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

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

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


1) Forward and Reverse motions 

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

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


2) Adjustable resistance 

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

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


3) Upper body workout arms 

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

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


4) Quiet operation 

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

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


5) Elliptical Incline 

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

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


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

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

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.

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Elliptical Crosstrainer Benefits

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!