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All About Elliptical Trainers

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Benefits of Elliptical Trainers

For people who hate exercise, the pains of running, and the boardom of treadmills, elliptical trainers offer a great alternative. Finally, a great exercise machine that can get you motivated and keep you motivated - making it easier to incorporate exercise into your dialy routine.

Elliptical machines offer a low impact alternative, forward and reverse motion, and most combine an upper body workout with great lower body resistance training. Building muscle and improving cardiovasuclar function with elliptical trainers is easy. 

Reviews of Elliptical Machines for your Home

Read more about the elliptical machines I think are the best and other elliptical trainers that are still great buys.
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You can Buy Ellipticals Online from Amazon

Free Shipping usually Included

Buying online can help ensure you get the best price and also means you'll have help getting that big, bulky, and heavy elliptical machine to your home. When you buy from trusted sites online, you have nothing to worry about.
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Elliptical features I HAD to have

Really, it's going to take research on your part to discover what elliptical features you and your family must have at home.

  • Stride length had to be somewhere between 18 and 21 inches because I am 5'6" tall
  • Upper body workout was a must so I was looking for a serious, heavy duty cross trainer
  • Heart rate control programs for intense workouts because measuring your heart rate is the only way to know if you are pushing yourself hard enough (but not too far)
  • Wireless chest strap
  • I had to have custom user profiles so that the machine would save my age, weight, and other profile information for myself and other users
  • Lifetime warranty on the frame, and a decent warranty on the electronics since many sales people had told me that the consoles were the most expensive parts
  • I was looking for a machine that was between $1000 and $2500 and didn't mind spending more since it was an investment in my health

Elliptical Buying Guide

What makes a best buy elliptical machine?

Elliptical machines vary in price from $150 to $5000 or more. Experts say you should consider a quality machine over the cheaper models, but what features are must haves?

The most important thing to ask yourself when you purchase an elliptical machine is, "does this feel comfortable?" You cannot expect to enjoy 30 or 60 minute elliptical exercise workouts if you feel funny or even pain while on an elliptical machine. It should feel smooth and natural.

Front vs. rear drive (position of the flywheel) does not matter as much as finding the ideal elliptical stride length. If you are of an average height around 5'6", 18 to 21 inch stride lengths should feel great. Keep in mind that the ideal stride length can be any range. An inch or two difference between elliptical stride lengths on various machines won't affect your comfort too much as long as you are in the right range for your height.

Try out elliptical machines when you can, before you buy. But for the most part, if you get the stride length right on higher quality machines, you'll be fine. Also consider other important features like custom user profiles, pre-programmed workouts, heart rate programs and other features discussed in this elliptical machine buying guide.

Be sure to read various elliptical reviews and consumer opinions to help you find the perfect elliptical machine for your home. Good luck on your hunt.

Elliptical features I decided to do without

Many bells and whistles come adorned on the cheaper machines, so keep your real buying needs in mind and don't get swept away by features that aren't important.

  • Although I wanted it to have incline, you cannot find incline on a good quality machine without purchasing an expensive Precor so I decided to do without
  • A ton of programs because I tend to only use a few of my favorites anyway
  • After trying out several machines, I realized that it didn't matter if I ended up with a front or a rear drive elliptical machine
  • iFit compatibility or USB interfaces for more workout programs or audio personal trainers
  • Bells and whistles like built in mp3 jacks or fans on the console -- certainly not a must have

Home Elliptical Machines Blog

Stay current with the Elliptical Machines Blog for more about elliptical exercise. These articles cover various benefits and information about elliptical exercise.
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HomeEllipticalBuff

I love elliptical machines and feel they offer the best
cardio exercise available with little impact on your body. I spent a lot of time reviewing elliptical... more »

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