Elliptical Buying Guide

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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