subject: Best Elliptical Trainer - Discover 4 Key Traits The Best Ellipticals All Have [print this page] Shopping for the best elliptical trainer? It may surprise you to know that there are over 30 elliptical brands on the market. And each brand carries several different models.
So you have a lot of options. How do you find the best one for you?
Finding the best elliptical isn't really that hard. Most top elliptical machines have certain key traits that you can look for when shopping to find the best one for you. Here they are:
#1 The Right Stride
Stride length is a measure of the distance between the elliptical pedals. Stride varies from 12" all the way up to 22" long. Most people find that a stride length of 18 - 20" feels most comfortable for them.
A longer stride more fully works your leg muscles and can give you a better overall workout. Cheaply made ellipticals tend to have shorter strides (12 - 16") so you don't get the most optimal workout.
You can also find ellipticals that offer variable strides that you can adjust to suit your preference.
So for instance you may prefer the 18" stride but your spouse may choose to reset the stride to 20".
Bottom line? The right stride on an elliptical can give you a much more comfortable workout and can get you faster results.
#2 Optimal Ergonomic Design
This is more a function of price and brand quality than anything else. For example, many lesser-priced elliptical don't have the proper leg to arm bar ratio.
This means that you can end up leaning on the handrails when you workout (which means you're not actually burning as many calories as the console tells you).
Another thing to watch out for are models with stationary foot pedals. While these are ok, they can contribute to strained ankles and toe numbness - especially if you tend to have long workouts.
Higher end elliptical brands tend to offer a better, more comfortable ergonomic design. For example they use the appropriate foot pedal to arm bar ratio so you have a more natural feeling motion when you're exercising.
Or they give you articulating foot pedals that follow the natural motion of your ankle to give it support throughout the elliptical motion.
For the most part you do get what you pay for so look for a quality elliptical brand with proper ergonomic design.
#3 Design and Flywheel Placement
With ellipticals you have 3 options. There are rear drive ellipticals with the flywheel in the back, front drive ellipticals with the flywheel in the front and center drive ellipticals with 2 smaller flywheels on either side of the pedals.
These design differences each give a slightly different feel.
For instance, front drive ellipticals tend to have a more sloped feel to the motion, similar to stair climbing. Rear drive ellipticals can feel more flat, similar to running. And dual center drive is a mixture of both. With this design you also stand more upright on the machine.
#4 Entertainment Options
While you may not think it's important, the entertainment toys an elliptical carries are actually crucial to finding your best elliptical. Because they can determine how much you actually USE your trainer.
One reason why people don't exercise is because they get bored. So having an elliptical with an iPod dock, speakers, lots of specialized workouts and tracking tools can keep you using your elliptical for years. It also makes your workout more enjoyable so you get more out of your workout time.
So those are 4 key traits that all the best elliptical trainers will have. Take your time and look at all your options. That way, you're much more likely to find an elliptical trainer that you love - and will use for years to come.
