some calories burned estimates for elliptical workouts - and 4 tips to burn more calories with your elliptical trainer!

General Estimates of Calories Burned with An Elliptical Trainer:

- 150 pound woman, 30 minutes of elliptical exercise: 387 calories

- 180 pound man, 30 minutes of elliptical exercise: 464 - 500 calories

- 120 pound woman, 30 minutes of elliptical exercise: 310 calories

General Estimates of Calories Burned (According To Elliptical Manufacturers)

- Elliptical manufacturers claim you can burn up to 720 calories an hour with an elliptical workout.

Factors that dictate how many calories you burn include:

Workout Duration

Interval Training

Elliptical Tension Settings

Body Composition (Muscle to Fat Ratio)

State of Cardiovascular system (regular exerciser or new to exercise)

Weight

Sex

Upper Body Arm Usage

And for those of you who want to burn the maximum amount of calories on your elliptical machine, here are 4 tips to increase your calorie burn:

- Build in Intervals

Most elliptical trainers offer incline and or tension that you can increase or decrease while workout out. Try building in 30 second incline intervals every couple of minutes to your workout.

This will not only push your body further and burn more calories during your workout - but it can also elevate your calorie burn for up to 24 hours after your workout.

- Use Upper Body Arms

Many ellipticals offer you upper body arm bars that you can use to build your arms muscles into your workout. More muscles worked = more calories burned. If there are no upper body arms, grab a couple of 2 - 5 pounds handweights and swing your arms while striding.

- Take Advantage of the Forward and Backward Directions

Using more muscles (and ones you may not have used before) also increases your calories burned, even after your workout. So take advantage of the fact that most ellipticals allow you to go forward and backward. Switch up your routine every few minutes to rev your calorie burn.

- Break up your Workout

Experts are now telling us that 2 mini-workouts may even be better than 1 long workout as far as fat burned. Why?

Any exercise will temporarily rev up your metabolism - so if you can do 15 - 20 minutes in the morning, and 15 - 20 minutes in the afternoon, your metabolism will stay charged up for a longer time. (If you can't do this, don't worry - remember that a 30 minute workout will still burn more calories than a 15 minute workout!)

So there are some tips to skyrocket your calories burned on your elliptical. Remember however that the best workout is one you enjoy - since it increases the likelihood that you'll want to do it again!

Low-impact Exercises From Elliptical Exercise Equipment Provides Good Results

2008-02-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

Elliptical exercise equipment are more in demand than ever and this is clear to see when looking at the number of ellipticals at the health clubs and seeing how many people are using them. An elliptical fitness trainer provides what some consider to be the perfect workout because it works the whole body, is low-impact on joints and yet provides extremely good aerobic exercise.

An elliptical trainer reduces the stresses that are put on your legs, the hip and knee joints because of the gentle elliptical motion that is used. Less stress on the joints means there is less likelihood of strain that can lead to injury. One of the biggest problems with most types of exercise machines is that at some point during the movements, there is stress, or impact, which can cause soreness or injury. When this is the case, soon the machine is doing little more than collecting dust instead of helping people become more fit.

People who have used an elliptical fitness trainer say that it is like walking in midair. Because your feet never leave the large pedals of elliptical machines, there is no jarring on the feet, ankles, or knees, such as happens with treadmill equipment.

Instead, the smooth motion of the crossover elliptical trainer actually mimics the natural path of movement of the hips, knees and ankle joints during walking, running or jogging. However, unlike the actions of walking, running and jogging, your feet are supported the entire time you are going through the motions on an elliptical trainer, eliminating the jolting impact that comes from each step when you walk or run.

It has been estimated by sports physiologists that the impact the joints of the lower body receive when one is running is two and a half times their body weight. In addition to stressing the hip, knee and ankle joints, this also has a significant impact on the lower back as well. Using an elliptical trainer for your workout routines reduces such impact to virtually nothing.

In order to reduce joint strain even more, the best elliptical trainer models feature articulating foot pedals. This type of training elliptical configuration of the foot pedals allows the machine to better conform to your natural stride.

More and more often, fitness experts talk about the importance of doing weight-bearing exercises. This is because it has been shown in studies that weight-bearing exercises can reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis, which is another big concern for the aging population. Unlike fitness machines such as stationary bikes and rowers, an elliptical machine allows you to get a weight-bearing workout with minimal impact.

Another aspect that makes an elliptical uniquely beneficial is that it provides a way to workout both the upper body and the lower body at the same time. In fact, crossover elliptical trainer machines are in a class by themselves in this regard. There are simply no other exercise equipment gym machines that can simultaneously work as many muscle groups as the training elliptical method can.

With an elliptical fitness trainer you can get a complete workout that puts your hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, back, chest, biceps and triceps to work all at the same time. This helps people to tone and strengthen all areas and muscles groups. As an additional benefit, this means that you are able to burn up more calories in a shorter amount of time as well.

elliptical exercise equipment>>

Abdominal Exercise Machines Can Work For You Too

2008-01-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

A trimmed and toned stomach is something that almost everyone wants. For women, after we give birth, it seems that our stomach muscles just aren't as willing to bounce back to the way they used to be. We all try an abdominal exercise routine but who can really resist the promises made by many of the abdominal exercise machines on the market today?

Our bellies can cause us a great deal of grief. So much emphasis is placed on having a trimmed mid-section that if you have an extra little pouch of fat there, you feel very self-conscious about it. Using one of the abdominal exercise machines that are available may work but it's really dependent on one factor.

That factor is whether or not you are willing to make a life change. Losing weight isn't about doing an occasional abdominal exercise on an abdominal machine. It's about changing your diet, your physical activity level on a regular basis and making some important lifestyle changes. If you use an abdominal machine but continue to drink sugar laden soda and eat potato chips, your belly isn't going anywhere.

There are many choices when it comes to increasing your fitness level. If you've never really exercised much in the past, you probably don't want to jump into using one of the abdominal exercise machines at your local gym. The reason is that your body isn't going to react well and you can seriously hurt yourself. Walking is a great way to warm up before attempting any abdominal exercise.

Some people who are overweight are embarrassed to go to the gym to work-out. They feel self-conscious about putting on work-out gear and sweating in front of strangers. The thing to remember is that everyone is there for the same reason and that's to get in better shape. Most people at the gym are so focused on what they are doing, that they don't give you a second thought or look.

When I was looking for some exercise equipment recently I decided to visit the gym to get a look at what was out there and more importantly to give it a try to see if it was something I'd enjoy. They had treadmills, elliptical machines and several different abdominal exercise machines. I experimented with several and soon realized that if nothing else they were really effective. I could feel my abs burning after just a few minutes on the machine.

I checked out prices on the Internet and then finally decided on a model that fit both my fitnessabdominal exercise machines are doing the same job as sit-ups, I'd say my newly trimmed and toned tummy is proof that's not true. level and my budget. I've been using it for a few months and can see some results. I even feel better when I look in the mirror. Although some people might tell you that

Elliptical Machine - Secret Tips On How To Lose Weight Fast With Precor

2008-01-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

Precor Elliptical Machines are thigh-trimmers and muscle fitness mentors extraodinaire. When consumers search for tips on how to lose weight fast naturally, they head straight for the hottest new weight loss pill, diet book, or diet program such as the vile cabbage soup diet recipe regime. A much more sensible and permanent approach to natural weight loss is hidden in the efficacy of a Precor Elliptical Machine with Cross Trainer capabilities.

Secret Tip One On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

So you want to have your plate of food and eat it too? That is quite possible if you rev up your metabolism with cardio conditioning and aerobic training. An Elliptical Trainer, such as a Precor EFX Elliptical Cross Trainer, is a natural choice in this regard. The specialized elliptical motion of Precor Fitness Equipment is a huge improvement on joint-jarring, jolting jogging sessions. The low-impact Precor Elliptical Machine also protects your lower back from injury or strain.

Secret Tip Two On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

The Cross Training handlebars that are added to the Elliptical Trainer's motion, allow you to get into a higher gear from the word go. By recruiting all the muscles in the chest, back and arms, you are actually multi-tasking while on this fitness machine! This aspect makes a workout on a crosstrainer much more effective than a session on a Precor treadmill. You will experience a total body workout, instead of focusing only on the lower body. A session on a Precor in fact combines exercise on a stair stepper, treadmill, rowing machine, and ordinary elliptical trainer. You will up your heart rate at a fast clip, and experience the resultant calorie-incinerating fat-burning tempo.

Secret Tip Three On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

The CrossRamp technology incorporated into Precor fitness equipment further enhances the calorie burning capacity of this elliptical crosstrainer. You have the elliptical foot movement that is designed to keep your joints perfectly aligned. In addition, the CrossRamp engineering changes the elliptical path, thus bringing different muscle groups into play. By working as many muscles as possible, you are enhancing the effect on your metabolism. Working to create a revved up metabolism is one of the top tips on how to lose weight fast naturally and permanently.

