Shopping For Elliptical Machines

So you have decided to purchase an elliptical machine for training at home. Believe me; knowing what you want before you go shopping for elliptical machines is very important.

Decide how much you want to spend and look at machines in that price range. Elliptical machines can vary in price from around $200 to the top of the line models at somewhere around $5000.

In order to decide which elliptical machine to buy, consider your workout routine and ask yourself these questions:

Do you need upper body workout ability?
Do you need to adjust the workout intensity?
How long is my stride? Will I be comfortable on an elliptical machine?
How much room do I have for the machine at home?
What options do you need?

As a side note, here is a way to measure your stride. Mark a starting point and take ten regular walking steps. Now mark the ending point and measure the distance in inches. Divide the number of inches by 10 (number of steps) to find your average stride length. So if you go 15 feet (180) inches in ten steps; your stride length is 18” (180 divided by 10). Pretty simple, isn’t it? It’s also very important to get an elliptical machine that matches your stride length otherwise you will be uncomfortable using it.

Some models of elliptical machines have moveable handlebars that supply an added upper body workout to the routine. This is particularly good for cardio routines. The intensity of the elliptical workout is controlled by the resistance to the flywheel. In lesser models this is adjusted manually but in higher end machines this is done magnetically, which is better.

Most elliptical machines have a fixed stride length. You want to get a machine that has a longer stride than your own so you won’t be short stepping during the workout. Some have adjustable strides, so look around and ask that question. Measure the machine in the store or look up the dimensions online to ensure you can fit the elliptical machine into your workout area. Be sure to allow yourself room to get on and off of the machine easily.

There a great many options to consider. Among these are different types of drive systems (front or rear drive), magnetic or manual braking, and stirrups on the pedals, moveable handlebars, electronic displays, heart monitors, adjustable incline, pre-set workout programs and more. What you need depends on what type of workout you want to do.

For cardiac patients, a heart monitor is absolutely necessary. For the casual exerciser, a basic model without the bells and whistles is fine. In the reviews, stability and durability were major issues, so be sure to look at construction and how stable the machine is while in use.

Finally, LOOK AT THE WARRANTY!! Read the fine print and inform yourself in the event that anything should happen to your machine. Some offer as 90 day warranty while others offer 10 years on frame and 2 years on parts. A few makers even offer a 1 year labor warranty.

If you do your homework properly, you will get the right machine for the right price.