If you’re in the market for elliptical exercise equipment, you’ve got your work cut out for you. There are so many different models with so many different features, that it can be hard to make a decision on which elliptical exercise equipment is right for you.
We’ve prepared this short article about elliptical exercise equipment to help you understand what’s out there and what all the jargon means. Adding an elliptical machine to your home gym can be a very rewarding experience, so we want you to make the right decision. Read on and we’ll give you all the information you need about elliptical exercise equipment.
Elliptical Exercise Equipment in a Nutshell
Elliptical exercise equipment is also referred to as elliptical cross-training equipment. It’s primary features are pedals that move your feet and legs in an elliptical motion & on some models, handles that allow you to incorporate your upper body into your workout.
At the core of the machine, you’ll find the motor. There are three generations of machines, those with rear located motors (oldest), front located motors (2nd generation), and center located motors (newest). The location of the motor does not indicate quality, but rather is a design feature implemented to save space. The center located motor elliptical exercise equipment is of the same quality as rear and front motor units, but has a much smaller footprint.
The next thing that you’ll notice is the incorporation of moving handles on the elliptical. Some units have static handles, while others allow you to use your upper body during exercise, working both upper and lower body. One thing that you’ll want to look out for is whether the design of these handles is effective. Some models feel as though your arms aren’t exerting any force, which they aren’t due to their poor design, and should be avoided. It’s better to save money by getting a unit with stationary handles than paying extra for a unit with poorly designed handles.
Other features that are common are the ability to incline and vary the length of your stride. Both of these are advanced features that add a lot of depth to your workout. Computer programs are used to control both of these features and this expands the range of courses that you’re allowed to work out over. If you’re looking at a model with these features, know that you’ll actually get more of a workout with these units, and these are great things to have in your elliptical exercise equipment.
The display and variety of programs on the unit vary. Some don’t have any computerized system. These are basic unit, and while they function very well at giving you an excellent cardio workout, they are on the bottom end of the spectrum when it comes to features. The units that offer computerized control can help you vary resistance, incline, and other aspects of the elliptical’s settings that allow you to move through virtual terrains. This makes it as though you’re running through the real world, up and down hills & through various courses that are designed within the machine. What you need to look out for here are the number of programs that are included & what features that offer you to monitor, such as your heart rate, bmi, calories burned, distance, etc. The more, the better. If you’re thinking about spending the extra money to get one of these advanced units, you want to make sure that you get everything that you pay for.
Outside of those basic things, you should look at the integrity and history of the company, as well as what kind of warranty they’re willing to put on their machine. Your elliptical exercise equipment should be with you for years, and there’s no reason that should be short lived because the company makes an inferior product. If they won’t stand by their work, don’t buy it. If you’re looking for a high quality elliptical, you may want to check out the Schwinn 431 Elliptical.