Secret Tip Four On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

With the Precor Elliptical Trainer's lower impact comes ease of use, which enables you to exercise at a more intense level for a longer period. The smooth, fluid action of this machine, and the fact that the workout is supremely low-impact, alters your perception of the exertion involved. This means that you will be able to keep going, and going, and going… By lengthening your workout session, your weight loss tempo will be greatly enhanced.

Secret Tip Five On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

A Precor Elliptical Trainer also offers a huge range of resistance levels, that you can adjust to increase both intensity and strength building. These challenging levels will help you to build muscle bulk, while losing fat. The increase in muscle power will add another enhanced calorie-burning slant to your muscle fitness regimen, as this enables your metabolism to function more effectively. You will be losing centimeters where it matters. Isn't that exactly what you are hoping for when you reach for a weight loss pill? If you reach this goal with the help of Precor, the results are much more likely to be sustainable.

Secret Tip Six On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

This elliptical cross trainer also offers both forward and reverse movement. This again brings different muscles into play. This aspect also adds to the calorie-burning effectiveness of the elliptical trainer. The Precor Elliptical display screen spews enough feedback to fill you up without touching food! This includes the feedback from the Precor heart rate monitor.

Secret Tip Seven On How To Lose Weight Fast With A Precor Elliptical Machine

With six brilliant programs, a machine such as the 5.2Li EFX Precor Elliptical Cross Trainer gives you all the tools you need to successfully follow through on all your fitness and weight loss efforts. Every aspect is covered, including crosstraining, glutes, weight loss, interval, heart rate, as well as a manual program for individual goals and needs.

Precor exercise equipment of course also include the Precor Professional Treadmill line, Precor Rowing Machines, Precor Exercise Bikes, and the Precor Stretch Trainer C240i. The company also offers strength training fitness equipment. However, if you are looking for a tip on how to lose weight fast naturally and permanently, your best bet would probably be to opt for the efficiency of the Precor EFX Crosstrainer range.

If you shop around, you may even be lucky enough to locate a discount elliptical precor or an elliptical precor at a wholesale price. If you decide to go for a used or refurbished Precor Elliptical, make sure that you buy from a reputable dealer, who will be able to help you with Precor parts if necessary. The performance of commercial consumer ellipticals versus Precor products often lead to a heated debate, but Precor is a quality range with good backup and extensive warranties.

Why not forget about drugs like Clenbuterol for weight loss and all the other weight loss pills? Adopt a safe, long-term, sensible and balanced diet and nutrition program where you don't have to feel deprived, don those Puma Speed Cat Shoes and start cementing a firm friendship with a Precor Elliptical Machine.

Commercial Elliptical Machines vs Home Elliptical Trainers

2008-01-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

As a health buff, you may know a lot about personal exercise machines. But once you've decided that you want to put up your own gym, are you confident that you know everything you need to know about commercial elliptical machines?

Commercial elliptical trainers are distinctly different from home trainers. The one major difference is that they are a lot sturdier than personal machines. This is due to the fact that they were created to withstand repeated use, and accommodate different needs of different body types. It's mainly because of this durability that commercial machines cost considerably more than personal machines.

When exercise gear comes with the label "commercial grade," you can trust that it comes with a lot of features you can't find on home equipment. Home trainers are basic and affordable, perfect for just one person's use and budget. But commercial grade machines come packed with other features, and are especially engineered for long-term use. What you pay for in a commercial grade machine is basically how long it will last. The speed and tension controls on commercial machines are also generally more flexible. This is so that different people, even people with delicate constitutions, can use your cardio workout machines with comfort and ease.

Generally, you don't need to purchase expensive trainers if you're just going to buy one for your personal use, or even your family's exclusive use. But make no mistake, some trainers are more expensive than others for a good reason. Basic trainers may have all the fundamental functions, but they may also be inflexible and hard to use for all body types – for example, the tension on the ramp may be inflexible and would bulk up one's muscles instead of simply toning them. More costly home trainers simply have more value. If you need an extra heart rate monitor, you don't need to look at commercial trainers for that! There are affordable home trainers that have that too.

Commercial elliptical trainers however are more competitive. Models compete with each other in terms of not just price, but functionality and durability. It's not a matter of how cheap you can get it for, but how long and how hard it can work in building your gym's reputation! If you're a serious gym owner, you should look at different models for each type of exercise gear, so that you could decide which commercial models will be wise to invest on.

Best Elliptical Machine Shopping Tips

2008-01-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

The best way to determine which elliptical machine is the best fit for you is by first making a detailed list of all the features that you want in a trainer. Higher-end elliptical machines, like the SportsArt Fitness, Quantum Fitness, Precor, Life Fitness, and other brands found in specialty stores, can accommodate users up to 400 lbs., and range in price from $1200 to $5300. Assuming you've decided to choose an elliptical machine for your home gym you'll be faced with many different machines and brands, and it can be overwhelming when you're trying to choose the best machine for you.

If you're only just thinking about some type home fitness equipment but haven't decided what kind, seriously consider an elliptical trainer. You can find low cost or cheap elliptical machines with just a little bit of research online. Many of the consumer models found in sporting good stores and retail stores can only handle users weighing no more than 250 lbs and cost about $1000 or less.

So when you go shopping for a machine, do you want to buy something expensive or do you want a low cost or discounted elliptical machine? Because of the fact that the elliptical machine is a low/no impact machine it's a perfect choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from joint problems such as in the knees, ankles, hips or in the back. With an elliptical machine you don't need to remove your feet from the foot pads so there will be little stress on your knees, ankles, hips and back.

When you go shopping online or offline you'll want to find the best machine of the best quality while saving as much money as possible. Generally you can save a lot more money online. Many manufacturers offer free shipping and you can avoid the middleman, resulting in a lower cost. You may want to try out a few machines in your local sporting goods stores to get a better idea of what you want when you shop online.

While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise it gives you helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis. Another great thing about this trainer is that you can move at a comfortable speed while allowing for the occasional burst of high intensity movement. It's best to look for an elliptical trainer that has a wide variety of programs preset in the computer.

With quality elliptical exercise equipment, you the movement will feel very fluid. And these trainers have also been proven to offer a lower 'Perceived Rate of Exertion' whenever you're working out. It uses all the muscles in the lower legs.

Elliptical exercise equipment combines the movements and resulting benefits of hiking, cross country skiing, and biking. There are a lot of very good brands of elliptical cross trainers on the market today.

Studies have shown that because elliptical machines optimize energy expenditure, the average person will burn more calories. The basic features of ellipticals include the drive system, the resistance system and the length of the stride. If you're cramped for space at home or have a small home gym, an elliptical trainer can be a great way to save space and get an overall body workout. So an elliptical that folds away for storage purposes may work the best for you, without sacrificing any features you need that is. One of the many reasons the trainers are so popular is because they provide an excellent aerobic workout with minimal stress on the joints.

Ellipticals will continue to develop and provide an optimum workout for their users. The best machines offer many advantages over other forms of exercise and other exercise equipment. And comparing elliptical machine reviews, ratings and rankings such as in Consumer Reports magazine is an important first step to saving a lot of money while still getting the best features.

Saving Money On Your Elliptical Machine

2008-01-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

Assuming you've decided to find and buy an elliptical machine for your home you'll be faced with a lot of different machines and many brands. It can be very confusing when you want to choose the best machine for you and save money too. The higher quality machines do offer a more natural feel and a comfortable stride because they are larger and better constructed.

Just about all gyms, health and fitness clubs and many homes have already acquired elliptical machines. If you are only just thinking about the best all-around home fitness equipment, you should consider an elliptical trainer. But buying a machine online or offline is difficult unless you've spent time comparing reviews, rankings and ratings.

The Consumer Reports magazine is a very good place to start, to compare features and approximate costs of these units. Many of the consumer-type models that are found in sporting goods and the big-box retail stores can only handle users who weigh no more than 250 lbs and cost $1000 or less. So when you go shopping for an elliptical you need to decide beforehand whether you want to buy something expensive or a lower cost or discounted or even used machine.

If you're cramped for space at home or have a small home gym area, an elliptical trainer can be a great way to save needed space while much lower 'Perceived Rate of Exertion' whenever you have a workout. Most trainers are smaller than a treadmill and can be easily moved for cleaning or to store away neatly.

Most units will come standard with an on-board computer. Studies show that because these machines are optimizing one's energy expenditure, the average person will burn a lot more calories. Another great feature is that you can move at a nice, comfortable speed while occasionally allowing for a burst of high intensity.

Elliptical machines first came into the marketplace just a few years ago. They've been gaining in popularity ever since. Now the general estimates of the calories that can be burned with are about 388 calories for a 151 pound woman who has used it for 31 minutes. An elliptical workout burns about 13 calories per minute.

