Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers are fast becoming one of the best and most popular exercise equipment available for use either at home or in the gym. Why is this so? Why do people like them? Because firstly they are zero-impact machines i.e. when you exercise on them, your knees and joints are not subjected to frequent pounding stress as in running. Secondly you get to do dual workout i.e. upper and lower body exercise at the same time hence more calories burnt per unit time. So, are you game on getting some of the best elliptical trainers for home use for health purposes? Let us help you.
Elliptical Trainer Buying Guide
1) Resistance
There are 3 types of resistance found in elliptical trainers namely manual, motorized brake and eddy current brake (ECB) systems. For the case on manual resistance, a U-shaped magnet positioned close to the flywheel provides the necessary resistance. The level of resistance depends on the distance between the flywheel and the magnet.
Motorized brake systems have a small motor that are designed to control the magnetic brake. Since they consists of mechanical parts that are prone to wear and tear, they are not the ideal choice for commercial use.
Top of the line elliptical trainers usually have ECB systems as their resistance. ECB works by creating eddy currents through electromagnetic induction which creates the resistance. Since this type of resistance requires little moving parts with absolutely no friction, they are of course very reliable hence suitable for commercial use.
2) Stride Length
For a smooth and natural stride motion, the stride length is very important. Too short and you’ll get choppy elliptical motion. For best elliptical training performance, the stride length should be between 16" - 20" to accommodate even the tallest of users.
3) Display Console & Workout Settings
It should be noted that some of the best elliptical trainer models offer LCD display console with wide selection of workout settings to give variety in exercise routines. As a bare minimum, an elliptical trainer should have preset and custom programs to help you get started with less headache. The more workout settings that are available, the more challenging will be the exercise.
4) Price
It depends on your budget as well as your level of training required. There are 3 price ranges of elliptical trainers from budget (under $1,000), middle-range (between $1,001 - $2,000), high-end ($2,001 - $3,000) and top-of-the-line (>$3,000). The difference between each class of elliptical trainers are more likely due to branding, features and quality than other trivial things.
Elliptical Trainer Reviews & Ratings
We encountered the best elliptical trainer reviews from Consumer Reports, Fitness Equipment Source and TreadmillDoctor. Fitness experts there tested some of the best elliptical trainer models from top-quality and reliable makers such as Keys Fitness, LifeFitness, Nordic Track, Octane Fitness, Precor, Proform, Schwinn, Smooth, Sole and Vision Fitness. Elliptical trainer ratings based on ergonomics, construction, exercise range and ease of use determines the best elliptical trainers in their class.
Best Elliptical Trainer (<$1,000)
Elliptical Trainer Reviews #1: Breaking new grounds with impressive elliptical trainer reviews from users and health experts is the best rated Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer. For full upper and lower body workout without the price pinch, let this Schwinn elliptical trainer shows you the way. This best elliptical trainer from Schwinn features 8 ECB resistance levels with 8 workout programs to add variety in your training challenge. Comes with 18" stride length BioGlide motion technology with Bio-Fit footpads and handlebars for that smooth and natural glide motion whenever you exercise. Includes built-in heart rate monitor for target heart rate zone goal.
Best Elliptical Trainer ($1,001 to $2,000)
Elliptical Trainer Reviews #2: Topping high expectations with excellent elliptical trainer reviews from experts and users is the best rated Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer. For efficient total body workout at home, look no further than this Sole elliptical trainer for the answer. This best elliptical trainer from Sole boasts 20 ECB resistance with 10 challenging programs to provide exciting variety in your training arsenal. Longer 20" stride length (accommodates even the tallest of users) with large adjustable foot pedals with 2-degree inward slope reduces stress on ankles and knees. With easy-to-use LCD console, cooling fan, heart rate monitor plus many additional features makes exercising a little bit fun.
Elliptical Trainer Reviews #3: Getting its fair share of excellent elliptical trainer reviews from users is the top rated Smooth CE 3.2 Elliptical Trainer. Features heavy duty flywheel for ride smoothness. Ergonomically designed pivoting foot pedal ensures ankles, hips and knees are well-protected from impact. With lots of extras including electromagnetic braking system, LCD display, wireless heart rate monitor etc, you’ll enjoy every minute of your workout.
Best Elliptical Trainer ($2,001 - $3,000)
Elliptical Trainer Reviews #4: Setting the standard of excellence with outstanding elliptical trainer reviews from experts and consumers is the best rated Precor EFX 5.17i Elliptical Trainer. For the ultimate in intense full body cardio workout, let this Precor elliptical trainer push you to the limit. This best elliptical trainer from Precor features 20 ECB resistance levels with 14 workout programs including CrossRamp technology (12 - 25 degrees inclination) to provide the perfect challenge for that great whole body workout. Comes with easy-to-use LCD console with SmartRate technology heart rate monitoring system for optimal workout zone. Includes single polyurethane wheels for smooth glide.
Best Elliptical Trainer ($>3,000)
Elliptical Trainer Reviews #5: Topping the list with unreserved elliptical trainer reviews from experts is the heavy-duty and best rated Precor EFX 5.33 Elliptical Trainer. For the best in elliptical training, it can only be this Precor elliptical trainer. Features 20 ECB resistance levels with 9 workout programs including patented CrossRamp technology (Fixed Ramp at 25 degrees) provides endless challenges for optimal total body workout. Long 18" stride length ensures natural gliding motion. Comes with touch screen LCD display with heart rate monitoring system (with SmartRate) for optimum target heart rate zone goal.
Resources: Elliptical Trainer (Wikipedia)