Elliptical Trainer
The Basic Facts and Tips Getting The Best Elliptical Trainer
Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers are also known as cross trainers and they are a fairly simple form of exercise equipment which is stationary. They provide a great cardio workout in the same way as a walk or job would give you. It’s used these days instead of the treadmill, because they bring workouts of lower impact and they are quite effective for anyone that wants to train. However there are added benefits for using an elliptical trainer with the main one being the fact that it puts a lot less pressure on your knees.
Elliptical trainer are usually used for maintaining balance and not as part of the workout routine. However, some people enjoy the swinging movement that using the handlebars can provide. But, keep in mind that more resistance and strength training is delivered to the legs and rear if you simply use the handlebars for balance, or not at all. This is significant if you need to target hips, thighs and buttocks to work off excess baby weight.
Burning calories enables an elliptical trainer is one of the best pieces of exercise equipment that the people can get. Many people are interested in learning about calories burned on an elliptical trainer, although this will definitely vary depending on your gender. It depends also on the body fat percentage and other personal characteristics. There are a few general estimates of the number calories burned on an elliptical trainer. General estimates of calories burned on an elliptical trainer. For a 150 pound woman doing 30 minutes of elliptical exercise, about 387 calories will be burned. For a 180 pound man doing about 30 minutes of the same exercise, anywhere from 464-500 calories will usually be burned. A few of the factors that will determine the calories burned on an elliptical trainer include the workout duration, interval training, elliptical tension settings, body composition, state of cardiovascular system, weight, and sex. If you want to make sure that you always get the most out of your workouts and are burning as many calories as possible, one of the best things that you can do is build in intervals.
Most elliptical trainers available these days offer incline and tension settings that you can adjust, and you should use these features to your advantage. You should try building in 30 second incline intervals every couple of minutes as this will slowly increase the intensity of the workout. It can allow you to get how many calories burned onan elliptical trainer. Another idea to increase the number of calories burned on an elliptical trainer is to take advantage of the backward and forward directions. Rather than just staying on one or the other, by switching it up and going back and forth you will be adding more intensity to your workout and burning more calories as a result. Also keep in mind that no matter how hard you work out, if you are not eating properly and drinking enough water you will not be getting the best results. It is important to live a generally healthy lifestyle in combination with proper exercise, to achieve the results that you desire.
When shopping for an elliptical trainer you will notice that there are two main types: ones with poles and ones without poles. Often it is recommended that you choose one that comes with detachable poles. The purpose of having the poles is that they allow you to work your upper body and not just your lower body. This allows you do work out your whole body and burn calories more efficiently.
When buying an elliptical trainer, there are a few things that you must consider, include these following guide:
Budget. There are many types of elliptical trainer all at different prices. You should always shop around for the best deal and even consider buying a second-hand model. Some elliptical trainers can cost up to thousands of dollars, so you should be sure that you can afford that. Unless you are training to become a bodybuilder or a marathon runner, most budget elliptical trainers should be more than sufficient for most people. Budget elliptical machines usually cost less than $500 and should be quite affordable. All too often people buy treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers with the good intention of getting fit. However after a few weeks or months they get bored and end up selling them at a much cheaper price than what they paid. So this gives you a great opportunity to pick up a bargain, plus if you do decide to re-sell it, you’re probably more likely to get your money back on it.
Manufacturer. There are so many different manufacturers of elliptical trainers and these include Rebok, Proform, Life Fitness and Schwinn. Make sure you read up on product review sites about each company and also the different brands they have to offer. You also want to learn about the customer service reputation of any company you plan to deal with. Depending on the manufacturer, getting service or repairs can either go smoothly or be a nightmare. In fact, one of the largest fitness equipment manufacturers has a horrendous reputation for customer service. You will see countless complaints in various elliptical trainer reviews. Buy from a company that stands behind their equipment.
Handrails. Elliptical trainers with handrails aren’t usually considered the best ones. This is because handrails can prevent the user from having the best workout overall.
