Looking to make an elliptical trainer comparison? There are a number of ways to compare elliptical trainers online to make your shopping choices easier.
So how do you effectively compare elliptical trainers?
#1 Compare Apples To Apples
It's not fair to compare elliptical prices between ellipticals online and ellipticals sold at a store. When you buy online there are several wholesalers that sell directly to the consumer and can save you up to 45% off retail prices.
So for example, an elliptical machine that runs approximately $1500 in a store might cost you $999 online. Make sure you compare online ellipticals to online ellipticals and store ellipticals to store ellipticals.
#2 Know the Key Ingredients to a Quality Elliptical
Make sure you know the top 3 key ingredients to a quality elliptical trainer:
Brand Name
Smoothness of Elliptical Ride
Warranty
Names like Smooth, Schwinn, and Sole, for example are top quality names. They've been in business for years and know what they're doing. They have reputations for building high quality exercise equipment.
Smoothness of the elliptical ride encompasses everything from stride length to properly aligned armbars to the proper alignment of footpads.
For example Sole ellipticals have been designed by physiotherapists to give a slight inward angle of two degrees. This more properly mimics your natural body motion and cuts down on the strains and injuries common to elliptical exercise.
An elliptical warranty gives you a good idea of the quality of construction. Look for a lengthy warranty as that tells you the elliptical was built to last and to stand up under fairly frequent use. Try to steer clear of the 90 day warranties you get with most department store brands if you can.
#3 Know What You Need When You Compare Ellipticals
It's always great to get a bargain but also try to think in terms of your workout goals. For example, are you planning to exercise regularly? Are your workouts long or short? Do you like to pick up the pace when working out? How tall and/or heavy are you? How tall and/or heavy are the other people who will be using the trainer?
By keeping these things in mind when you compare ellipticals, you'll be able to choose a machine that best fits your needs (instead of just choosing the trainer that's on sale this week). You'll get more out of your investment and probably be much happier with your elliptical.
Keep these 3 points in mind when you compare ellipticals and you'll be well on your way to making an excellent purchase!
So where can you compare elliptical trainers? Here are several places to compare them online (as we find more places we'll post them here):
Overall Comparison:
Elliptical Machine Review - Easy-to-view comparison charts of different elliptical trainers. Compare by price, brand, stride length, expert reviews and more. Great site for easy elliptical comparisons.
Specific Comparisons:
There are some elliptical trainer comparisons already done for you online. We've listed them below (links will open in a new window for your convenience).
Compare Proform Ellipticals - Choose the units you want to compare and then scroll down to hit the 'Compare elliptical trainers' button.
Compare NordicTrack Ellipticals - Choose the trainers you want to compare and then click on the "Compare" button. You get a chart comparing stride length, programs, incline, footprint and other features.
Compare Smooth Ellipticals - Click the 'Select All' button at the top and then click the "Compare Selected Products" link. You get a chart where you can easily see differences in stride length, programs and more.
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