With this machine, all exercises to maintain a healthy bone density can be performed. They help provide healthy bodies by helping to maintain healthy bone density. While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis. Because the unit is a low or no impact machine it's a good choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from knee, ankle or hip joint problems.

With an elliptical there's no need to remove feet from the foot pads so there is little stress on your knees, ankles, hips or back. Look for a trainer that has a few different programs preset into the computer. An elliptical workout provides an overall body workout without all the strain that can be found with other equipment.

An elliptical machine is able can provide the same benefits people can get with exercises. And if you haven't used one yet you really need to try one out. Buying an inexpensive or low cost unit is easy to do today with all the information available online.

Getting Started On An Elliptical Trainer

2008-01-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

If you just purchased a home elliptical or recently joined a health club you may be wondering how to get started on the elliptical. The good news is it’s not very hard. Next to a stationary bike, learning how to use an elliptical trainer is very intuitive and straightforward.

Actually, the more difficult part of getting started on the elliptical is knowing how often to train on it and for how long. As with beginning any exercise or diet program, be sure to consult with your physician and get clearance before starting. The best advice when just starting out is to take things slowly to allow both your body and your mind to adapt to the new demands you will be placing on them.

A good target is to train on the elliptical 4 times a week for between 30 to 45 minutes. If your schedule doesn’t permit this frequency, then do what you can. Three times a week for 20 minutes will produce great results if done consistently over a period of time. Just make sure you do something and get yourself moving!

The other thing you want to pay attention to is your clothing and footwear. The great news is that these items don’t need to be fancy or expensive. Just be sure to wear loose fitting clothing that will absorb perspiration. Select shoes that offer good shock absorption and provide a little extra room in the toe box. This precaution may help prevent your feet from getting numb while using the elliptical.

The actual form and motion you use on the elliptical is very easy to master. Just remember to maintain an upright posture and don’t hunch over. If using the upper body handles, don’t grip them too tightly as this will cause your forearms to tense up. Then it’s just a matter of taking full, easy flowing strides.

Most ellipticals come equipped with a large variety of preset programs with the ability to store user profiles. These are really neat features, but my advice is to just stick with the plain old manual setting. The important thing is to determine your target heart rate and keep within it during the core of your training session. As you progress in your training program then feel free to explore the preset workout programs and begin experimenting with advance training techniques such as high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Once your elliptical workout is complete use the period immediately after you finish to stretch out your muscles for a few minutes. This is very relaxing and will make you feel great afterwards. Just be sure to stretch after your workout and never stretch out a cold muscle!

Getting started on an elliptical is really not difficult at all. Take your time; keep your expectations reasonable, and most importantly, stick with it. That’s the only way you’ll see the results that will make you proud!

Does the Elliptical Cardio Machine Work for Fat Loss?

2008-01-12T22:47:00.000-08:00

If you are using an elliptical-type machine for intervals, then I believe that you are not getting the results you deserve. In my opinion, the elliptical machines are one of the least effective methods for losing fat - just as bad as spinning classes.

Now you might know someone that is uses the elliptical all the time and is lean. But I will be the farm that they can thank their genetics, their strength training, and their nutrition for their results. I have yet to see someone transform their physique with the elliptical trainer. In fact, when someone comes to me with a failing program, I often see them using the elliptical for their interval training. And that's the first things I change.

The elliptical machine is sneaky, and it fools us three ways. First, you can get your heart rate up really high and easily. Second, you can get a big sweat on. And third, the machine tells you that you have burned an awful lot of calories (even though the calorie counter is likely inaccurate, as was shown on a CBS news report).

So why doesn't the elliptical work? Because you just don't do as much mechanical work as you do when you run or cycle. Basically, it's just easier and less effective. Getting your heart rate up is not the key determinant of fat loss.

Your body is a well programmed machine. It's 'wired' to increase heart rate and breathing as soon as it senses motion (that's why you start to breathe heavily after taking a single flight of stairs - it's not just because you are unfit).

The key factor in fat loss is the amount of work done. Until you learn to separate the influence of the two, you won't be using intervals in the best possible manner.

As fat loss expert Alwyn Cosgrove explains, "The problem is not the elliptical itself -- it's just that it tends to allow/promote momentum (as most people have the resistance too low) from bodyweight alone. So unless you crank up the resistance and actually produce some force and/or MOVE your bodyweight - it's nothing but momentum. So if you're not actively using your muscles to produce some sort of force you aren't burning many calories."

But even then, I still don't think using a high resistance level on the ellliptical will get you the results you are looking for. Yet despite their ineffectiveness, elliptical machines and the like remain a popular training method. But that's only due to the human condition - like flowing water, we seek the path of least resistance. We'll will do anything to get around obstacles rather than doing the real work required to overcome the obstacles. Given the choice, humans always go with the easiest option.

Compare the elliptical to the Stairmaster. Stairmasters are more effective but less popular. Why? Because we've found something easier (the elliptical) that still gives us the comfort of a sweat and an elevated heart rate (even if we don't get the results). And now millions of gym goers pat themselves on the back after flailing around on the elliptical for 30 minutes and thinking they've been shedding fat.

Training in your comfort zone is useless. Your metabolic rate will increase when your body is forced to change. The harder and smarter you train, the greater your increase in metabolic rate. That is why you have to do things the right way (the TT way!), to lose fat. As I've always said with Turbulence Training, the key to getting results is making your body change. That means using training techniques that demand your body to change. The elliptical will not cause your body to change. It is a waste of time.

So what works better? If you have my TT Reports, you know I recommend the stationary bike. It's safe, effective, and convenient. You can work at a very high power outage, and that is no illusion. You are doing the work (as long as you are not spinning at a very high RPM - that is another waste of time!).

Of course, you can also use sprinting. But that has a few more risks to it, whether it is done on a treadmill (risk: falling) or outside (risk: muscle pulls - so prepare appropriately).

Some other manly fat loss interval options are sled pulling, Farmer Walks (see photo), pushing heavy objects, wheelbarrow carries, and complexes. I'll talk more about the exciting fat-shedding potential of lifting complexes in my future reports.

Fullbodymakeover

2008-01-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Elliptical Exercise and Stairclimber machines are a great way to burn calories, pump up your heart rate, and work the quads, hamstrings, and butt. It is also a good exercise to take the pressure off your knees from running. Most Elliptical exercise machines feature an interactive display that shows you how long you’ve been stepping, how many calories you’ve expended, and your level of intensity. Stairclimbers will send your feet marching up and down, while elliptical exercise machines move your feet in a pattern of a flattened-out circle.

The Routine: Here’s how to get more out of your stepping or climbing workout.

-Start slowly. It’s best to step or climb for 30 minutes and work up from there.

-Position your feet well. Users may feel their toes become numb and tingly before the end of the session. If you’re getting weird messages from your southernmost reaches, you’re probably putting too much pressure on the balls of your feet, pinching off blood circulation to your toes.

Move your feet forward or back on the foot pads until you find a position the lets them feel normal. Also wiggle your toes periodically to ward off the tingles.

-Step away from the arm rest You’ll get more work out of your workout when you don’t lean heavily on the armrest. For starters, you’ll be bearing and moving around more of your own weight, and burning more calories as a result. Second, when you stand up straight, you give your abs a better workout because they have to support you during exercise. You can also burn more calories, add your arms to the action, pumping them as you would during a run. You can burn up to 30% more calories by not using the armrest, which makes the workout more efficient. -Warmup and Cooldown:

Be sure to ease into your workout to allow your muscles to warm up, and slow down at the end of the session to cool down. You’ll probably find that your machine has warmups and cooldowns built into its workouts.

Elliptical Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts That Even The Novice Can Benefit From.

2008-01-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

Ever since their introduction several years ago, Elliptical Machines have become increasingly popular and more technically advanced. Surveys will indicate that as much as six million people prefer elliptical machines as their choice for home exercise equipment.

If you are looking for an effective and thorough indoor workout, than look no further than an elliptical machine. There are many benefits with having ellipticals, one of them is when you use one, you will notice how impact free your workout will be.

Also a total body workout on one of these machines is challenging enough for serious athletes

Of course, like with any physical activity, expert advise should be sought from your doctor before the use of any exercise equipment.

With the elliptical machine, there is no impact on the ground, so lower body joints are free from abuse you may get with other workout machines.

Exercising with the elliptical, you are sure to get an excellent cardiovascular workout with maximum efficiency. Most of these machines will give you a total body workout, if your machine has dual action handlebars for your arms and foot pedals for your legs.

The Elliptical Vs The Treadmill? Which one is the leader of the pack?

"According to studies, if you exercise on an elliptical machine, the impact on the joints is low or it has no impact and the user will burn roughly the same amount of calories as more strenuous machine like a treadmill. So you get the same results for less effort."

