Commercial elliptical machines: an introduction

A commercial elliptical cross trainer is the ideal option if you're looking for a great all-around exercise machine. With their back-and-forth movement, simulating cross-country skiing, commercial ellipticals are just right for cross training -- that is, working out more than one part of your body at once. Ellipticals are especially handy for toning your joints, hips, and back.

What the heck is an elliptical trainer, anyway?

While you may not know them by the name "elliptical" you've probably seen commercials for these compact fitness trainers. Think Nordic Track, and you've got the picture. Of course, not all elliptical trainers on the market are the same -- not all of them are simulated skiing machines, for example -- but they all exercise different portions of your body simultaneously.

Why should I buy one?

If you're planning to purchase fitness equipment, you can't go wrong with ellipticals. Fitness pros swear by them, and well they should -- you can expect these rugged elliptical trainers to exercise your arms, legs, back, shoulders, hips, and thighs all in the same workout. Cardiovascular training? It's there. Strength training? No problem. Weight loss? Way more than you'll get from the fat-burning pills hawked on late-night commercial TV.

What are my options?

Elliptical cross trainers come in a wide variety of styles and prices, from a few hundred dollars of Nordic Track that you can put away when you're done to bulky $4,000 fitness behemoths like the Octane Pro350XL that can't be shoved under the bed and ignored. What's the right elliptical cross trainer for you? Why, the elliptical cross trainer that does what you need it to and fits your budget, of course.