Features And Advantages Of Elliptical Exercise Equipment

When thinking about buying elliptical exercise equipment you will need to research the features and options available and the best deals

. Elliptical machines have improved enormously in the last few years and are increasing in popularity for use at home. For home use they are excellent as they give a good all round workout. They come with a variety of features so you will need to decide if you are prepared to pay the higher cost of machines with many features or if a basic machine would be more suitable.

Elliptical machines give an excellent all round workout, toning muscles in both the upper and lower body as well as providing good cardio vascular exercise to help keep your heart and lungs healthy. They are rightly popular as they are one of the best types of fitness machines to buy for the home. In addition an elliptical trainer will burn up to twice the calories as a treadmill so can be used as part of a weight loss program.

One of the best ways to start your search for the best elliptical exercise machine for you is to search online for reviews of the popular machines. Elliptical machines range in price from around $150 to more than

$3000 for a sophisticated Precor machine with many features. However, think carefully about what features you really need and will use as you can get a good workout from a moderately priced machine.

Features to look for in elliptical exercise equipment

One thing to look for when thinking about the model to choose is the stride length. If you are tall or shorter than about 5 feet then many of the machines will not be suitable. Some machines have variable stride length so look for one of these if you need a shorter or longer stride length. The Schwinn 460 for example has a stride length of between 2 and 26", which is 8" longer then the usual 18". It can easily be changed even while using the machine and is therefore suitable for everyone in the family.

Other features that you should look for are pre-set programs. A basic machine will have only a few, perhaps a fitness test, interval training and a hill climb. More expensive machines may have up to 12 programs and the ability to add custom programs. Some models allow you to input custom programs for up to two people. Although multiple programs may help to make your workout more interesting they are not essential for a good workout experience.

You should always check the weight capacity of any elliptical machine you are thinking of buying. Some of the cheaper models have a lower weight capacity so if you are heavier you need to make sure the machine you choose is suitable for you.

Many machines allow you vary the incline which allows you to make the workout harder and to tackle different muscle groups. Transport wheels are also a good idea as you never know when you will want to move the machine. Once assembled they are heavy, usually between 150 and 200 pounds so will not be easy to move without wheels. Other handy, but not essential features include a water bottle holder, magazine holder and shelf for phone or Ipod.

Read the reviews

The best way to investigate the machine you are interested in is to look up reviews by customers who have bought the actual model. Find out the features from the manufacturer but look at independent sites for customer reviews. In this way you'll find out the advantages and disadvantages which the manufacturer won't tell you.

Conclusion

Elliptical exercise equipment is ideal for home use and will give an excellent, safe workout for all the family. For those with a family a variable stride machine will be suitable for everyone. Check out the features offered, look at the reviews and find the best elliptical machine for you and your budget.

by: Alan Williams

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