BEST ELLIPTICALS FOR HOME USE

Maybe you need to cut the expense of a gym membership, having an elliptical at home is the answer. Are you pressed for time? Save the drive time to the gym and the wait time to use equipment when you have your own home elliptical.

The Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer received excellent ratings from actual users. This elliptical trainer features multiple workout programs, 16 computer-controlled resistance levels and comfortable upgraded foot pedals. It has bi-directional pedaling that enables the user to pedal forward or backward depending on the targeted muscle groups. Workout programs include heart-rate controlled, calorie goal, a fitness test, ten profile programs, two custom programs and a manual option. The Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer is smooth and quiet. Extras include an integrated MP3/portable media compartment, fan, towel hook, and an over-sized bottle holder. The Schwinn BioConnect Computer allows the user to input data, measure workout results and track progress.

REVIEWS BY USERS OF THE SCHWINN 431 ELLIPTICAL TRAINER
Mike M. wrote: "Well, I've had this machine for about two weeks now and it works great. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I was a little concerned about shipping, but mine came in perfect condition. Like others, it took me little under 3 hours to put it together. If you can put a screw in and follow directions, you'll be able to put this together. The machine is so smooth and quiet. It's no problem for others in the room to watch TV at the same time. After a week, I noticed a clicking sound and it turned out I had tightened the screw that connects the handle bar to the foot pedal too tight. Loosening it a little fixed the problem."

Mary wrote: "When shopping for an elliptical, I was a little skeptical with the price point on this machine. Buying through Amazon though, I felt like if it was horrible I could return it and took the risk. I'm completely happy with the machinee. There is no difference between the quality of workout with this than any gym machine. It's solid, and feels really well built. I can't really stress how well this compares to the $4000 machine at the gym. Well, except that I find the resistance somewhat higher than the gym machines, but level 1 is still easy enough to use. I did have a little trouble to begin with - nothing bad enough to drop even one star though. It does take a bit of time to put it together but it was fairly simple and the instructions were easy to follow. Buy some lithium grease before you assemble it. Do Not over-tighten any of the screws or bolts. It will cause squeaking. . . That's it! It's a great machine."

James J. Clouston wrote: "When my wife and I began shopping for an elliptical trainer, I feared I would have to spend about $2,000 to get a quality machine. I am happy to say we bought this Schwinn 431 around Christmas 2007 for $899 and have been very pleased with our purchase. I have been impressed by the quality of the Schwinn Airdyne fitness bike that we had for many years, so I checked out the local Schwinn dealer for the elliptical trainer. We chose the 431 over the 418 because it has a more compact design and has an attached fan to help cool you while exercising. We paid more at the store than we could have bought it for on Amazon, but the store assembled it. We get a good workout and the unit seems to be good quality that will last a long time. One thing that stands out is how quiet the machine is. . .I think this Schwinn 431 is good value for the money and I highly recommend it."

Kirk K. wrote: "My husband and I were looking for an inexpensive elliptical machine so we could both work out without spending tons of money on a gym membership we wouldn't use. After going to different stores and trying all their machines, we settled on this one. It took us a leisurely 3 hours, with breaks and watching a football game, to assemble this machine. Directions were clear and logical, parts clearly labeled and wonderfully packaged. . . It's so quiet that I'm able to watch tv or use my ipod and not damage my ears or bother the neighbors by having to turn the volume up super-high. All in all, we have been extremely impressed with this machine in terms of assembly, price, and performance. Even the machines I've used in gyms weren't as smooth and as comfortable a stride as this one, and we both consider it a very good investment."

Horizon's Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer is smaller and shorter than most ellipticals and fits in almost any room. This elliptical trainer provides a great workout for your legs and upper body. There are nine goal-oriented programs. The user selects one of the three goals: time, distance or calories and then selects one of three terrains: manual, reverse train or hills. The LCD screen provides workout feedback enabling the user to develop an effective training routine. There are eight computer generated resistance levels. Horizon's heavy-duty flywheel is very quiet which makes this machine perfect for home use.

REVIEWS BY USERS OF HORIZON ELLIPTICAL TRAINER

B. Evans wrote: "I was debating between the Schwinn 430 and the Horizon EX-57 - what really pushed me over was the warranty on the Horizon 1 year vs. the 90 day Schwinn warranty. I'm very happy with my decision and have had my EX-57 for around a month now. Delivery was fast . . .I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an elliptical and since the EX57 wasn't found at any places here in town, I tried out another Horizon in the same price point and think the quality is spot on. This machine feels gym quality. One last thing is that this elliptical is very nice and the footprint is very small - so the machine takes up less room than I would have imagined."

schebro wrote: "I bought this elliptical around 2 weeks ago. My wife and I use this regularly. The build is very sturdy with no vibration even at high speeds. The frame is solid. No squeaks (yet). The workout is very smooth. Now comes the cons. The display is not so useful without backlight. I am 5'8" male, for me handrails are not so comfortable because they are a bit far away. Overall, its a good buy especially with 1 year warranty, including labor."

Bob wrote: "Overall, a very good machine. I normally run outside for long distances, so I'm always trying to get as close to that aerobic exercise as I can, but with knee and arch problems, it was time to bring the workout inside. I like the workout I get: no problem getting the heart rate up and getting a good long sweat. My problem with the product is somewhat cosmetic: I kmow the price is very good for an elliptical, but the cheap plastic coverings are a let down. They do not fit snugly. This has nothing to do with the mechanical features but it's a shame to put such plastic junk on what is otherwise a nice sturdy piece of equipment."

Juniorverse1 wrote: "I love this machine so far, especially for the price. I've actually become quite addicted to using it! The ride is smooth, and it's not too loud at all. I was actually quite pleased at how quiet it was. This machine allows you to freestyle, selecting your own resistance as you go along or you can set up goals like time, calories or distance. You can also adjust the terrain higher or lower as you're using the "hills" option. There is also a "reverse train" option which allows you to pedal in reverse. The manual also gives helpful tips on maximizing workouts depending on your goals. All in all, I'm very happy with this machine. I especially like the 1 year electronics and parts and the 1 year labor warranty. This machine is a great deal."

The benefits of working out on an elliptical trainer are many. Elliptical trainers can be used by all ages and all fitness levels. Most elliptical trainers involve the entire body providing a workout for the upper body, legs and cardio. The workouts burn more calories than walking. Another great advantage of using an elliptical trainer is that there is no negative impact on the body. Because there are high quality elliptical trainers available for home use, you will save time by avoiding trips to the gym. Workouts on an elliptical trainer are great for stress reduction and the effects of the stress reduction can last for hours after completion of the workout.

With the great results and little or no impact on knees, hips and back, it's no wonder the elliptical trainer continues to grow in popularity. This fitness equipment is well worth the investment.