Many of these activities sometimes involve vigorous movement of the bones and muscles and can inflame old injuries and maybe cause new ones. The joints that are commonly affected by an impact form of exercise are usually the knees, ankles, hips and back.

These little statistics probably tells us the reason why elder exercisers with knee problems and rehabilitating users go for an elliptical machine rather than a more vigorous machine like a treadmill. Here are a few of the benefits an elliptical offers:

Research has shown, to maintain healthy bone density, it is necessary to take part in weight-bearing activities such as running, squash, football, and other sports where you remain on your feet.

Elliptical workouts may not seem to be routines that are as benficial as more strenuos, high impact ones on a treadmill. But in actual fact, the whole routine is a weight bearing activity, as your feet are placed on two pedals throughout the workout. So as well as avoiding the toil that comes with a treadmill routine, it is also good for bone density.

Women that are pregnant, those that suffer from arthritis, and recovering accident victims often require a low impact routine, and that is exactly what the elliptical machine provides.

The oval pedaling motion of the machine, as you step up and down on the pedals or platforms, is smooth and flowing. Interestingly. this motion follows same type of elliptical movement that the human foot follows when we walk or run.

Although the movement created is similar to these activities, all the strain and vigorous action associated with them is taken away. The beauty is in the simplicity, your feet never leave the footpad, as well as this being a safer workout, it reduces the stress on your joints..

The elliptical motion feels natural and is easy to sustain. You will find that elliptical machines compliment and enhance normal body movements, making your workouts feel less exertive and more penetrative. Focusing on particular and general muscle groups and giving you an extensive overall body workout.

Studies have also shown that ellipticals work the cardio muscles and burns calories on the same par as Treadmills if not greater, as well as stair steppers. The added bonus is that it feels alot easier to use an elliptical.

The elliptical has some truly unique features, setting it apart fom its rivals. A good feature that an elliptical has over some machines is the variety it adds to the workout. One of the biggest challenges that you as a user faces is to stay motivated and interested in your training program.

With the dual action handlebars we mentioned earlier, the exerciser can choose the option of not using them and focusing just on the lower body. With the precor models, it is possible to change the the cross ramp incline as well as varying the intensity.

However, there is a feature on these machines that seperates the elliptical trainer from many other exercise machines when it comes to variety. That feature is the forward and reversible feature on the foot pedals. Most elliptical machines have a setting allowing you to "go backwards" and work additional muscles that very many other exercise workouts do not target. The fact that you are standing and walking or running in place, the leg muscles as well as those in your buttocks, back, and abdomen are worked effortlessly.

Many ellipticals will allow you to adjust the resistance and change the incline. These adjustments are increased at your own convenience and allow you to gradually increase the resistance and continuously challenge your limits.

Recommended top five elliptical machines to buy.

Precor - Although Precor is generally known for it's commercial machines in gyms all over the world, they also make some less-expensive trainers for the home exerciser. They can be quite pricey, starting from $2,000 and upwards, however, the quality you get makes up for the cost. What sets them apart is that Precor machines have adjustable ramps, they are sturdy and well built, with which cheaper trainers cannot compete.

ProForm 700 - This trainer features dual-action engineering. In real terms, it's got arm handles to work both your upper and lower body at the same time. At around $400, it's a good buy and includes iFit.com technology so you can hook it up to your computer for new workouts. You also get 6 workouts for maximize calorie burning.

Nordic Track Elliptical - This one is very competitively priced, at around $700. For your moneu you get 6 different exercise programs, Custom Stride pedals, iFit.com technology, and magnetic resistance. You also get dual action arm handles, a book and water bottle holder and an exceptionally quiet workout. Similar to the ProForm above, except for the adjustable stride...which is excellent if more than one person will be using it.

Reebok Elliptical Trainers - Like the other trainers listed here apart from the precor, the Reebok Elliptical offers dual arm and leg movement and comes pre-programmed with various workouts. Between $400 and $500, this is a good choice for someone on a budget, although you will not get some of the extras offered by other trainers.

Fitness Quest Eclipse 4000 - The eclipse offers a smooth, workout with an electric magnetic system. A nice little bonus is that it has arm handles through which the heart rate is measured for ease of use. Also features reverse motion and programs that cover all fitness goals from fat burning to cardiovascular routines.
but at the same time safe enough for beginners and even mothers to be.

Use Ellipticals - modern step towards fitness

2008-01-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

Belly fat seems to be a common problem for majority of population, especially men. Naturally, men tend to hold more fat around their waist line, which we call love handles. Besides the physical nature of men, modern lifestyle has contributed in this sphere. Work, stress, entertaining clients and lack of exercise put in to the accumulation of belly fat.

Ellipticals are one of the modern machines to attain fitness in true meaning. These machines are originally designed by exercise scientists to provide movement as free as possible from the impacts and stresses associated with the more conventional forms of exercise such as running, or using exercise bikes and other aerobic machines. The exercise done on these machines are safe as they protect the exerciser from getting any kind of strain, shear and compression type injuries.

Elliptical machines offer workout for both upper and lower body of the individual. This machine is one of various fitness equipments; provide the benefits of weight bearing exercise but without the harmful stress and impact on your joints and muscles. It is a cardiovascular exercise device. The elliptical trainer mirrors running and walking somewhat like a treadmill, however the difference is that instead of the foot coming down on a hard surface, the feet move in a smooth, seamless fashion like using an exercise bike. This eliminates a vast amount of damage to the knees, ankles and joints that a treadmill imposes.

Some of the remarkable features of elliptical machines are:

• Brakes- Its braking system is very powerful as most of them have magnetic brakes. • Movement- It is a smooth machine that allows smooth movements without any risk of jerk or shock to any body part. • Maximum workload - how much workload can the elliptical provide when used flat out? If you're fit look for at least 250 watts. • Programs - can offer variety and motivation by simulating various hill courses, allowing you to create your own or by controlling your heart rate. • Power - some elliptical machines are self-powered; others need mains connection.

In all, it has been stated that elliptical machines emerge to be one of highly popular fitness equipments that is highly cost effective and one that would let you maintain good physic. You would be able to get fitness in true meaning.

Benefits Of Using An Elliptical Training Machine

2008-01-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

If you remember the days when your choices of exercise machines were slim, you’re probably delighted with the selection that is now available. However, the popularity and widespread availability of different types of trainers has caused another problem—deciding which type of trainer to buy. While any exercise equipment you use will prove beneficial to your health, an elliptical training machine offers benefits that surpass other types of workout programs. There are numerous manufacturers of ellipticals and each of the models they offer have their own features. However, there are some general benefits associated with using an elliptical machine.

Most health professionals agree that an elliptical equipment exercise program that conditions your heart and works your muscles is the best way to keep in shape. Most training equipment works one or the other, not both. The main benefit of working out with elliptical machines is that you obtain a complete workout.

With other types of training equipment you are very limited in the amount of control that you have. With ellipticals, you can adjust the machine to fit your specific needs. The major parts of elliptical machines are typically adjustable, and this can mean the difference in an effective workout and one that is ineffective. With the ability to control the resistance, stride length, and incline of the exercise equipment also makes ellipticals great for family use where these items are different for each family member.

If you enjoy working out in the morning, another benefit of using ellipticals that you will appreciate is the noise level. You don’t have to worry about waking up everyone in the house because this exercise equipment is virtually silent. Many people set up their favorite machine in front of a television or listen to music to help them remain motivated during their training. With some other trainers you have to turn the volume up loud on the television or stereo because the machine is so loud.

What is the Best Cardio Machine for Your Workout?

2008-01-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

I think this is an age-old question, but today I want to address what I consider to be the pros and cons of some of the main cardio machines out there. Each one has their benefits of course, but I think that each can also be used for different situations. So let's get started:

Treadmills

Ah, the ever popular idea of running in place. I've read many articles that state that running on a treadmill is the best way to burn fat. And, in many cases I would have to agree with them. Some of the really nice things about treadmills is that they give you the same feeling as running in the country, but without the country smell. So the big pros to doing your cardio workout on a treadmill is that it is a great fat burner and cardio monster. Some of the down sides are that you experience the same impact that you would doing regular running, which depending on the condition of your knees might not necessarily be a really good idea.

Elliptical Trainer

One of my personal favorites, the elliptical trainer gives you a really good workout with out the impact that the treadmill does. That is probably the biggest benefit to the elliptical. One of the problems that sometimes comes with an elliptical is that it is fixed in the way that it moves. If you've ever sat back and watched people run, you'll notice that different people move differently when they run. I have yet to notice a standard when it comes to every-day joggers. But on an elliptical, you have to fit the machine and that can become somewhat uncomfortable. In the gym that I go to there are only 2 elliptical machines that I like to use because my knees always hit the joints on the other ones because of my height. Other than that, I love using elliptical trainers!

