Consider the following on every elliptical trainer:
- Lower-Body Motion - The most critical element on any elliptical is its feel, which should closely mimic walking or running naturally and fluidly. There shouldn't be any jerking movement, and the machine obviously shouldn't shake or move on the floor when you are exercising.
- Pedals: Make sure that they move smoothly and that there is no kick or unnatural bounce. Also, the platforms should be big enough to move your feet around for comfort, with a non-slip surface and lips around the outside so your feet don't fall off. A good gripping surface also can help your push-off on each stride.
- Pedal spacing: The wider the space between the pedals, the more unnatural the motion, which causes lateral hip shifting and can lead to lower back strain and muscle and joint fatigue. Pedals that are positioned close together better mimic walking, jogging or running strides.
- Adjustable Incline: This feature varies the focus on muscle groups and provides a great way to add variety to the routine. This added variety can reduce boredom, enhance motivation, and keep you from reaching an exercise plateau.
- Stride length: Most ellipticals range between 15 about 26 inches, and the taller you are, generally longer strides are more comfortable. Some models now offer adjustable strides as well, enabling you to manually or electronically change stride length during workouts for more variety and greater customization. The smaller the stride length increments - such as .5" - the better, as you have more options for a truly custom-fit. Even more, some brands now offer technology that automatically changes stride length throughout your workouts based on your speed and direction. This unique feature can enhance workout effectiveness and boost motivation
- Reverse direction: Be sure that the backwards movement feels comfortable so you can take advantage of true cross training and bene_t all muscle groups.
- Upper-Body Movement - Most quality ellipticals today include upper-body movement, which helps to properly position your body with correct ergonomics. Total-body workouts challenge more muscles, disperse the exercise so that it doesn't feel as difficult (so essentially you can work harder and reap those benefits without really feeling it) and ultimately burn more calories. You use your arms naturally when you walk and run, so it makes sense to incorporate them into your workout as well.
- Electronics - Well-designed electronics can mean the difference between reaping the fitness benefits from using your elliptical routinely and letting it gather dust due to boredom and frustration.
- Resistance range: A wide range of resistance levels ensures that you can challenge yourself over time -particularly as you become more fit - and also can accommodate users with varying fitness levels. Test several intensity levels in the store for a few minutes to ensure that you're not going to be limited to under-training or overwhelmed by overtraining.
- Pre-set and custom programs: If you want variety and great results, the elliptical should offer several programs that take you through interval training, steady-state endurance work, heart rate interactive routines and workouts that capitalize on cross training by requiring you to go forward, backward, push, pull, etc. Check out how easy these are to use to be sure that you will take advantage of them. For the ultimate simplicity, is there a "Quick Start" option that lets you get going with the push of one button?
- Heart rate interactivity: Most premium machines now offer the ability to measure your heart rate while you are exercising. Some use grip sensors, and some require that you wear a chest strap while working out. Seeing your heart rate can be motivating and ensures that you are working at the proper intensity level. Also, quality machines include workouts that are heart ratecontrolled, so the resistance automatically adjusts to keep you in the proper zone - which can maximize your results. In addition, interval programs that alternate between lower and higher heart rates are customized for the most effective, effecient workouts.
- Valuable Amenities:
- Water bottle holders help keep you hydrated during exercise by putting fluid at your fingertips
- Accessory trays conveniently hold remote controls, MP3 players, telephones and towels
- A reading rack lets you multi-task comfortably
- Built-in transport wheels enable you to easily move the machine if necessary
- Operation, Safety and Maintenance
- An important indicator of a well-engineered elliptical is that it is incredibly quiet while in use - which is a tremendous advantage so that you don't disturb others at home and so that you aren't forced to crank up the volume on the TV or stereo.
- Check to see that the manufacturer has incorporated safety by enclosing all moving parts under a shroud, for instance, so that curious children's fingers won't get trapped. Also, low step-up heights make the elliptical easier and safer to mount and dismount.
- Quality ellipticals require virtually no maintenance other than an occasional wipe-down. Check each manufacturer's recommendations so that you know in advance what's required to keep your machine going.
- Quality - Well-made ellipticals are designed to handle rigorous use and wear and tear, year after year. In fact, heavy-duty machines can weigh as much as 300 pounds for rock-solid stability. Check out how comprehensive a manufacturer's durability testing is (i.e., do they test in health clubs, do they conduct robotic testing 24/7?).
- Warranty - As a mechanical and electronic piece of equipment, elliptical trainers should be backed by comprehensive warranties, which, on quality machines, typically include a lifetime on the frame, at least two to three years on parts and at least one year on labor. Compare warranties when evaluating equipment and make sure the store you purchase from has in-house, factory trained service technicians to back the warranties. After all, the warranty is only as good as technicians performing the service.
