Overview Of Commercial Elliptical Machines

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.