Stationary Bike (Upright)

Another classic, the stationary bike has been around for a long time. For those of us with somewhat bad knees, these are great for staying low impact and also getting a good workout for the quad and other legs muscles. My wife and I both have some knee problems, and the doctor always says that riding a stationary bike is a great way to help that out. Overall the stationary bike is a great alternative for your cardio workout.

Recumbent Stationary Bike

This seems to be a relatively newer version of the old bicycle, and at first I have to admit I really didn't like it. What I've found since then is that it is a very deceiving cardio machine. Let me explain: when I first used a recumbent bike I felt like I wasn't getting much of a workout. Since then, I've found that over time you can work up quite a sweat with a recumbent bike. In fact, that's what my cardio workout was this morning and after about 30 minutes I was sweating really good! The other great feature of the recumbent bike, is that it is the easiest cardio machine to get a workout and some good reading at the same time! Stair Climber One of the great things about the stair climber is that, just like the stationary bike, you can make it really hard if you want to. The stair climber can even be used as part of your leg routine if you make the resistance high enough! Stair climbers give you essentially the same effect of running up and down stairs, without having to actually go to a stadium to do it.

So, when it comes to doing a cardio workout, I've found that its very important to mix up what you do on a rather consistent basis. Cardio is one of those things that can become very boring, so have some fun with it!

How To Buy Elliptical Machines

2008-01-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

If you're seriously thinking about buying any home fitness equipment, consider one of the best choices - an elliptical trainer. Choosing an elliptical machine is much more complex than just trying one out and deciding to buy it right on the spot. In the history of fitness and aerobics, elliptical machines are the only aerobic product to have made a major breakthrough.

Many of the consumer models found in sporting good and big-box retail stores can only handle users who weigh no more than 115 kg (250 lbs), and they cost about $1000 (US) or less. Buying an elliptical machine online can be difficult if you haven't spent time comparing the reviews and ratings. 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 need to have in a trainer.

It is possible to find low cost or cheap elliptical machines with a little bit of research online. Consumer Reports magazine is just one good place to compare features and costs of elliptical machines, you'll want to see what they report. Because of the fact that the elliptical machine is a low/no impact machine it's a perfect choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from any kind of joint problem such as in the knees, ankles, hip or back.

Elliptical trainers use both the arms and the legs, making it a cross trainer, in a smooth and natural motion. An elliptical workout burns about 13 calories in a minute. Elliptical machines are proven to provide the best workouts for the cardiovascular system.

Elliptical machines give a weight resistant workout which is important because weight resistant workouts will burn calories faster and more efficiently. The elliptical trainer uses every one of the muscles of the lower leg. It's best to look for an elliptical trainer that has a many different programs that are preset into the computer.

Elliptical exercise equipment combines the movements and the benefits of hiking, cross country skiing, along with biking. There are many very good brands of elliptical cross trainers on the market today; some of the most popular brands include: Precor, Life Fitness, Quantum Fitness and SportsArt Fitness.

For people with health concerns, one of the reasons that elliptical trainers are so popular is because they provide an excellent aerobic workout with only minimal stress on the joints.

With an elliptical machine, all the exercises that maintain a healthy bone density can be performed. According to machine manufacturers, a general estimate of calories burned by an elliptical trainer can go up to as much as 720 calories an hour. Studies have shown that because elliptical machines are optimizing energy expenditure, the average person will burn more calories than with other types of equipment.

Most if not all elliptical machines will come standard with an on board computer. Because elliptical machines are a mix between a treadmill and a stair climber you have a great opportunity to cross-train with them.

There are many benefits that can be enjoyed by using an elliptical machine. The elliptical machine is quickly gaining popularity both in and out of the gym. And if you have never used an elliptical machine you need to give one a try.

To review, when scouting out elliptical machines to buy, make sure you make a list of features that you have to have, compare, ratings, reviews and ranking to get the best buy, especially Consumer Reports and get online prices. Online machines may often be cheaper than offline and many dealers pay the shipping costs. You can try out the machines at your local sporting goods stores to find the right brand and model. But make sure to compare to the online price because you may be able to save significantly.

Using An Elliptical Trainer To Burn Mega Calories Safely And Lose Weight Fast

2008-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

We all know that if you want to lose weight or tone up you need to exercise. Well, aerobics requires a trip to the local YMCA or gym and can be quite inconvenient not to mention some people do not want to be on display at a crowded gym. running is great, but it has two major downfalls.

One, obviously, is that you probably will not do it in the rain or any extremely adverse weather. The other is that running does cause impact injuries from the constant jarring. An elliptical trainer is the answer. It is the quintessential perfect workout machine and offers the ideal way burn mega calories safely and lose weight fast.

The elliptical trainer was designed to follow the natural leg movement and range of motion while also including your upper body. It is a very low impact machine that will utilize more muscles through a wider range of motion (which makes it far superior to even a treadmill as most do not offer any upper body workout). Exercising on an elliptical machine is aerobic and similar to cross country skiing, but different in that it is akin to cross country skiing up a steep and continuous incline (like a stair climber).

The elliptical machines give a much more intense and more rounded workout that places more emphasis and burn on the hip and thigh areas. It also uses the wider range of motion and resistance which only an elliptical trainer can do in its leg movements further intensifying the workout which the cross country machines can not do.

Generally it is stated by most exercise experts that with these machines the more you weigh the more the calories you will burn. It all depends on your weight, the difficulty setting chosen and proper use and motion.

With an elliptical trainer many people have the tendency to use it wrongly and not get the optimum results. Just go to any gym with elliptical machines and watch the people using them. Many tend to bounce way too much and use their body weight to ride down each side. This is incorrect.

The goal is to try and hold your hips as stationary as possible instead of letting them bounce all over the place. By holding the hips in place you take in a much greater range of motion and greatly intensify the workout and it now becomes a mega calorie burning machine and an ultimate method for fast weight loss.

Proper motion on an elliptical trainer is akin to isometric exercises. Try and hold your motion so that your legs and arms do all the work and movement and that your hips stay parallel without bobbing up and down. If you bob up and down, its like riding a bike where the only exercise you get is on the down stroke and if you stand up and use your body weight it becomes almost effortless. The same is true for the elliptical training machine.

Now try this on the elliptical trainer and let your legs and arms go through their fuller range of motion while your core stays stationary. This will be hard to do at first, but you will burn 10 times the calories of someone not doing this and greatly increase your metabolism over time. You can also make it even harder by using the arm attachments like an isometric exercise by pushing and pulling on them at the same time. This goes to show that going fast does not necessarily mean you are getting the most from your workout.

Going slow while using the kinesthetics of the elliptical trainer while also using isometrics to further pump your muscles will give the optimum results and help you lose weight faster than ever. If you do not believe me on this, just try it and you will be a believer! If its too hard, do not be afraid to lessen the tension or difficulty level and work your way up.

The best part of working out on an elliptical trainer, besides the great caloric burn and intense workouts (when used correctly) is that it is very low and almost non existent impact. You can also roll the machine in front of a TV and watch the news, a movie, or even reality TV. This will help take your mind off the workout (just do not forget to hold your hips level throughout the workout and use isometrics with your arms to up the resistance and workout intensity like never before).

When used properly, the elliptical trainer is difficult to beat for its wide range of motion, mega caloric burn, weight loss properties, low to moderate cost (a good home unit can be had for under $500) and convenience.

What to Look for When You Buy an Elliptical Exercise Machine

2008-01-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Elliptical exercise machines are quickly catching up to treadmills as one of the most popular pieces of home fitness equipment. If you haven't seen one so far, just visit your local sporting goods store and take a look for yourself. Generally, they are odd looking machines that are a combination of a stair stepper and a ski machine. But since they are fairly new to the home exercise field, a lot of people aren't sure what to look for when they shop for one. So let's discuss some of the features of elliptical trainers that you need to be looking for.

First and foremost, you really should try it out yourself before you make any decisions. Try a wide variety of models made by different manufacturers, and see what seems to fit you best as you go. There is really no substitute for actually using the machines yourself to see what features are most important to you.

With that in mind, you also should make sure that the elliptical machine seems very stable and solid. You don't want any herky jerky motions while you're working out. Everything should be smooth and quiet. This will usually not only provide you with a better workout, but is often an indication of the quality of the machine itself and how long you can expect it to last.

Pay attention to the display of each machine as you test them. From one machine to another the display can be completely different. So make sure that your favorite machine has the display that you want. Most of them will show your speed, your time and distance. But there may be other useful information that you want as well, for instance, calories burned, or heart rate. Also, the display should be easy to read even while you are in the middle of your exercise.

The handlebars on an elliptical trainer are an important consideration as well. Because they usually go back and forth, they can actually get in the way or even hit you if they are not well designed. So make sure that they are comfortable and easy-to-use.

A very popular feature on the new elliptical trainers is the exercise program built into the trainer. This will allow you to adjust your workout as you go. It's good to be able to both set up the program before you begin, and also allow you the freedom to manually adjust your work out while it is in progress. So look for elliptical machines that let you do both.

