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Elliptical Buying Guide
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Advices for buying Ellipticals
Are you thinking about buying ellipticals but you do not
know how to choose the best machine for your needs? Do not buy an
elliptical trainer to be a part of furniture that decorate your
room. You have to pay attention on quality and functionality rather
than on style and colours.
Before you go for a new elliptical machine, you can review the
price comparison which we have made taking into account all price
ranges, Also there are huge number of reviews and articles about
each elliptical that you might be interested in knowing about. If
you need a review of an elliptical trainer that is not included
here, send us an email. Maybe we are able to review it for you.
What to consider when buying ellipticals?
The first thing to consider when buying an elliptical machine is
the quality of construction. Some models look like toys in comparison
to other machines. Sometimes there is no noticeable difference.
Also, there is another important thing you need to keep in mind.
It is a manufacturer reputation.
What makes the difference between elliptical machines are actually
the following components:
1. Elliptical Consoles
& Monitors
2. Foot Platforms
3. Heart Rate Monitor
4. Noise Level
5. Resistance Mechanism
Before buying elliptical machines:
6. Decide Your Budget
7. Decide Where to Place Your Elliptical
Machine
8. Meaure the Space for Your Machine
9. Try Out Ellipticals You Consider to Buy
10. Check the Warranty
11. Consider Online Buying
1. Elliptical Consoles & Monitors
First decide what are your real needs and what do you expect from
the machine. Even the cheaper ellipticals show statistic reports
such as calories burned, distance or total exercise time. To be
honest, although some additional programs on expensive machines
make your workout more interesting, you can always watch your favorite
movie on the TV or observe the garden, etc.
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2. Foot Platforms
If more than one person will use your elliptical machine you might
want to get an elliptical trainer with adjustable foot pedals. A
good example is the
Smooth CE. It has adjustable foot pedals that allow you to adjust
the elliptical motion based on your height.
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3. Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor simple monitors your heart beats and provides
feedback. The devices on ellipticals are usually placed at stationary
handles, in front of the console. In some models they are located
in moving handlebars, which gives you the advantage to monitoring
your heart rate while still getting an upper body workout. However,
you can buy a heart rate monitor separately. It costs about $30
- $150. There are numerous models of heart
rate monitors
on the market today, from quality wathches to chest monitors.
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4. Noise Level
It can drive you crazy! Crackling and scratching may not bother
you at first, but over the time it will certainly bother you. All
in all, the magnetic resistance is quieter than resistance with
belts. Also, a solid and heavy machine will be quieter than a machine
that may wobble or thump on your floor. I'll give you an advice:
just place a non-skid
mat
under your elliptical machine ;)
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5. Resistance Mechanism
The workout value comes from resistance that slows the machine's
flywheel as you try to turn it. An electronic resistance is much
better solution than manual. With electronic resistance there is
no need to stop your workout in order to adjust knobs and levers,
just press a button and keep going.
- The most of the budget ellipticals are equiped with the manual
resistance system. It works by creating resistance with a magnet
that is manually tensioned closer or further.
- In the budget to mid-price-range you will find ellipticals equipped
with motorized brake systems, also known as particle brake system.
- The high-end models, such as: Sole
or SportsArt
tend to use the eddy current brake system. The eddy current resistance
technology is extremely reliable and durable. It requires a little
maintenance allowing the systems to operate smoothly and quietly.
Generally, the models compared on this website do not have significantly
differences in noise level. For more information see our FAQs section
about elliptical
machine resistance system.
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Before Buying an Elliptical
6. Decide Your Budget
As we already mention before, firstly, be sure what are your needs.
Even the budget ellipticals are machines that work! Don't pay more
for options that you actually don't need. Just follow the simple
rule: a certain indicator of the prodict's quality is its warranty.
Less expensive equipment is often less reliable, covered by short
warranties. The most home ellipticals, especially under $400, are
not as smooth as expensive models. You should remember that when
buying.
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7. Decide Where to Place Your Elliptical Machine
Decide about where you want to exercise. This will help you discover
what size of machine you may enter into the room. You can start
with a deciding about the place where you want to place it. Look
at a white wall during exercise will not invite you to exercise.
But look in the direction of the TV or thru window is a much better
solution.
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8. Meaure the Space for Your Machine
Be sure that you measured the space where you plan to place an
elliptical machine. Ellipticals take up as much floor space as a
couch. The most of them don't have a folding option and they are
heavy for moving around. So, primarily measure the space for your
new machine.
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9. Try Out Ellipticals You Consider to Buy
If you are in doubt between several similar models and cannot decide
which one will work the best for you, maybe you should try out all
of them. Some fitness stores offer the advantage of actually trying
and comparing various ellipticals. Sometimes, small things could
make a difference.
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10. Check the Warranty
As we mention before, higher quality goes shoulder to shoulder
with better warranty. When you compare two similar items, look at
their warranties.
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11. Consider Online Buying
Online buying saves you time and money. Also, you will often get
a free shipping, which means you do not pay extra money although
your order will arrive to your door. Online buying is exempt from
sales tax. You can do all research from your home and choose from
a much larger selection...
We have made reviews of all popular elliptical trainers available
today. Also, we have reviewed all of the reputable online suppliers
that offer the best rates. A few online stores have gained reputations
by their outstanding customer service, good range of products, and
product knowledge. Some online stores, such as WorkoutWarehouse ,
offers ellipticals with great discounts everyday.
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