Sorting through elliptical exercise machines? Don't know where to start? It can be overwhelming these days with the number of choices you have.
Did you know for example that there are over 30 different elliptical brands and hundreds of different models on the market?
So how do you choose?
This article will review the basics of elliptical exercise machines so you know what to look for when buying. That will make it easier to narrow down your choices and select the best elliptical trainer for you.
First of all, there are 3 different elliptical designs: front drive, rear drive and center drive.
The front drive has the flywheel located in the front, the rear drive has it in the back and the center drive has 2 smaller flywheels on either side of the foot pedals.
There isn't really a consensus as to which is the best design. Front drive ellipticals tend to give you a more sloped elliptical path (more like stair stepping) whereas rear drive tend to be a flatter path (more like walking).
Center drive ellipticals tend to have their foot pedals closer together and place the user in a more upright position. So it really depends on what you prefer.
There are several features to consider when choosing an elliptical including:
Stride Length - This is the furthest distance between the pedals. A proper stride can feel more comfortable and more fully work your leg muscles, giving you a more effective workout. So it's important.
Stride lengths range from 13" up to 22". Most people are comfortable with an 18 - 20" stride.
Forward and Back Movements - Going forward and back helps you to better crosstrain your leg muscles. Almost all ellipticals now offer forward and back movement so it's not something you really have to search for.
Moving Arm Bars - Again, almost all ellipticals now offer this. However there are a few older models (and even the expensive commercial models) which actually don't come with moving arm bars.
Foot Pedals - There are a lot of different features put into the foot pedals - and they do make a difference to the comfort of your workout.
Some of the cheaper department store ellipticals use stationary foot pedals. However, better quality brands like Smooth use things like articulating foot pedals, ergonomically designed or cushioned foot pedals.
These help to limit the stress on your ankles and toes so you don't get the toe numbness that is so common with long elliptical workouts.
Console - Consoles come in all shapes, colors and sizes. While this is largely a matter of personal preference, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First of all, look for a backlit console. This will make it easier to read your workout stats. Second make sure the console shows the stats that you particularly want to see (calories burned, time, etc.)
Programs & Entertainment - Most elliptical exercise machines come with some type of built in workout programs. But some brands are getting very fancy and building in iPod docks, WiFi connections to download more workouts, diaries to track your fitness results over time and more.
Incline - Incline is not the same as resistance. It increases the slope of your elliptical path, thus working different muscles and helping you to crosstrain better. Incline is becoming more popular with quality ellipticals.
However one thing to watch out for is the level of incline. For example, some brands may offer you up to 20 degree incline while others go up to a 40 degree incline - so you may want the most incline options you can get for optimal crosstraining.
So those are some features to keep in mind while reviewing elliptical exercise machines.
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