Size is always a consideration with an exercise machine that is this large. So before you buy anything make sure that you have measured out the room where you intend for it to go well in advance, and know that it will fit there.

These are just a few suggestions that can help you as you are shopping for an elliptical exercise machine. And hopefully, they will help you find the elliptical trainer that will best fit your needs.

Elliptical Training Machines vs Treadmills

2008-01-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

When you're looking to buy just one piece of gym equipment to use at home, two things will stand out to you: treadmills and elliptical training machines. They're practically the most popular exercise gear, coming close in second to the ever-popular dumbbells and weights. Both machines are known to be excellent tools for cardio workouts and because of their effectiveness, are considered useful for all regimens.

Elliptical training machines and treadmills are not created equal, however; just because they're both cardio workout equipment, doesn't mean they improve exactly the same things in the human body. These two pieces of equipment have entirely different functions, and you should look into these functions before making your decision to buy.

Treadmills, being older and thus having enjoyed a longer stint in the market, are a traditional favorite. The treadmill focuses on working out the lower half of your body, by simulating running and walking exercises indoors. This makes treadmills an excellent device to help you burn up unwanted calories. Treadmills provide a reasonably lighter impact so that your legs don't get as strained as they would be during regular outdoor runs or jogs. The less impact there is on your legs, the less chances there are of your leg muscles bulking up, like competitive runners' legs do. Electric treadmills are especially useful for lessening the friction between your feet and the running belt. You can set speeds so that you can walk or run at different paces, depending on what's comfortable and recommended for you.

But while newer in the market, elliptical machines deserve a second look. They not only exercise the lower body and pump up the heart like treadmills do; they also give your upper body a good aerobic workout. Elliptical machines have different models and makes, but for the most part they resemble cycling machines where you don't actually get to sit down while you cycle – in fact, you do your pedaling standing up, on flat vertical pedals! If the treadmill lessens the friction between your feet and the running area, the elliptical trainer virtually removes it, providing more fluidity of movement but at the same time inviting the body to use less force.

If you want a stronger and more solidly "built" lower body, you should definitely get the treadmill. The treadmill is great for people who want to build up their stamina while toning their leg muscles. It's especially useful for people who need to train for marathons or walkathons. The elliptical training machine, being a lower-impact device, doesn't bulk up your limbs as much, but does provide a full-body workout. It distributes the results of the exercise equally throughout both the upper and lower parts of the body.

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

2008-01-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Some Features Offered by the Best Elliptical Machines

2008-01-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

How can you say that an elliptical workout device deserves to be ranked among the "best elliptical machines" in anyone's lineup? Well there are standard performance criteria that must be met - smoothness of motion, lack of noise production, durability, et cetera. These are what you can expect from a good working machine, not the "best" machine.

If you really want to get to the down and dirty, there's one thing that separates the best elliptical machines from the not-so-special ones: the features. Elliptical machines differ in price range for a reason: this is how you can tell which models come with more useful features, and can significantly enhance your workout.

1. Reverse motion. Without question, this is the one feature that really pays off. Not all elliptical machines have this, and understandably those that do are often priced slightly higher than regular forward-motion machines. Reverse elliptical motions make for perfect cross-training - that is, working out different muscles and organs all at the same time. Regular elliptical devices are themselves good for cross-training, but only reverse motion ones can help you exercise the muscles that aren't used in forward movements.

2. Multimedia functions. Sure you can have your CD player or TV on while you work out, and external gadgets such as these could either keep you happily distracted, or firmly in rhythm. Rhythm is actually important when exercising even when using a machine; steady repetitive motions help in burning fat from the body. You may think a music player or a gaming console (which come programmed with games that allow you to stay in rhythm with your exercise routine) is a bit excessive, but you might be surprised how useful these things could be in getting a thorough, well-rounded workout!

3. Adjustable speeds, incline and stride. While many automatic elliptical machines nowadays come with adjustable speeds, inclide and stride are somewhat harder to find. An adjustable incline would allow you to better target certain muscles of the lower half of your body - although some say that you sacrifice some upper-body toning when you realign the inclines frequently. An adjustable stride would do the same thing, allowing you to vary your exercise routine and work out the muscles that aren't worked out so well with the use of single-stride devices.

You needn't have all of the features described above to get the best elliptical machine for your private use! You simply need to know which features would best suit your needs. You can have the adjustable incline without the adjustable stride, for example, or simply the reverse motion. Let your budget and your training routine decide which features are most useful for you.

Ten Points To Ponder About Ellipticals

2008-01-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Elliptical trainers are among the most popular choices for a more effective cardio workout not only for beginning users, but also advanced users as well. The trainer operates at the exercise level of your preference, which enables you to increase or decrease the difficulty of the workout, allowing you to challenge your stamina. A key factor is the machine's ability to heighten the comfort level throughout the low impact cardio exercise. The effectiveness of an elliptical trainer is, in part, a result of the nearly effortless , fluid movement that allows the user to lengthen the duration of his or her workout. Take note that an influencing factor in the fluid movement is the users stride length. The typical choice is the 14" stride, however, to achieve the most beneficial workout, you may want to opt for the elliptical machines that offer 21" stride.

The intensity of your workout is partially dependent on the incline and resistance levels offered. Consider the trainers that include a wide range of levels which increases your range of fitness levels as well as effectively broadening the range of the number of workouts possible. Opt for a machine that enables you to alternate your resistance and incline levels as smoothly as possible without interrupting your stride. The ability to change the incline keeps the workout from becoming repetitive, while also challenging your muscles through a low impact aerobic workout. Added to this is the far greater feature that some trainers offer, the reverse feature. This allows you to "pedal" backwards which truly raises the bar on a superior. Different muscles are used in this motion, that you normally would not be using.

When acquiring a piece of in-home gym equipment, a necessary feature to consider is the noise level. Does it sound like a hurricane has made land fall in your personal exercise room? A certain amount of noise is to be expected, but only at a minimum. A low, swishing sound is common for the exclusive machines that will not interfere with your preferences of audio or video materials, as opposed to the machines of lesser quality.

Safety on any chosen form of personal exercise machinery is imperative. Accept no less on the elliptical trainer you are choosing to purchase. Is there a fan for temperature control? Be certain there are proper warm-up and cool down features or programs. Taking routine care of your body now eliminates more future problems.

Yet another choice detail that has impressively rated high on features most often preferred is a heart rate monitor. Once you have familiarized yourself with target heart rate levels you need to achieve your goal of fat burn, or aerobic level, etc. this feature enables you to monitor your heart rate throughout your exercise routine.

If you are aiming for effectively achieving an overall workout that includes both your upper and lower body, you may want to choose an elliptical trainer that features dual movement arm handles. This increases your heart rate which also helps to increase your heart rate by total body movement.

A convenient LCD screen should include several additional, helpful displays for monitoring your speed, calorie burn content, the distance you have covered, and much more all in easily read and understood display.

Confirm the highest weight capacity of the trainer. Will all of the members planning on accessing the trainer, be able to? The higher weight capacity guaranteed, the more structurally sound the trainer will be.

Have a room or designated area already specified for the use of your elliptical trainer. It is essential to know the measurements of your workout room or space prior to purchasing your elliptical trainer. Then note the measurements of the trainer, allowing for ample range of movement to eliminate any safety hazards such as furniture items located too closely to the trainer. The standard trainer is 52"x24 "x62 ".

A maintenance free trainer including an excellent warranty would be an ideal purchase! Some warranties offer approximately 1 year of labor covered as well as 1,2 , or 3 years for parts. If you are considering purchasing a used trainer, be certain you read the warranty offer first.

Keep these pointers in mind when you review and research your options on different elliptical trainer models. It is profitable to you, in the longer to take a small amount of time to educate yourself with these pointers. Know what you prefer, then buy your personal in-home elliptical trainer.

Elliptical Trainer - What Is It?

2008-01-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

This machine is a new trend that is getting individuals into a good workout routine. It takes just a little work on the part of the person exercising and the weight will just fall off the body each month. It takes no time and it is a blast to use. Most of the equipment you will find is not interesting and hurts when you use it but not the elliptical machine.

This is designed to flow with each movement and this is best for the whole body. It will not cause pressure on any of the sensitive parts of the body like the joints. It will make you feel much better each time you use this wonderful machine. It will even carry over into the next day. The stiff painful body will be nonexistent.

You will be able to get a high aerobic workout with no high-pressure exercise. It will allow you to burn off the weight two times quicker than the other machines do. This is because of its ability to work on the whole body instead of one part only. You will be working your arms and legs at the same time and with none of the pressure.

It will be apparent that an overabundance of these machines exists. Try taking some time to learn everything you can about these before you buy. You can use the internet for this. Multitudes of websites are out there with a wealth of information. It is wonderful to be able to limit the search down to a few good machines for using at home or in the spa.