Feature. You need to determine exactly what features you desire on an elliptical trainer. For example, what is a comfortable stride length for your height? The stride length can vary from 14″-22″. With a short stride length, you get a bouncy, circular motion, rather than a smooth elliptical motion. Other features to consider are:
- Rear vs. Front Brake System
- Selection of Workout Programs
- Quality of the Console and Display
- Articulating Foot Pedals – Pedals that angle with your strideH
- Heart Rate Control
- Stability
- Noise Level
How easy and comfortable it is to use. Each machine is built to different dimensions and standards. The only true way you are going to be able to determine what machine you prefer to use is simply to try it out.
Price Range
The price range of an residential elliptical trainer can vary from $300 – $5,000. Some are designed to self-destruct after minimal use, while others are commercial quality. So which is the best value for your exercise needs and goals? That depends on your personal needs and goals. Below are a series of price ranges for elliptical trainers. See which one best suits your needs:
$300 – $600
At this price range you are buying an oversized clothes hanger. These elliptical trainers are built with cheap components, and are poorly constructed. They are backed with a 90 day parts and labor warranty. There is a reason why the manufacturers back these elliptical trainers with a limited warranty. These machines tend to have a small, and restraining stride. Their elliptical motion is short and choppy. Getting the machines serviced can be a nightmare. This category tends to be dominated by the type of products you find in the mass merchant stores.
$600 – $1,000
You are still in a price range where you may have more than normal maintenance problems. Particularly, if you plan to use the elliptical trainer on a regular basis. At around $1,000 you are starting to get into some machines that offer a degree of reliability. Especially with the machines that have at least a 1 year labor warranty. The most popular models in this price range are Horizon, ProForm and Nordic Track.
$1,000 – $1,500
In this price category you are starting to get a machine that is better engineered, and has a smoother elliptical motion and stride. The programming will offer more options and challenges. Some will come with heart rate control. If you plan to use the machine for extensive use, or if there will be multiple users, then you should upgrade to the next category. Recommended brands in this price range include Smooth, Sole, New Balance and Schwinn.
$1,500 – $2,500
In this category you are getting good value. You can find some models that have nice long strides, up to 20″. The mechanism is relatively quiet. The machines are heavier, and therefore feel more stable. Many have heavy-duty flywheels that contribute to a very smooth elliptical motion. The warranties are reasonable extensive. For example, most Sole ellipticals come with a 5 year parts and 2 year labor warranty. Recommended brands include Smooth, Sole, Vision Fitness and Life Fitness.
$2,500+
Now you are starting to get into commercial quality elliptical trainers for the home. These machines are built to the highest engineering standards. They are whisper silent and the motion and resistance is as smooth as it gets. Two of the best examples of elliptical trainers in this category are Precor and Life Fitness.
I wrote a guide you may be interested in reading: Nutrition Vitamins and Abs
TOP Elliptical Trainer Product Reviews
Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer... |
Customer Review: I purchased this machine to do cardio at home on those nights when I am too tired to go to the gym. It arrived quickly and took only minutes to assemble. I am in good shape ( 5'3 and 107 lbs...work out several times a week at the gym) and was still ... Read More |
(166)
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Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer... |
Customer Review: Elliptical arrived in a timely manner. Husband put it together is a couple of hours over two evenings. It is extremely quiet and smooth in operation. I knew the control panel wasn't lighted before I bought it, and that is a problem at night, but one ... Read More |
(448)
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Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer... |
Customer Review: Quiet and easy to use. Took a few hours to put together and even the low settings are pretty difficult but overall a great purchase!... Read More |
(32)
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Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer... |
Customer Review: This is an excellent alternative to going to the gym, especially for this price. It's very sturdy, but at the same time not too big. The biggest surprise for me is how quiet it is! I can watch TV without being disturbed while my wife uses it in the n... Read More |
(20)
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Body Rider Magnetic Elliptical Trainer... |
Customer Review: The electronic functions are supposed to start when you start moving. They turn on when you touch still handle bars, but they don't work! Doesn't time you, clock ur speed, no heart rate shows...just turns on, that's all. I'm only 5ft 1 in and the str... Read More |
(24)
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