 |
Ellipticals Buying Guide
|
 |
Advices for buying Ellipticals
Are you thinking about buying ellipticals but do not know
how to choose the best machine for your needs? Do not buy an elliptical
trainer as part of a furniture that will decorate your room. You
have to look at quality and functionality, not style and colours...
Before you go for a new elliptical machine, you can use the price
comparison lists that we made for all price ranges, as well as to
read the reviews and articles about each elliptical you are interested
in. If you need a review of an elliptical trainer that is not included
here, please email us. We may be able to review it for you.
What to look for in an Elliptical Machine?
The most important thing is a quality of machine. Some ellipticals
look like toys in comparison to other elliptical machines. The quality
and overall manufacturer reputation is the most important thing
you should consider! The parts that make a difference between products
are:
1. Elliptical Consoles
& Monitors
2. Foot Platforms
3. Heart Rate Monitor
4. Noise Level
5. Resistance Mechanism
Before Buying
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
Make sure what are your needs. Even the cheaper ellipticals would
show statistic reports such as calories burned, distance or total
exercise time. To be honest, additional exercise programs that can
be found in more expensive machines, make your workout less boring,
but you can always watch your pet, observe the garden or your neigborhood
or just watch your favorite movie on TV during practice.
[top]
2. Foot Platforms
If more than one person use your elliptical machine you might want
to get an elliptical trainer with adjustable foot peddles. The great
example would be the
Smooth CE. It has moveable foot peddles that allow you to adjust
the elliptical motion based on your height.
[top]
3. Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor simple monitors your heart beats and provides
feedback. The elliptical heart rate monitors are usually mounted
at stationary handles, located in front of the console. In some
models they are located in moving handlebars, which gives you the
advantage of 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 placed heart
rate monitors.
[top]
4. Noise Level
It can drive you crazy! It may not bother you at first, but over
time... Generally, magnetic resistance is quieter than belts. Also,
a solid and heavy machine will be quieter than a machine that may
wobble or thump on your floor. I give you an advice: just place
a non-skid mat
under your elliptical machine ;)
[top]
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
not need to stopping your workout 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 little
maintenance allowing the systems to operate smoothly and quietly.
Generally, the models that we compare on this website have not
significantly differences in noise level. For more information see
our FAQs section about elliptical
machine resistance system.
[top]
Before Buying an Elliptical
6. Decide Your Budget
As we already mention above, first of all make sure what are your
needs. Even the budget ellipticals are fitness machines that work!
Don't pay more for options you don't really need. Just follow the
simple rule: a certain indicator of high quality is extended warranty.
Less expensive equipment is often less reliable and carry short-length
warranties. The most home ellipticals, especially under $400, aren't
as smooth as expensive models. You should have this note when you
consider your budget.
[top]
7. Decide Where to Place Your Elliptical Machine
This will help you discover what is the size of machine you
may bring into your room. Start with deciding about a place where
you want to put it. Look at a bare wall during exercise will not
invite you to exercise. A view on your TV or thru window is a much
better solution.
[top]
8. Meaure the Space for Your Machine
Make sure you measured the space where you plan to place the 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 meaure the space for your machine.
This will help you buy a piece of equipment which for you have enough
space.
[top]
9. Try Out Ellipticals You Consider to Buy
If you consider several similar models but cannot decide which
one will work 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, bauble could make a difference.
[top]
10. Check the Warranty
As we mentioned above, higher quality goes hand-in-hand with better
warranty. When you compare two similar items, make sure to look
their warranties.
[top]
11. Consider Online Buying
Online buying saves you time and money. You will get free shipping,
which means you do not pay extra and your order will arrive to your
door. Plus online buying is exempt from sales tax. You can do all
research from your home and choose from a much larger selection.
We have reviewed all of the popular elliptical trainers available
today. Also, we have reviewed all of the reputable online suppliers
that offer best rates. A few online stores have earned reputations
for quality products, outstanding customer service and product knowledge.
In online stores like WorkoutWarehouse ,
you can shop for ellipticals at great discount prices, get detailed
information on all of the models they carry and receive outstanding
customer service.
[top]
|