Shopping Smarts
Ellipticals are available at a number of venues, including the following:
- Specialty fitness retailers: Specialize in selling high quality fitness products; typically have an experienced, well-trained staff that can help determine the best product for you. Some work with personal trainers who can show you how to use the machine and design a personalized fitness program. Also tend to offer financing, delivery, assembly and certified maintenance and service plans. These really are the best places to find the greatest selection and variety of quality fitness equipment.
- Sporting goods and department stores: Sell a variety of sporting goods and household goods, from tools to stereos and shoes to fishing poles, with fitness being just another department. Fitness products are generally lower quality and price than those found at specialty fitness stores, and staff generally has limited training on product features and differences. Unlike a specialty retailer, a sporting goods store is not set-up to take care of it's customer after the purchase with services like delivery, installation, and repair.
- Direct from manufacturer: Some companies allow you to buy their equipment via a toll-free phone number, online or via mail order. This can be risky because you can't test the product before purchasing, and generally you have to assemble it yourself. Return policies vary but often require that the product be shipped back to the company, which can be a challenge with a bulky fitness machine. Financing and service options vary.
Show up at the store in your workout shoes and apparel so that you can hop on a few machines and get a feel for them. You wouldn't buy a car without a test-drive, would you? Try each elliptical for at least 10 minutes�going forward and backward, playing with the electronics and resistance levels and asking questions of the salesperson. Bring a water bottle, and a towel if you worry about getting sweaty, and make some notes about each model so you can distinguish and recall the differences.
Comparison shop. A quality elliptical trainer will be a part of your household for many years so our best advice is to choose wisely. Since this is an investment in your health and well-being, visit a store that has several of the top brands available for side-by-side comparisons. The FEEL of an elliptical crosstrainer varies greatly between brands and it's important to find the machine that best fits your body, your space, and your budget.