The choice of machines for at home use or for business use like for a spa is up to you. It will depend on whether or not you are the only one using it or if others in your family are going to be exercising also. The business types will definitely cost more than the ones for the home. They do have a tendency to last for ten or more years. They can take a lot of punishment. They also come with more features and will be able to give you a better type of workout.

Elliptical Exercisers: Is The Search For The Total Body Workout Finally Over?

2008-01-11T05:08:00.000-08:00

Not so far in the past, oval exercisers established a new level in the wide range of exercisers offered for individual workout routine. These oval exercisers have since managed to win thousands of people and make it the preferred exerciser for cardio workouts. Each passing year there has been an upsurge in the quality and popularity of these exercisers.

Those who are into being fit are always looking for a way to work the whole body and have it done simple, and with the most benefit. It also helps if it can be used at home and where they usually work out. This machine can do that for the lowest level of fitness up to those who are in perfect shape.

Keep in mind, when attempting any exercise routine, consult with your physician concerning your health and physical ability to operate the machines.

Research centered on the world of exercise, shows that sports or physical activity consisting of constant movement like running, soccer, tennis, etc. is better for your overall health, specifically bone density. A workout on an oval exerciser may not seem to compare with such high impact activities, however, oval exercisers produce a workout just as challenging due to the options offered on different models. All this without damaging to your joints, muscles, and bones.

The oval exerciser consists of two platforms (or pedals) and -if your model comes with these- two dual movement arm bars concentrating on the upper body performed simultaneously with the elliptical workout. The platforms move in an oval direction while stepping up and down, which closely copies the natural movement when running or walking. Possibly the most attractive advantage of these exercisers is the fact that because your feet constantly remain on the pedals, there is little or no impact to the joints or bones. Due to the natural movements involved, you are able to increase your workout performance at far less of a risk than is offered by most other "total body" exercise equipment.

The Track Record of Elliptical Trainers Compared to Treadmills

Statistics show that elliptical workouts, due to the lack of concentrated impact maintain the lead against treadmills. With little or no impact, you will not fee the workout in the wrong places such as your joints, which will assist in increasing your exercise time since there is no pain. as a result you could burn the same or more calories as on a treadmill, but at a much higher comfort level.

Treadmills require the user to walk, jog, or run which meas the feet are alternately raised up then lowered. The impact level increases dramatically as you increase the level of your workout intensity. This high impact movement often results in the irritation of old injuries and heightens the risk for new injuries. Your knees, ankles, and back are at risk for severe joint damage if the high impact exercise is repeatedly engaged in. Due to this, the cross trainers are most preferred by people afflicted with knee, back, and ankle problems.

On the cardio workout level, ellipticals are equal with the treadmills, because of the option of an added workout from the arm bars which treadmills do not have, hence the total body workout. These arm bas can be used to intensify your workout, or you can merely focus on an excellent, thorough lower body workout.

Letting Your Elliptical Trainer Work For You

There are many benefits to choosing an elliptical trainer for your exercise equipment. One of the most important being little or no impact exercising. The cross trainers offer extensive cardiovascular workouts, as well as total body conditioning if your machine includes dual arm bars. Because of the low impact, pregnant women as well, though at a high risk for injuries when exercising, are able to use elliptical workouts without risk to themselves or the child they are carrying.

The one featured option that truly places the elliptical cross trainers on a higher efficiency level is the reverse feature. This allows you to pedal backwards, resulting in a more thorough workout for muscles groups that might not usually be taxed throughout the course of an exercise routine. These near effortless movements, either forward or backward, result in a workout that focuses on the abdomen, back, buttocks, and leg muscle groups. This, added to the option of changing your incline and resistance levels, produces the coveted "total body" workout.

Find The Best Elliptical Machine Online And Save Money

2008-01-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

Almost all gyms, health and fitness clubs and even many homes today have already acquired their own elliptical machines. If you are thinking about getting any type of home fitness equipment, seriously consider an elliptical trainer as your best bet. Consumer Reports magazine is one very good place to compare the features and costs of elliptical machines.

Because the elliptical machine is a low or no impact machine it's a perfect choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from any type of joint problems in the knees, ankles, hips or back. Understand that the higher quality elliptical machines offer a more natural feel and more comfortable stride because they are larger and more robustly constructed. But you can find quality, low cost or even cheap elliptical machines with a little bit of research online.

Always ask for a discount no matter where you end up buying a machine. There are business discounts, professional discounts, health professional discounts, nurse's discounts and senior discounts for example. You can also ask them to throw something in with your purchase. Just ask. It happens all the time.

Selecting an elliptical machine is much more complex and should take some research time before you try one out and buy it or buy it online. So when you go shopping for an elliptical machine, do you want to buy something expensive or do you want a low cost or discounted elliptical machine that is the first question. Many consumer models found in sporting goods and big-box retail stores can only handle users weighing up to 115 kg (250 lbs) and usually cost $1000 (US) or less.

Elliptical machines are proven to provide workouts that are the best for the cardiovascular system. The elliptical trainer uses all of the muscles of the lower leg which is not the case for other types of home fitness equipment. Elliptical trainers have also been proven to offer a lower 'Perceived Rate of Exertion' when working out.

And elliptical exercise equipment combines all the movements and benefits of hiking, cross country skiing, and biking. Another great thing about the elliptical trainer is that you can move at a nice comfortable speed while allowing for the occasional burst of high intensities. There are many good brands of elliptical cross trainers on the market today. Some of the most popular brands include the Precor, Life Fitness, Quantum Fitness and SportsArt Fitness machines.

While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build bone density and prevent osteoporosis. They help provide healthy bodies by maintaining this healthy bone density. Most machines will come standard with an on-board computer.

Recent studies have shown that because elliptical machines are optimizing energy expenditure, that the average person will burn more calories. And an elliptical workout provides an overall body workout without the strain. Many people look into elliptical machines that store well because they want to use them when they need them and put them away in a closet when they're not using them.

The general estimates of the calories burned with an elliptical trainer are about 387 calories for a 150 pound woman who has done 30 minutes of elliptical exercise. And with elliptical exercise equipment, your legs travel in an elongated circular motion. Most machines are smaller than a treadmill and can be easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming.

An elliptical machine can provide the same benefits people get with other exercise. Machines will continue to be developed and provide an optimum workout for their users. Many manufacturers have developed these machines and have incorporated today's high technology into them. They are constantly looking for ways to improve them and each year new features appear.

Overview Of Commercial Elliptical Machines

2008-01-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to get a cardio workout is by using an elliptical training machine. There are many models available for home and commercial use. So what is the difference between the two?

Home elliptical machines can be purchased with a range of features from the most basic model to a commercial grade unit. If you take the reviews as evidence, apparently you get what you pay for.

Commercial elliptical machines can be found in therapy offices, doctor's offices, fitness centers, gyms and just about anywhere else you can go to work out. Usually, these models are feature packed and run into the thousands of dollars ($4000 is the median). Although the commercial models can have the same features as a residential one, the difference is the quality of the construction. This justifies the price tag.

Commercial elliptical machines can monitor your heart, breathing and pulse with additional items sold separately. Of course these additional items cost additional money. Most commercial elliptical machines provide not only the walking simulation for cardio, but also an upper body workout as well.

The Nordic Track brand was the first one I remember seeing and it was marketed as a simulator of cross-country skiing. Perhaps this was the basis for the rest of the industry to add in the upper body workout portion.

In any event, commercial elliptical machines are basically built stronger and more durable to withstand prolonged, continuous use. One machine may be used 20 or 30 times a day in some gyms, maybe more. They are equipped with stronger motors, better drive systems, advanced cardiac monitoring systems, softer, more fluid stepping action and even laptop or personal stereo holders, if you want to work or listen to music as you exercise.

There are, of course, other options and features, too. This is just an overview of commercial elliptical machines. When looking at commercial elliptical machines, the best brands to look at are:

Precor
Fitnex
Star Trac
Stairmaster

These are top quality brands and will carry a top quality price tag as well, but they have been reviewed as the best commercial elliptical machines by consumers. All have several models to choose from and can be delivered anywhere in the world.

Commercial elliptical machines are preferred over treadmills. This is due to the low impact of the elliptical machine on the feet. Joint and ankle pain was a complaint of people using treadmills for a long period of time. While treadmills are still used widely, elliptical machines are fast becoming the preferred machine to use. With an elliptical training machine, there is no impact on the feet at all, as on a treadmill. This alleviates the foot, ankle and heel injuries to a great extent.

Before You Buy an Elliptical Machines

2007-12-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

The goal when buying an elliptical trainer is to get the best value in your price range. Just like most products, there are certain elliptical brands and models that offer a better bang for your dollar. Below is a list of considerations to assist you in making the right buying decision.

