There are many benefits to having an elliptical machine in your home. As a low impact form of exercise, elliptical trainers provide an ideal workout without contributing to joint pain like running can. If you decide to buy, there are a number of factors to consider when you are looking for the best elliptical for home use.
Features & Accessories:
Most elliptical trainers have a digital control panel at your fingertips with some sporting fancy displays optimized to give you all the workout information you could imagine. Different features and accessories to consider:
Programs: Look for how many program options are available on the unit and if you have the flexibility to create your own custom programs. Having more options for programs will provide you with variety in your workout to keep you from burning out.
Drive Type: Different machines can hold the user in different positions during the workout. Machines that have the drive, or flywheel located on the front tend to make the user lean forward while on them. Many like this position for their workout routine, but it can actually add to the price of the machine as there needs to be support up front for the body. Rear drive machines allow for a more natural, upright positioning.
Resistance: It's very important to consider the type of resistance the elliptical trainer you choose utilizes. There are two forms of resistance, Air resistance and Magnetic resistance. Air resistance is generally the more affordable system, but the lower price does come with certain drawbacks. Fans that create the resistance can also prove to be quite noisy. If you're the type that likes to watch TV or read while on their machine, you may find an elliptical trainer with air resistance rather distracting. Quieter, but with a larger price tag is the magnetic form of resistance. Magnets move closer and further from the flywheel to vary the resistance. Magnetic resistance is the more common type of resistance found in quality elliptical trainers, and it provides a very smooth feeling range of movement on the machine.
Heart Rate Monitor: While usually an on-board heart rate monitor will not give you pinpoint accurate results, you can still use it to approximately count calories burned and monitor what zone you're in. Being able to monitor your heart rate will let you to stay in the ideal aerobic zone which in turn will allow you to make the most efficient use of your exercise time.
Ride Backwards: Riding backwards on an elliptical is a clever way to really put the burn on your quadriceps. Reverse movements on an elliptical trainer will work different muscle groups and increase the benefits of your trainer and the efficiency of your routine. Most machines have this capability, but there some models that do not so keep that in mind.
Cup Holders / Audio: Quite a few models on the market now offer audio speakers with an MP3 input so you can jam out to your favorite tunes and stay pumped during your workout. Cup holders are also an accessory to consider so you don't have to stop during a workout to rehydrate.
Reliability and Research:
Purchasing an elliptical trainer is a big decision. You want to find an elliptical trainer that includes all of the features you are looking for at the right price and one that is also reliable and durable. Getting an elliptical that can stand up to some abuse over many years with little maintenance is key. While we can't always avoid a lemon, we do have options to lower the chances of purchasing one.
Most fitness stores have a wide variety of elliptical machines for sale. Carve out some time to go out and visit one of these stores to test out a few different models. You want to try out the features and different programs, note the ease of use, but also pay mind to how comfortable you feel on the elliptical trainer. Ask the staff at the store what the best seller is and how often that model is returned in order to gauge reliability. Ask family and friends if they have any specific recommendations.
If you don't have a fitness store around (or even if you do) check out reviews online to help you with finding out what the most highest rated and quality elliptical trainers are. Websites such as ConsumerSearch and TopTenREVIEWS along with user reviews from Amazon can assist you with choosing a home elliptical trainer.
Affordability and Practicality:
Affordability is a very important factor, especially in today's budget conscious world. Being able to find great value at an even better price should be your target when shopping for an elliptical trainer. Fortunately, there are now multiple vendors of elliptical trainers with prices ranging from $100 on up to $3000 for a machine so there are price points for all budgets.
Make sure a home elliptical machine is practical for your situation. Do you have the space? If not, they do have compact elliptical trainers and even portable ones if you felt so inclined. You can find the dimensions of any model elliptical by going to the vendor website and looking up the model. When installing it in your home leave some space on each side, free of any obstructions and sharp objects to ensure a safe experience while using the machine. Lastly, if more than one person will be using the elliptical, you may want to consider a model that provides an adjustable stride length. With this ability, several people in your household will be able to use the elliptical trainer.
Remember, the best elliptical for home use will be one that YOU enjoy working out on. By taking the time to research a few models you will be much more confident with your purchase and know exactly what your elliptical trainer has to offer. The benefits provided by this piece of machinery make it a great choice for your home exercising needs. Not only will you be doing better for your health, you will also look and feel better. When looking to purchase an elliptical trainer, keep these tips in mind when shopping around to ensure you make an informed decision.
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