Best Home Elliptical Trainers/Machines 2011

Let's face it, elliptical trainers can be expensive and the last thing you want when forking out a good amount of cash is a machine that squeaks, wobbles, or just doesn't feel solid enough. One of the first things you should look at is the weight limit. The higher the weight limit, in general, the sturdier it is. Because my husband is a big guy we actually opted for a machine that would support up to 350 pounds even though he weighs a 100 less than that. No, this was not in preparation for a future weight gain, we just found that those machines were much sturdier.

Rear or Front Facing Fly Wheel

I'm not going to go in to why one is better than the other, but I will say that the machine that "feels right" is the one that you'll work out more often on. We've gone with rear fly wheel machines in the past because they feel more comfortable for us. If you're not sure which you'd rather have, then I recommend you go to the gym or a local sports shop and try them out.

Warranty

If you go to the gym on a regular basis, then you've certainly seen the occasional elliptical machine that was done and out. While this is mostly because of the high workload that those machines have it is important to make sure your machine has a good warranty. Amazon also sells an extended warranty with their products that can extend coverage and service of your machine.

Elliptical Deals Online

Did you know that many elliptical trainers from various brands are made by the same manufacturer? In order to get the best deal try to compare the same types of models from different brands. You can also purchase a used elliptical online at a place like Amazon, E-bay, or at a local used sports shop in your city. When my husband and I were shopping for ours we stopped at one of these local sports shops to look around. When purchasing a used elliptical make sure to ask them what their warranty on the item is and don't be afraid to try it out for a half an hour if it looks like one you'd like.

Features and Programs

Less important than the overall feel are the features and programs that your elliptical comes with. Nearly all elliptical machines come with programmable features and the more you're willing to spend, the more they'll come with. If a certain feature will get you excited to work out each day, like bult-in speakers for your iPod or MP3 player, then make sure it has that.

Customer Reviews Matter

When buying anything online customers know best. Take the time to read through the reviews and see what strengths and weaknesses each machine has. I've never regretted purchasing anything that was highly rated by other customers. The same can't be said about other products I didn't do the research on.

The Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer is a little cheaper than the Diamondback 1260Ef listed below, but it's still a high quality product with great customer reviews. This elliptical has a power incline feature which adds resistance and targets different muscles. The Sole has a large flywheel which allows for smooth performance. Built-in cooling fans make working out easier, an LCD screen allows for quick access to how you are performing, and this trainer has an integrated sound system so you can listen while working out. One thing that reviewers loved was the controls on the handles, making it easier to adjust the incline or resistance without moving your hands. This machine is built for a smooth workout with minimal need to interruptions, allowing for a better workout. This machine is fantastic and well worth the price.

The Diamondback Fitness 1260Ef Elliptical Trainer is one of the best ellipticals on the market. It may not be the cheapest, but you get what you paid for. This Diamondback elliptical has it all. It tracks your calories, pulse, time, and speed. You have the ability to customize programs or go with the Quick Start potions. A pause mode with a 5 minute program saver makes it easy to take a quick break. Reviews call this product "impressive" and "high quality". So, if you are serious about investing time and money into exercise this elliptical is for you.

The Precor EFX 5.31 Premium Series Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer is another elliptical on the high end of the pay scale. The Precor may be one of the priciest elliptical trainers, but it is one of the best. This elliptical is fully adjustable to fit your needs. You can adjust the ramp and stride length for a better workout of change the arm positions to switch from lower body to a total body workout. This product not only has 20 resistance levels, but also 15 ready to use programs ranging from weight loss to aerobic. Included with this elliptical are two water bottles, a mat, a handheld monitor, and a wireless chest heart rate transmitter to keep track of how you're doing. This beautiful machine gets the job done at home instead of the gym and makes workout out easier and more convenient. This is definitely an elliptical to consider for those who are serious about exercising on a daily basis

The Smooth Fitness Agile DMT Trainer is a big machine for a big price. This Smooth Fitness is a well- oiled workout machine. Target your arms, back, and shoulders using the moving handle bars or jump on and use one of the 13 preset fitness programs. This elliptical monitors heart rate with a wireless chest strap, has an Ipod station with built in speakers so you can listen while you work out, and a built-in adjustable fan for help you stay cool. Some reviews say assembly is difficult, so be prepared with tools and a buddy, but they all say that this is one smooth ride. This is a great product and you get what you paid for with this machine.

If the prices for the other elliptical trainers are a little steep then try The Nautilus E514 Elliptical Trainer. This elliptical is considerable cheaper than the early trainers. This machine provides a smooth cardio workout for the upper and lower body and come with 16 resistance levels. This elliptical also come with a powerful fan to cool off with and has a total of 20 programs to choose from. This Nautilus workout machine has a LCD backlit display for easier console reading, a magazine rack for more relaxed workouts and allows you to program 2 profiles to customize your workouts and keep track of your progress. This is a very good product for the price and gets the job done smoothly.

The AFG 4.0 AE Dual Action Elliptical Trainer is another pricey choice, but a great one. This AFG is a five star machine on Amazon.com and a high quality machine. Their pivoting footpads provide a realistic walking experience and the large flywheel provides a smooth stride. The power incline and short 16 degrees which allows you to target different muscle groups. The reviews say that this is a sturdy machine and provides the customer with a tough workout. This is one to buy if you are serious about a tough exercise.

The Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer is probably the most affordable trainer. Very inexpensive you get what you pay for with this little machine. This machine is only 24 pounds and is something easily accessible for the office. Designed to fit under a desk or in a closet, this is basically a stepper with footpads only, which makes it easy to move around. This Stamina machine is practical, giving you a simple workout for a great price.

The Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer is another great find at a great price. This Schwinn machine gives a smooth workout for the lower and upper body and has 16 levels of resistance. This trainer comes with 12 programs, a fitness test, and allows you to customize your workout. This is a four star elliptical with raving reviews. This product is simple, but the quality and assembly may be difficult so it may be handy to have another person to help. You get a great product at a great price and this is well worth the money.

Another great product at a great price is The Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer. This machine has 10 levels of resistance, a heavy flywheel for a smooth workout and built-in speakers for easy listening. This elliptical comes with 10 programing options, has 3 workout programs, and 1 custom workout. This is a five star machine with customers amazed at the great product and the great price. Easy assembly, a great workout, and a quality product make this machine one of the best elliptical trainers out there.

Last but not least we have The Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer. This elliptical is reasonably priced and has a two in one design. You can use the elliptical or you can use the exercise bike. This comes with more than 10 preset programs and allows you to customize your own workout programs; an adjustable seat and a 14inch stride length make this double the workout for a fraction of the cost. Customers found themselves surprised at how wonderful the product was, considering the price, earning it a four star rating. This is a nice machine that allows you to get a good work out at home and enjoy it as well. If you are looking for a great product at a bargain than this is the elliptical for you. The Body Champ elliptical machine is a great way to work out at home. Whether you are looking for a simple machine at a low price or the most high tech trainer you can get the elliptical machine will get it done.