Cheap is Cheap
There are elliptical trainers available for as little as a few hundred dollars. What a deal, or is it? If you plan to use your elliptical trainer for more than a clothes hanger, you want a machine that is durable and will hold up for the long haul. Cheap elliptical trainers are built with cheap parts. That is how they can afford to sell them at bargain prices. When you compromise on the components, the potential for mechanical problems increases.

A Comfortable Stride
Elliptical trainers have different stride lengths. You want to purchase a machine with an elongated elliptical motion, not a circular motion that has you bouncing up and down. Some elliptical trainers come with strides that are as short as 14 inches. Exercising on a machine with that short of stride can make you seasick. I recommend purchasing an elliptical with a minimum 18 inch stride. You will really notice the difference.

Stability
You want a machine that is stable and has a solid feel. Cheap ellipticals are very lightweight, which affects the overall stability of the machine. If you are overweight, or you are into strenuous workouts, you may find the machine rocking back and forth and moving around. Moreover, buying a compact elliptical can also negatively affect the stability of the machine. The short base and smaller footprint will make the machine less stable. You want an elliptical with a solid feel. When you test the equipment, rock it and shake it to see exactly how stable and sturdy it feels.

Company & Product Reputation
When you purchase an elliptical trainer, you are not only buying a piece of equipment, but also the company that stands behind it. Whether you buy online or through a local retailer, you want to be assured that the company will adequately support their products. I have numerous people contact me and complain about certain manufacturers. One recently used a variety of four letter words. The Internet is ideal for researching products and companies. Through third party reviews and customer testimonials, you can get a good feel about the reputation of both company and their products.

Company Warranty
Warranties can be very insightful. In a sense, the extent of a warranty tells you how much faith the company has in the durability of their machine. You will notice that cheap elliptical trainers come with a 90-day parts and labor warranty. The manufacturers know they probably will not last much longer then the coverage period. In contrast, there are manufacturers that offer such generous warranties as lifetime on parts, and two years service. If your budget is limited and you can only afford an elliptical with a limited warranty, consider purchasing the extension option.

What Should You Spend?
Of course, you can only spend what you can afford, but these are my recommendations. If you plan to use the elliptical for moderate exercising, you should figure spending at least $700. For those that plan to use the elliptical for regular strenuous workouts, or will have multiple users, you should look at equipment starting at $1,500. Weight is another factor to consider. The heavier you are the more strain it puts on the machine.
Buy Smart

Elliptical trainers are great for getting a low-impact, upper and lower body workout. Buy smart and you will have a machine that is ideal for achieving your fitness goals.

Read more on "Before You Buy an Elliptical Machines" >>

Why Use an Elliptical Trainer? Benefits of Elliptical Machines

2007-12-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed how many elliptical trainers are at your local health club? Elliptical machines are growing in popularity and are gaining on treadmills in overall sales. Ellipticals offer the benefit of a low-impact workout, while exercising both your upper and lower body. They are particularly appealing to an aging baby boomer generation. Elliptical trainers can be forgiving to aging joints.

Low Impact Exercise with Elliptical MachinesElliptical trainers reduce the stress and strain on your legs through an elliptical motion. Your feet never leave the pedals. It is like walking in midair. In addition, there is no reverse action. The shape of the elliptical movement mimics the natural path of the ankle, knee and hip joints during walking, jogging or running. In comparison, when you walk or run, every step causes a jolt to your body.
zSB(3,3)It is suggested that runners impact up to 2.5 times their body weight. This affects not only the joints in your legs, but also your lower back.

Foot Pedals: To further reduce the strain to your joints, many elliptical trainers are equipped with articulating foot pedals - pedals that conform to your stride. Not only do your feet never leave the pedal, but also the pedal adjusts to the angle of the elliptical stride.

Weight-Bearing Exercise: In comparison to a fitness machine like a stationary bicycle, an elliptical trainer provides a weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercises are important to inhibit the onset of osteoporosis.

Dual Action Workout What makes an elliptical trainer unique is the combined upper and lower body workout. In fact, there is no other fitness equipment that simultaneously works as many muscle groups. That is why many refer to an elliptical as a cross-trainer.

With an elliptical trainer, you get a workout that utilizes the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, chest, back, triceps and biceps. The obvious benefit from exercising more muscles is that you tone more of your body. Furthermore, you also optimize your energy expenditure. You end up burning more calories and fat in less time. It is also suggested that there is a reduced perceived rate of exertion with an elliptical workout. You are actually exercising harder then you would normally perceive.

Of course, to get the full benefit of the dual action workout, it is important that you distribute the resistance between your upper and lower body. Many people who exercise on an elliptical trainer place most of the resistance on their lower body and only go through the motions with the upper handlebars.

Programs: Like a treadmill, elliptical trainers are equipped with a variety of challenging exercise programs. These programs mimic hill climbing or interval training through alternating resistance. Many ellipticals are also equipped with wireless heart rate control, which allows you to optimize your workout by letting your heart rate control the resistance level.

Lower Maintenance with Elliptical Trainers A benefit of an elliptical trainer over a treadmill is reduced maintenance. Due to the low-impact elliptical motion, and because of fewer moving parts, an elliptical trainer is less likely to require service. You do not have to worry about belts, motors, rollers and bearings burning out.

Drawbacks for Elliptical TrainersIs there a drawback to an elliptical trainer? Yes! Some people find the dual action, elliptical exercise awkward and are more comfortable simply walking or jogging on a treadmill. In fact, several of Precor’s models offer only the lower body exercise. However, it is my opinion that the dual action workout is what makes an elliptical trainer so appealing.

If you have not tried an elliptical trainer, get to your local fitness equipment store and give it a test. Better yet, pay for a day pass at a health club, and put one through a strenuous workout. See if you notice a difference.

Benefits of Elliptical Machines...Read more:

Elliptical Machines

2007-12-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

Ellipticals (elliptical machines) are a combination of escalation and the stairs - a treadmill. Usually, it contains two tracks on which the user is when he or she moves his or her legs, they describe a movement elliptical (hence the machine's name). Some elliptical magnetic resistance controls that add to the difficulty of the motion.

An elliptical (also crosstrainer or elliptical) is a state machine used to simulate the exercise walk or run without excessive pressure on the joints, so reducing the risk of injury effects. Ellipse offer an interest cardiovascular training, which vary from high-intensity light on the basis of the strength of preference. Most coaches elliptical work of the user level and the lower body (although some models have no moving parts upper body).

Through the use of an elliptical is designed to increase the heart rate of more than muscular development. They can operate with AC current adaptation of movement and / or for the supply of electronic consoles and their resistance. Current models contain resistance adjustable belt recovery (obsolete), magnetic or electromagnetic devices. For some models, the slope of the ramps platinum Bevelled of pedal sponsors can be adapted to different routes of movement of pedal. The outcome of such a modification adjustment burdens on different muscle groups in the legs.

Some models may vary Mechatronics at the same time the passion and strength during training a part of a program. Some trainers may, in a reverse direction and leads. Ellipticals are, first, on the legs, and most projects are combined with lever handles on each pedal relationship for purposes of a burden for the poor, a secondary source of motive power. The user enters the handles shoulder low and the sliding / retire during schlurfend feet in both directions, as part of their "elliptical" (misleading) marked paths.

For oscillatory movements depend on the management of restricted movements pedal. Bad drivers are also tailored to the user's leg power, the excessive use of speed production tracking reports mechanics, which are not sufficiently benefit to the handle lever. Therefore, such machines to feel the user that his arms are along the route, but as a work participation. The models offer a better combination of smooth movement of arms and legs in the correct report.

Some manufacturers to produce models, which focuses on the longevity and the more frequent use of the Club Room of the environment. These units normally sell for more than $ 4,000 (US) and offer greater durability and scheduling of the House typical user would ever need. An elliptical crosstrainer is comparable to a carpet of course, in its effort on the leg muscles and heart. Ellipticals a number of intermediaries between the movement of the leg and stationary bicycle racing stripes. There are claims that the exercise of a dual action elliptical trainers who can be more efficient burning calories.

The logic is that the exercise by the groups more muscle at the same time a more intense training can be achieved in less time. In addition, it is proposed that the perception of the effort is low. But other studies have shown that the rate of calories to be burned on an elliptical trainer is similar to a treadmill. No matter, elliptical trainers are increasingly. One reason could be that because the person who has the right not to take his feet off the pedals an exercise can be done to a sweet, always the same amount of results of a treadmill.

A recent study by the University of Idaho shows that variations in the length of the elliptical may recruit a greater variety of muscle groups. The study also showed that the length is extended, the more calories are burned without charge higher perceived by the user. This study provides the credibility of the allegations, he is not the length of a few new elliptic functions.

Elliptical Trainers | Elliptical Machines - Essentials for a Complete Home Workout >>

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